Ditch the beach crowds and discover L.A.'s mountain paradise

LOS ANGELES—The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is an expansive wilderness area on the outskirts of Los Angeles. It offers diverse outdoor activities and natural wonders for visitors seeking an escape from urban life.

President Joe Biden recently expanded the monument to an additional 110,000 acres, bringing more protected wilderness within the reach of nearly 757,000 people living in the surrounding areas. This expansion, announced in May, includes Molok Luyuk, the sacred land of the Indigenous Patwin people.

The San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Angeles National Forest, boast a rich biodiversity with over 500 native plant species and numerous endangered or threatened animals. 

Hiking remains one of the most popular activities in the monument. The Devil's Punchbowl Loop Trail, a one-mile path along the northern San Gabriel Mountains, offers an easy, family-friendly option. At the nearby Nature Center, hikers can observe unique rock formations and learn about local wildlife.

For more experienced hikers, the 11-mile Mount San Antonio and Mount Baldy Notch Trail presents a significant challenge. The trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Baldy (also known as Mount San Antonio), features steep inclines and loose gravel. Hikers are advised to be prepared for encounters with black bears, which are common in the area.

Another notable hiking experience is the five-mile trek to the Bridge to Nowhere. This historic bridge, constructed in 1936, was left isolated after a flood washed away the connecting road two years later. Today, it serves as a popular spot for bungee jumping.

The monument offers various overnight accommodation options. Huttopia Paradise Springs provides a glamping experience in the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains. The site, once a retreat for Hollywood celebrities, includes the historic Chaplin Cabin, purportedly built by Charlie Chaplin himself.

Traditional camping is available at several locations within the monument. Crystal Lake Campground, a popular choice, offers sites for $12 per night. The campground provides access to fishing at Crystal Lake and hiking trails to nearby peaks.

Manker Flat Campground, situated at 6,000 feet elevation, caters to RV campers with 21 first-come, first-served sites. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, and vault toilets are available.

For day visitors, Jackson Lake is ideal for picnicking and water activities. The lake, shaped by the San Andreas Fault and fed by mountain snow runoff, allows for paddle boarding, kayaking, pedal boating, swimming, and fishing. A convenience store on-site sells bait, fishing poles, and other essentials.

The expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument reflects a growing emphasis on preserving natural spaces and increasing access to outdoor recreation. By bringing protected wilderness closer to urban populations, the monument aims to provide more opportunities for residents to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities.

As visitation to the area increases, officials emphasize the importance of responsible use. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and being prepared with essentials such as water, appropriate footwear, and sun protection.

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, with its proximity to Los Angeles and diverse offerings, continues to serve as a crucial natural resource for Southern California residents and visitors alike. Whether you seek challenging hikes, serene camping experiences, or a day trip to escape the city, the monument provides many options for outdoor enthusiasts.