Angeles National Forest
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Angeles National Forest (ANF) was established by executive order on December 20, 1892 as the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve. It covers over 2,600 km² (650,000 acres) and is located in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles County, just north of the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, California. The Angeles National Forest manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to Southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.
The land within the Forest is diverse, both in appearance and terrain. Elevations range from 365-3,067 m (1,200-10,064 ft). Much of the Forest is covered with dense chaparral which changes to pine and fir-covered slopes as you reach the majestic peaks of the higher elevations. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Forest.
Species for which the Forest is important include Bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa), Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri) and California Walnut (Juglans californica).
The ANF contains three designated wilderness areas: Cucamonga Wilderness, San Gabriel Wilderness, and Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking at many locations in the Angeles National Forest and other National Forests in Southern California, and may be obtained from visitor centers and local merchants. Los Angeles County has declared that they are not required on county-maintained roads. There are also many areas that do not require the pass.
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[edit] Ranger Districts
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers District
Station loc: Saugus, CA
Los Angeles River District
Station loc: Flintridge, CA
San Gabriel River District
Station loc: Glendora, CA
Forest Hdqrts.
loc: Arcadia, CA
[edit] Statistics and general information
[edit] General
- Acres of land: 655,387 (2652 km²)
- Wilderness areas acres: 80,284 (324.9 km²)
- Miles of roads: 1,032 (1661 km)
- Visitor centers: 4
- Information centers: 4
- Fire lookout towers: 2
- Recreational residences: 505
- Picnic areas: 36
- Campgrounds: 66
- Ski areas: 2
- Entrance stations: 2
[edit] Trails
- Trailheads: 53
- Trail miles: 697 (1122 km)
- Off highway vehicle areas: 3
- Off highway vehicle route miles: 261 (420 km)
[edit] Natural features
- Wilderness areas: 3
- Lakes and reservoirs: 10
- Rivers and stream miles: 240
[edit] Sensitive species
- Sensitive plant: 22
- Sensitive wildlife: 23
- Threatened & endangered species: 16
[edit] Mountain peaks
Peaks within the Forest include:
- Mount San Antonio 3,067 m (10,064 ft) also known as Mt. Baldy
- Pine Mountain 2,940 m (9,648 ft)
- Dawson Peak 2,918 m (9,575 ft)
- South Mount Hawkins 2,372 m (7,783') Lookout destroyed in Curve Fire 2002
- Vetter Mountain 1,800 m (5,908 ft) Site of historic Vetter Mountain Fire lookout tower
- Mount Wilson 1,740 m (5,710 ft) also housing the Mount Wilson Observatory
[edit] Water sports
- Pyramid Lake is located next to Interstate 5 (take Smokey Bear exit), 20 miles (32.2 km) north of Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Valencia, CA.
- Castaic Lake is located 7 miles (11.3 km) north of Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Valencia, CA just off Interstate 5 (take Lake Hughes exit.) The lake is managed by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation
- Elizabeth Lake is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of Palmdale, CA on Elizabeth Lake Rd.
[edit] Volunteer organizations
[edit] External links
[edit] Gallery
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