Gabrielino Trail

Overview

The Gabrielino Trail is one of California's original National Recreation Trails, designated in 1970, traversing 28 miles through the rugged heart of Angeles National Forest just north of Los Angeles. This point-to-point route links the urban edge of Altadena with the high country of the San Gabriel Mountains via three major watersheds: Arroyo Seco, West Fork San Gabriel River, and Big Santa Anita Canyon. The trail offers a rare wilderness experience within an hour's drive of LA, featuring streamside camping under mature sycamores and alders, historic trail camps, and waterfalls including the impressive Switzer Falls.

This is best suited for intermediate to advanced backpackers comfortable with navigation challenges, overgrown trail conditions, and variable water crossings. The trail's 4,954 feet of cumulative elevation gain is spread across the entire distance, making for a moderate gradient, but the real challenges come from poison oak, poodle dog bush (a severe skin irritant that grows in fire-affected areas), frequent stream crossings, and sections where the trail becomes faint or washed out. Recent fire damage has made route-finding more difficult in several areas.

The classic itinerary is a 2-3 day west-to-east traverse from Altadena to Chantry Flat, though current closures make this impossible. The most reliable backpacking option now is the western section from Altadena to Red Box (approximately 12-14 miles), staying at Gould Mesa or Paul Little camps.

Permits & Regulations

No wilderness permit is required for backpacking the Gabrielino Trail itself, which is unusual for Southern California. However, you must obtain a free California Campfire Permit, required for all portable stoves and camp stoves outside developed campgrounds. These can be obtained online at any Forest Service or CAL FIRE office—print it before you go.

An Adventure Pass ($5 day/$30 annual) or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for trailhead parking at Chantry Flat and some other access points, but NOT at the western terminus in Altadena. Purchase online through the Forest Service or at REI, Big 5, and other outdoor retailers.

Bear canisters are strongly recommended but not legally required. Black bears are active throughout the forest, and trail camps have experienced repeated food raids. Group size limits follow standard Forest Service guidelines of 25 people maximum, though camps are sized for much smaller groups.

Check current fire restrictions before your trip, especially May through November. Stage 1 restrictions typically ban campfires but allow stoves; Stage 2 bans all flames including stoves.

Critical: Check closure status before departure. The eastern section from Chantry Flat to Newcomb's Pass is closed through December 2025 following the Eaton Fire. The Angeles National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles) maintains current closure orders.

Best Season

The optimal window is October through May, with distinct tradeoffs for spring versus fall.

Fall (September-November) is ideal for trail conditions. Summer heat drives vegetation growth, and by fall the trail has typically been maintained and trampled clear by mountain bikers and hikers. Temperatures are pleasant (60-75°F in the canyons), stream crossings are manageable, and fall color appears along the riparian corridors—sycamores, big-leaf maples, and alders turn yellow and orange in late October through early November. Water is reliable at established camps but some seasonal sources may be dry.

Spring (March-May) offers peak water flow, stunning wildflower displays, and waterfalls at full force, but the trail becomes severely overgrown with new growth. Poison oak leafs out aggressively, poodle dog bush blooms along burned sections, and you'll be bushwhacking through chest-high vegetation in places. Long pants and sleeves are mandatory. Navigation becomes more difficult when the tread disappears under vegetation. If you hike in spring, go early (March-April) before growth peaks.

Winter (December-February) can be excellent after storms pass, with full streams and green hillsides, but expect cold nights (20-30°F at higher elevations), possible snow above 5,000 feet near Red Box, and swollen creek crossings that may be dangerous or impossible after heavy rain. The San Gabriel Mountains receive most precipitation December through March.

Summer (June-August) is generally avoided due to extreme heat in the lower canyons (95-105°F), significantly reduced water availability, high fire danger, and afternoon thunderstorms that can cause flash flooding in narrow canyon sections. Late summer monsoon storms (July-September) bring lightning hazards to exposed ridges.

Snow is rare below 4,000 feet and typically melts within days when it does fall. The highest point on the trail, Red Box Gap, occasionally receives snow December through February but remains accessible.

Water & Resupply

Water strategy requires careful planning. Reliability is seasonal—what flows year-round in wet years may be dry by August in drought years. Always carry capacity for 4-6 liters in case sources are unexpectedly dry.

