National park · United States
Angeles National Forest
Go on a weekday before 8:00 and pay the US$5–10 Adventure Pass day fee (check); skip weekends and holiday Mondays, when trailheads at Manker Flats and Icehouse Canyon fill by 7:30.Go on a weekday before 8:00 AM and pay the US$5–10 Adventure Pass day fee (check); skip weekends and holiday Mondays, when trailheads at Manker Flats and Icehouse Canyon fill by 7:30 AM.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,830 km² (1,093 sq mi)1,093 sq mi (2,830 km²)
approximate
Established
1908
Best months
Apr–May, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2,830 km² (1,093 sq mi)1,093 sq mi (2,830 km²)
- Roughly 2,800 km² of the San Gabriel Mountains; the forest borders San Bernardino National Forest, and some areas are reached only through the other.
- Established
- 1908
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Los Angeles
Angeles National Forest is the mountain wall behind Los Angeles: about 2,800 km² of the San Gabriel Mountains, from chaparral foothills to the 3,068 m summit of Mount Baldy (San Antonio). It is a national forest, not a national park, so there is no single entrance gate and no per-person entry ticket — you pay for parking and for specific sites. The Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) runs across it; Mount Baldy Road climbs to the ski area and the best trailheads. Fire rules, snow and road closures shape every visit more than the calendar does.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1908.
Size and age
2,830 km² (1,093 sq mi)1,093 sq mi (2,830 km²) · national park since 1908
Roughly 2,800 km² of the San Gabriel Mountains; the forest borders San Bernardino National Forest, and some areas are reached only through the other.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Los Angeles.
Why go
- A real mountain day 45–60 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, with no park entrance queue.
- Mount Baldy, Icehouse Canyon and the Pacific Crest Trail all start from the same few roads.
- Winter snowplay and spring wildflowers within a half-day of the city.
- Free forest roads and viewpoints if you skip the fee sites.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanSnow and ice above 1,500 m; some roads gated
- FebSnow; carry chains
- MarSnow melting, trails muddy
- AprCool walking, wildflowers low down
- MayClear trails, long daylight
- JunHot below 1,200 m; start early
- JulHeat and fire restrictions
- AugHottest month; thunderstorm risk in the peaks
- SepHeat and fire closures possible
- OctDry, cool, clearest views
- NovCool and quiet; first snow late in the month
- DecSnowplay at Mount Baldy; check road status
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bearApr–Oct · Store food in a vehicle or bear box; never leave a pack unattended. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Mountain lionAll year · Rarely seen; hike in groups and keep children close at dawn and dusk. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Bighorn sheepOct–Mar · High ridges; watch from a distance. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| RattlesnakesApr–Sep · Common on lower, rocky trails in warm weather. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Los Angeles
I-210 to Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) at La Cañada Flintridge, then north into the forest.
45–60 min
Open the page →
From Pasadena
Hwy 2 from the north edge of the city; the first forest pullouts are about 20 min up.
30–40 min
From San Gabriel Valley
I-210 to Mountain Ave or Euclid Ave in Upland, then Mount Baldy Road through two tunnels to Manker Flats.
