The Angeles Crest Highway, or Highway 2, runs 55 miles from La Canada Flintridge near Pasadena to Big Pines, on the edge of the high desert. Many of L.A.'s greatest hikes begin here. The Station Fire of 2009 closed the road and damaged many trails in the area, but slowly, the San Gabriels have been recovering. The recent opening of the lowest section of the Angeles Crest Highway, connecting I-210 the Angeles Forest Highway at Clear Creek has finally made the area fully accessible to L.A. hikers. The higher, eastern end of the highway, which tends to get shut down during the winter months, is open as well, meaning that for the next few months, hikers have a unique window of opportunity to get out on these trails.
Here are ten trips to take along the Angeles Crest Highway, from west to east. In some cases, access is still somewhat limited and the trail conditions may be rough in the wake of the fire, so check with the appropriate agencies before making your trip.
Switzer Falls - Ten miles in on the highway, the hike to Switzer Falls not only passes along a pleasant creek, but also has some dramatic mountain and canyon views. While it can get crowded on the weekends, it's not a bad alternative to battling the masses at Chantry Flats.
San Gabriel Peak - Recognizable from the L.A. basin as a pointy summit next to Mt. Wilson, San Gabriel Peak can be reached with a 14 mile drive from La Canada. The short but challenging hike takes in great views of the L.A. area and the higher Angeles Forest summits.
Devil's Canyon - Located 25 miles from the 210 freeway, this reverse hike visits some pristine wilderness and takes in some wide ranging canyon views. Daring hikers can venture past the trail camp and all the way down to the waterfalls.
Sierra Alta Trail - Short but sweet, this trail takes in some nice views of the San Gabriels high country. Located 38 miles from the freeway, it makes a nice stop on the way to Mt. Williamson or Mt. Baden-Powell.
Mt. Williamson - The hike to this north-facing peak, 39 miles in on the highway, features some of the best scenery in the Angeles National Forest. The steep climbs up the ridges of the mountain make for some great--and perhaps a little unnerving--views on both sides.
Mt. Baden-Powell - Arguably the second-best known summit in the Angeles National Forest after Mt. Baldy, Baden-Powel is a rite of passage for L.A. hikers. The Pacific Crest Trail switchbacks along the north slope of the mountain, alternately taking in views of the high desert, Mt. Baldy, and the deep East Fork gorge on the San Gabriel River. The trailhead, Vincent Gap, is a 53 mile drive from La Canada or a 9 mile drive from Big Pines.
Big Horn Mine - Sharing a trail head with Mt. Baden-Powell, this hike visits the abandoned Big Horn Mine. Look for great views of Mt. Baldy and the East Fork far below.
Lightning Ridge Nature Trail - A short but very enjoyable trail with a lot of scenic variety, including the high desert and up-close views of Mt. Baden-Powell and Mt. Baldy.
Big Pines Nature Trail - A great introduction to the back country of the Angeles National Forest, with a good variety of plant life.
Blue Ridge - No, it's not in Kentucky, it's right here in California. This challenging hike features views of the western San Bernardino Mountains, Mt. Baldy, Mt. Baden-Powell and more.
It's great to have Highway 2 back after the long recovery. The Station Fire showed the fragility of the land, and served as a reminder that the beauty of the Angeles National Forest cannot be taken for granted.
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