Year-Round Reliable Sources (in normal precipitation years): - Chantry Flat trailhead (potable, eastern terminus) - Big Santa Anita Creek near Sturtevant Falls - West Fork San Gabriel River near West Fork Camp - Arroyo Seco (lower sections near Paul Little and Gould Mesa camps)

Seasonal Sources (April-June, sometimes into July): - Devore Trail Camp creek (often dry by late summer) - Multiple unnamed seasonal tributaries between Red Box and Valley Forge - Springs along the Arroyo Seco section

Potable water is available only at Chantry Flat trailhead and Red Box Saddle (check if Red Box is operational). All other sources require filtration or treatment. The water quality is generally good but cattle have historically grazed in some drainages, and the 2020 Bobcat Fire left extensive ash deposits that can affect taste and clarity—use a filter, not just chemical treatment.

Resupply: This is a point-to-point trail with no mid-route resupply. The nearest towns for pre-hike provisioning are Pasadena, Arcadia, and Sierra Madre, all located at the southern edge of the forest with full grocery stores, outdoor retailers, and services. These cities are 5-15 minutes from trailheads by car. There are no mail drop facilities along the trail, and no reliable cell service except occasionally at Red Box.

For the western approach via Altadena, there's a small market within a mile of the trailhead. For the eastern approach, Arcadia and Monrovia have full services near the base of Angeles Crest Highway leading to Chantry Flat (currently closed).

Hazards & Challenges

Poodle Dog Bush is the most serious botanical hazard. This native shrub (Turricula parryi) grows prolifically in burned areas and causes severe contact dermatitis worse than poison oak—blistering, burning rash that can last weeks. It has purple flowers, fuzzy leaves, and a distinctive musky odor. Never touch it. Sections between Newcomb's Pass and West Fork Camp are heavily infested following the Bobcat Fire. Long pants, long sleeves, and careful navigation through overgrown sections are essential.

Poison oak is ubiquitous along the entire trail, especially in spring and summer when it leafs out. Learn to identify it ("leaves of three, let it be"). Wearing gaiters helps prevent leg contact, and some hikers pre-treat skin with barrier products.

Stream Crossings are frequent—you'll cross water 20+ times between certain sections. In spring or after storms, crossings can be thigh-deep, fast-moving, and dangerous. Most are rock-hops or ankle-deep in normal conditions, but West Fork San Gabriel River and Big Santa Anita Creek can become serious hazards at high water. Never attempt crossings in flood conditions. Bring sandals or water shoes; keeping boots dry is impossible.

Rattlesnakes are common April through October in lower canyon sections. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially around rocky areas and logs. They're generally not aggressive but encounters are frequent enough to warrant caution.

Black bears are present but rarely aggressive. Hang food if your camp lacks bear boxes, or use a bear canister. Several camps have reported chronic bear problems with campsite raids.

Navigation difficulties occur in several areas: - The Arroyo Seco riverbed section between Oakwilde and Paul Little, where the trail disappears into streambed and you must follow cairns and bike tracks - Overgrown sections near Valley Forge where vegetation obscures the tread - Fire-damaged areas where trail markers burned

Download a GPX track and carry a GPS device or phone with offline maps. The route is not always obvious, especially where it follows stream braids or crosses open areas.

Overgrown sections between Newcomb's Pass and West Fork Camp are virtually impassable in spring/early summer. Expect to bushwhack, and plan extra time. Some hikers opt for the fire road alternative (Kenyon DeVore Road) to bypass the worst sections, though this adds distance and elevation.

Fire damage from the 2020 Bobcat Fire destroyed trail infrastructure, burned signage, and caused extensive tree fall. Sections were only reopened in 2018 after a four-year closure following the 2009 Station Fire, then burned again in 2020 and 2025. Expect downed trees, washed-out tread, and missing bridges.

Getting There

Western Trailhead (Altadena): From I-210 in Los Angeles, take the Altadena Drive exit north. Turn left on Loma Alta Drive, then right on Windsor Avenue. Continue north to the end of Windsor at the trailhead parking lot (2755 N Windsor Ave). This large lot holds 40-50 vehicles and does NOT require an Adventure Pass. Street parking is available on nearby residential streets—be respectful of neighbors. No facilities.

