The two questions we have been asked more than any other recently: “which trails are closed in the Angeles National Forest? and “which trails are open in the Angeles National Forest?”
According to the Forest Service map of the station fire closure area at http://maps.fs.fed.us/stationfire/ the list below shows the status, effective May 16 2011, of some of the more popular trails that were affected by the Station Fire. Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the newly opened areas of the forest, the individual trails may be signed closed. Please respect any trail closure signs and stay off those trails for your own safety and the recovery of the forest.
Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, slides, washouts, ruts, and other hazards. Many trails have been drastically changed from before the Station Fire. Many fire roads have not yet been graded and may be much narrower and in very poor condition with ruts and washouts. All the usual caveats about trail safety apply so use the trails safely and responsibly, and be especially careful the first time you travel on one of the newly opened trails.
Opened Trails (As of May 16, 2011 – Updated July 31, 2011) –
- Brown Mountain (to the saddle)
- El Prieto
- Gabrielino (JPL to Paul Little)
- Gabrielino (Switzers to Redbox to Chantry)
- Bear Canyon Trail
- Sam Merrill Trail
- Castle Canyon Trail
- Sunset Ridge Trail
- Mt. Lowe West Trail
- Idlehour Trail
- Kenyon Devore Trail
- Rim Trail
- Sturtevant Trail
- Santa Clara Divide Truck Trail (Dillon Divide to Mt. Gleason to Three Points – non-motorized only)
- Chilao Loop/Mt. Hillyer
- Silver Mocassin
- Shortcut
- Valley forge
- Mt. Lukens road (once the highway opens)
- Earl Canyon
- Haines Canyon
- Mt Lukens Fire Road (as of June 3 opening of Angeles Crest Highway)
- Graveyard Truck Trail
- Grizzly Flat Fire Road
- Doc Larsen
- Everything east of Chilao
Keep in mind that even though these trails are in the opened area, the individual trails may be signed closed (And those signs mustl be respected). Many of the trails will not be in good shape, so be prepared for surprises like downed trees, massive ruts or slides, washouts, and other hazards.
Closed Trails (Until Further Notice)
- Strawberry Peak
- Tom Sloan
- Dawn Mine
- Millard Falls
- Upper Brown Mountain (Saddle to the Summit/Ken Burton)
- Ken Burton
- Gabrielino from Switzers to Paul Little
- Hoyt
- Stone Canyon
- Crescenta View
- Rim of the Valley
- Condor Peak Trail
- Trail Canyon
- Alder Creek
- Colby Canyon
- Josephine
- Mueller Tunnel
- Vetter Mountain
In addition to the above a separate closure remains in effect for the Williamson Rock area (Closure Map is available).