50–70 min
From Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT crosses the forest on the ridge; hikers reach it from Islip Saddle and Mount Baden-Powell trailheads.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Baldy and Manker Flats | The highest road-accessible area, ski lift, San Antonio Falls and the main summit trail. | Open; Adventure Pass parking at signed lots. |
| Icehouse Canyon | Creek-side trailhead to Icehouse Saddle and the Three T's, with the busiest parking in the forest. | Open; fee parking, fills before 7:30 at weekends.Open; fee parking, fills before 7:30 AM at weekends. |
| Angeles Crest Highway corridor | Hwy 2 viewpoints, picnic sites and short trails from La Cañada to Wrightwood. | Open when snow and fire closures allow; check status. |
| San Gabriel Wilderness and backcountry | Roadless ridges and camps such as Kelly's Camp on the Ontario Peak trail. | On foot; permit for overnight stays. |
Sketch map
- 1La Cañada Flintridge (Hwy 2 entrance) · Gate≈34.207, -118.201Map ↗
- 2Henninger Flats · Viewpoint≈34.193, -118.087Map ↗
- 3Manker Flats trailhead · Trail≈34.266, -117.628Map ↗
- 4Mount Baldy summit · Summit≈34.289, -117.646Map ↗
- 5Icehouse Canyon trailhead · Trail≈34.249, -117.633Map ↗
- 6Baldy Village · Village≈34.236, -117.658Map ↗
- 7Wrightwood (east end) · Town≈34.361, -117.633Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the Angeles Crest Highway and Mount Baldy Road, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Pass (day) | US$5–10 | vehicle | Required at many trailheads and picnic sites; buy at a ranger station or an approved vendor. |
| Adventure Pass (annual) | US$30–40 | vehicle | Worth it for two or more visits. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | Covers federal sites nationwide; does not replace the Adventure Pass at forest fee sites. |
| Mount Baldy ski lift, one way | US$15–20 | person | Saves the climb back from Baldy Notch. |
| Camping, developed site | US$10–25 | night | Varies by site and season. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Adventure Pass permit or guide
Overnight backcountry permit or guide
Campfire permit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$5–10
- US$30–40
- US$80
- US$15–20
- US$10–25
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on US Forest Service — Adventure Pass before you go.
Park rules
- Adventure Pass
- Required at many trailheads, picnic areas and forest roads; display it on the dashboard.
- Fire restrictions
- Open flames and smoking are banned outside developed sites for much of the year; stoves need a permit. Check the current order before you go.
- Drones
- Not allowed to launch or land in the forest without permission.
- Water
- Stream water is not treated; carry your own or filter it.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed animals; keep food in a vehicle or bear box, not in a tent.
Where to stay
In the park
Mount Baldy Lodge cabins
Six cabins in Baldy Village, the closest beds to the summit trailheads.
In the park
Snow Crest Lodge
A little further up Mount Baldy Road; simple rooms.
In the park
Manker Flats and forest campgrounds
Developed sites with a nightly fee; some close in winter.
Near the park
San Gabriel Valley towns
Hotels in Pasadena, Glendora and Upland, 30–60 min from the trailheads.
Safety
Heat on exposed climbs high
Snow and ice on the Devil's Backbone high
Getting lost off-trail medium
Road closures medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Angeles Crest Highway viewpoints and some picnic sites are reachable by car with no walking.
- Mount Baldy ski lift gives high views without a climb when it is running.
- Most summit trails are steep, rocky and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all rubbish; bins are rare above the foothills.
- Use a stove instead of a fire when restrictions allow, and never leave a fire unattended.
- Park only in marked pullouts — roadside parking damages the slopes and blocks emergency access.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Angeles National Forest?
There is no per-person entrance fee. You pay an Adventure Pass of about US$5–10 a day per vehicle at many trailheads and picnic sites, or about US$30–40 for an annual pass. Some sites and the ski lift charge separately.
What are the best hikes in Angeles National Forest?
Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle is the best moderate day; Mount Baldy via Manker Flats is the classic hard summit at about 18 km and 1,300 m of gain. Cucamonga Peak and the Three T's continue from the same saddle, and San Antonio Falls is a 45-minute walk.
When is the best time to visit Angeles National Forest?
April, May, October and November: cool enough to climb, dry trails and clear views. July to September is hot and under fire restrictions; December to March brings snow above about 1,500 m and road closures.
Do I need a permit?
You need an Adventure Pass to park at signed fee sites, and a free campfire permit for a stove or fire outside developed sites. Overnight backcountry stays need a forest permit in some areas — ask at a ranger station.
Can I drive through the forest without hiking?
Yes. The Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) crosses the forest from La Cañada Flintridge towards Wrightwood with viewpoints and picnic pullouts. Fill the tank first; there are no fuel stops on the route.
Is Angeles National Forest the same as a national park?
No. It is a national forest managed for multiple uses, so there is no entrance station, no per-person ticket and fewer services. The America the Beautiful annual pass covers federal sites but does not replace the Adventure Pass at forest fee sites.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go