Less than an hour from downtown L.A., Angeles National Forest is truly a “backyard forest.” Within the San Gabriel Mountains, the forest includes nearly 700 miles of trails traversing mountains, canyons, forests and more. Much of the forest’s landscape is chaparral, shaped by a Mediterranean climate of mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers filled with hardy, drought tolerant species. Five wilderness areas offer visitors the chance to escape the congestion of the greater Los Angeles area and find solitude amongst the mountains and valleys. Mountain lions, black bears, rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, ring-tailed cats and more all call the Angeles National Forest home.

For an adventure, experienced hikers can ascend Mount Baldy—the highest point in the San Gabriels, rising 10,064 feet—along sparse terrain with gnarled trees up to a rocky ridge. With a 3,000 foot elevation gain, the 10-mile round-trip hike promises fantastic views that are well worth the climb. If you’d rather descend than ascend, explore Devil’s Canyon in the San Gabriel Wilderness. Through the willow and alder trees you’ll be rewarded with a 20-foot waterfall cascading over a granite cliff. During the summer, Switzer Picnic Area is perfect for a family picnic by a shady, tree-lined creek. In the winter, book a cabin and head up to Wrightwood for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding or sledding—6,000 feet up the San Gabriels.

For more great hikes on the Angeles National Forest and Southern California, browse through the Modern Hiker blog.

Anglers have a range of options in the Angeles. The East Fork of the San Gabriel River attracts the most lines, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, try the North or West Fork. Be warned though, the trout are quick—a 12-inch trout can swim in spurts as fast as 12 feet per second. Also check out Pyramid Lake, Littlerock Reservoir, Elizabeth Lake and Jackson Lake for a few other places to drop your line.

Often considered one of the most scenic drives in Southern California, the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway (Route 2) winds through the mountains and climbs more than 6,000 feet in elevation at its highest point. At scenic turnouts on a clear day, you’ll see expansive views of the Mojave Desert, the San Gabriels, the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and the Channel Islands offshore.  Be aware, however, that the Byway is not an expressway, but a mountain road that is shared by all. Use caution so that everyone may continue to enjoy the Byway and the Angeles National Forest.

The San Gabriel Mountains are no strangers to yearly wildfires, but the flames of the arson-sparked Station Fire burned particularly hot in late August 2009. Consuming nearly 161,000 acres, the Station Fire was the biggest forest fire in Los Angeles County’s history. Today, wildflowers and the green shoots of chaparral plants are bringing color to the once-charred landscape.

While portions of the forest are still closed to visitors to allow the land to recover, campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, swimming holes, waterfalls still draw thousands of visitors each weekend and offer respite to Los Angeles’ residents. Greater steps are still needed to restore the ecosystems and recreational opportunities in the Angeles to their pre-fire condition.

The selection of the Angeles as a Treasured Landscapes, Unforgettable Experiences campaign site underscores the National Forest Foundation’s commitment to both the land and the communities that surround it. Already, the NFF and our corporate and agency partners have developed a comprehensive Station Fire Restoration Strategy and are engaging communities in restoration and stewardship projects across the forest.

With the support of our partners and the greater Los Angeles community, the Angeles National Forest will once again be a healthy, fun and treasured landscape serving all of Southern California.

Click here to help restore the Angeles National Forest.