Eastern Trailhead (Chantry Flat - CURRENTLY CLOSED): From I-210, take Santa Anita Avenue north through Arcadia. It becomes Santa Anita Canyon Road and winds 6 miles uphill to Chantry Flat. The road is paved, narrow, and winding with no guardrails—drive carefully. Chantry Flat has a large parking lot (Adventure Pass required), restrooms, and potable water. As of 2025, the access road is closed by Los Angeles County due to Eaton Fire damage. Projected reopening is 3-4 months from February 2025 at earliest, possibly extending through December 2025.

Red Box Saddle (mid-trail access): From I-210, take Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) north for approximately 14 miles to Red Box Gap. Small parking area with pit toilet. Adventure Pass required. This is currently the most reliable access point for the eastern sections that remain open.

Nearest Airport: Los Angeles International (LAX) is 35-45 miles from trailheads; Burbank (BUR) is closer at 15-20 miles and often more convenient.

Shuttle Services: No commercial shuttle services operate regularly for Gabrielino Trail. Hikers typically arrange car shuttles (leave one vehicle at each end) or use rideshare services (Uber/Lyft). An Uber from Windsor Avenue in Altadena to Chantry Flat costs $40-60 depending on time of day—confirm the driver is willing to make the winding mountain drive. Some hikers have used friends as shuttle drivers or arranged pickups through trail angel groups, though this is informal.

Road Conditions: All access roads are paved and suitable for any vehicle. Angeles Crest Highway occasionally closes in winter for snow/ice above 5,000 feet, but this rarely affects Red Box access for more than a day or two.

Tips

Navigation: Bring a downloaded GPX track and use a GPS device or smartphone with offline maps. The HikingGuy.com Gabrielino Trail guide offers a free GPX file. In overgrown or washed-out sections, look for mountain bike tire tracks and footprints—this trail is popular with bikers who often clear the worst obstacles. In the Arroyo Seco riverbed sections, follow cairns and cross-check your GPS position.

Camp Selection: If conditions allow access to multiple camps, Valley Forge and Devore camps are quieter than Gould Mesa. West Fork Campground is car-accessible and often crowded on weekends—not recommended for a backcountry experience. Spruce Grove offers the most established infrastructure with seven sites and vault toilets. If camps are full (weekends April-October), dispersed camping is allowed anywhere more than 100 feet from water and trail, but flat spots are scarce in the steep canyon terrain.

Timing Strategy: Start early. If hiking west-to-east from Altadena, the first 6 miles to Gould Mesa Camp make a reasonable first day (allowing for the slow pace through the Arroyo Seco boulder maze). If hiking east-to-west from Chantry Flat (when open), descend quickly to get through the most overgrown sections while fresh, and plan to reach West Fork or Valley Forge by mid-afternoon.

Clothing: Long pants and long sleeves are mandatory for protection from poison oak and poodle dog bush, even in summer heat. Gaiters help keep plant oils off your legs. Bring a second set of dry clothes for camp—you'll get wet in multiple stream crossings and from brushing against streamside vegetation.

Post-hike Decontamination: After hiking, wash all clothing and gear that contacted poison oak or poodle dog bush separately with Tecnu or other oil-removing soap. The urushiol oil from poison oak remains active for months on unwashed fabric and can cause rashes long after your hike.

Wildlife Encounters: If you encounter a bear, make yourself large and loud—don't run. Bears here are habituated to human presence and primarily interested in food, not confrontation. Keep a clean camp.

Fire Road Alternative: Between Newcomb's Pass and West Fork, consider taking Kenyon DeVore Road (a fire road) instead of the trail if conditions are severely overgrown. It's longer and gains more elevation, but it's clearly defined and passable year-round.

Hidden Highlights: Don't miss Switzer Falls (via a short spur trail near the midpoint) and Sturtevant Falls in Big Santa Anita Canyon—both are stunning, especially in spring. The historic Sturtevant Camp, a private resort, has operated since 1893 and offers a glimpse of early Angeles Forest recreation, though it's private property.