Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest at Big Pines Visitor Center

As of August 28, 2025, the fire danger level increased to EXTREME at the Angeles National Forest. This means absolutely no campfires, camp stoves, BBQ grills, or anything with an open flame or spark in the forest. Help us prevent wildfires.

Access the forest order here.

The Bridge Fire Area Closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-25-12) that was in effect from June 5, 2025 through May 22, 2026 has been terminated  starting June 20, 2025.

All trails are now open – please use caution and “hike at your own risk”, especially in burn areas.

Hwy 2 still remains closed at Big Pines.

Highway 2 is now open to La Canada!

As of March 13, 2025, Angeles National Forest Fire Danger is downgraded to “Very High”.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from March 14, 2025, through March 1, 2026.

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from March 14, 2025, through March 1, 2026.

1. 1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal fire outside of a developed recreation site. 36 C.F.R. §261.52(a).
   2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
   3. Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except in the authorized public shooting ranges listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).

For more information, please visit the ANF website.

The Bridge Fire closures are still in effect, meaning that the majority of the trails in the Big Pines area are closed.
For the latest information regarding this Forest Service closure, please click here.

Other local areas that offer hiking:
(All mileage from Big Pines Visitor Center)

Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center
A geological wonder where two faults collide encompassing 1,310 acres.
21 miles
28000 Devils Punchbowl Rd, Valeyermo, CA
7.5 mile out and back moderate trail to Devil’s Chair, 1,463 ft elevation gain. Other trails available.
Day Use.

Saddleback Butte State Park
30 miles
17102 E Ave J, Lancaster, CA
3.8 mile out and back moderate trail. 1,010 ft elevation gain.
4.8 mile out and back difficult trail. 1,010 ft elevation gain.
Day use.
Parking $60.

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
28 miles
14651 Cedar Cir, Hesperia, CA
13 miles of hiking trails
Convenience store, day use.
Parking: $10

Mormon Rocks
16 miles
7198 Highway 138, Phelan, CA
Sandstone formation along fault line
Rock climbing
1.0 mile easy loop trail; 137 ft elevation gain.
Parking: Adventure pass required.

Transition Habitat Conservancy
Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve
Sand Canyon Rd, Pinon Hills, CA
Numerous easy trails

The entire Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountain National Monument are temporarily closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight. This closure is tied to critical fire danger. During this time, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:

1. Going into or being upon the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System Road within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System Trail within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

For more information, please visit the ANF website.

The entire Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountain National Monument are temporarily closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through Friday, January 24, 2025, at 12:00 midnight. This closure is tied to critical fire danger. During this time, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:

1. Going into or being upon the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System Road within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System Trail within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

For more information, please visit the ANF website.

Good news: although the Bridge Fire tragically burned through our area, Task Force 3 from AZ and ANF Patrol 38 and 35 were able to protect/save our building.

Big Pines Visitor Center is now open (as of 10/18/2024)

Forest Closure – As of October 17, 2024, the ANF has issued a new Bridge Fire Area Closure Order covering National Forest System roads, trails and other facilities impacted by the Bridge Fire.  Many of these areas will be closed for public safety and to facilitate recovery of the natural resources and landscape affected by this wildfire.  For specifics, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles – Alerts & Warnings Bridge Fire Area Closure

Located in a historical stonework building, the visitor center is located at the intersection of Hwy 2 and N-4, four miles west of the town of Wrightwood.

Staffing the visitor center on Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VANF members are here to help with hiking, camping, and other suggestions; Adventure Passes are for sale.

Couched within this 1920’s facility, are a selection of great interpretive items – including a taxidermied mountain lion and bear.