California has no shortage of gorgeous sites and scenic stops, including many high-profile beaches, specifically the Angeles National Forest. Located between the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains, this massive national forest spans over 700,00 acres. Due to its incredible size, the forest has numerous trails that span 557 miles (or approximately 896 km).
Thus, hiking at the Angeles National Forest is a must-do, especially for nature enthusiasts and avid hikers. Therefore, from the novice to the expert hiker, these hiking trails are some of the best in the Angeles National Forest!
10 San Antonio Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
- Total Hiking Time: About an hour
- Difficulty: Easy
Only have a couple of hours to spare, but want to spend that free time nestled among nature? Then embark on the San Antonio Falls, which takes about an hour to complete!
Great for kids and dogs, this partially paved trail makes for a simple hike toward the San Antonio Falls.
Wear sunscreen or a hat during warmer days, as the course can be exposed to the sun in several areas.
9 Big Dalton Canyon Trail
- Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
- Total Hiking Time: Over an hour
- Difficulty: Easy
For a kid-, dog-, and family-friendly hike, tackle the Big Dalton Canyon Trail. This moderately easy trail runs along a lovely stream and is simple to follow.
Situated near Glendora, this easy trail is perfect for a brisk hike, providing plenty of shade from the thicket of trees and bushes.
8 Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall
- Distance: 7.4 miles (12 km)
- Total Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Located in La Canada Flintridge, the Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall is a popular hiking trail due to its simplicity.
Those tackling the trail during summer will appreciate the shade from the forest overgrowth.
Simultaneously, this easy trail is popular among other hikers and mountain bikers.
Plus, hikers can catch their breath during the hike due to the prominence of picnic benches nearby the trail.
7 Lewis Falls Trail
- Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
- Total Hiking Time: About an hour
- Difficulty: Moderate/Easy
Just because it’s about 1 mile doesn’t make it any less challenging. Though the trail is easier for seasoned hikers, the Lewis Falls Trails has occasional rugged and narrow paths.
Still, those who manage to conquer the trail can witness the grace of Lewis Falls. Tackle this mildly challenging trail with the kids and some high-energy doggos!
6 Trail Canyon Falls
- Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
- Total Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
This dog-friendly trail will transport hikers to the refreshing waters of the Trail Canyon Falls.
This hike is relatively easier than others on the list but is not without occasional inclines, bumpy roads, and sun-exposed trails.
Also, prospective hikers should be aware that during the warmer months, the waterfall may be dried up or “smaller” compared to other days of the year.
5 Dawn Mine And Sunset Trail Loop
- Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- Total Hiking Time: About 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Those who love to do some exploring may want to attempt this trail.
Taking around 3 hours to complete, this trail will take hikers to remnants of the Dawn Mine, an abandoned mine that was used decades ago.
Starting from the Millard Campground, the hike is a little rocky with several inclines but still offers a picturesque landscape of the San Gabriel Valley.
4 Sam Merrill Trail
- Distance: 5.6 miles (9 km)
- Total Hiking Time: About 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Reach Echo Mountain through the Sam Merill Trail. Hikers can make their way to the trail, which starts in Altadena.
This 5.6-mile hike takes several hours to complete, with many areas completely exposed to sun and steep heights.
Moreover, this hike is also popular among other hikers and joggers.
Hikers who attempted this trail recommend wearing appropriate clothing and water to keep cool from the heat.
3 Strawberry Peak Trail Via Redbox Canyon
- Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km)
- Total Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
This hike will take travelers to the top of Strawberry Peak, the highest point on San Gabriel’s Front Range.
Considered a relatively challenging trail, this hike is still popular among locals and explorers alike.
Despite the strenuous hike (full of winding trails), this is arguably one of the best in the Angeles National Forest, with panoramic views of Los Angeles.
2 Mount Baden Powell Trail
- Distance: 8 miles (12.6 km)
- Total Hiking Time: About 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Intersecting at the Pacific Crest and Silver Moccasin Trails, the Mount Baden Powell Trail is a popular, yet difficult hike to Mt. Baden-Powell.
However, persistence (and experience) pays off when travelers conquer the 8-mile trail to see the most dramatic mountains in the region.
This hike is also popular among campers and dog owners.
1 Mount San Antonio And Mount Baldy Notch Trail
- Distance: 11 miles (17.7 km)
- Total Hiking Time: Over 7 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Spanning for 11 miles, this hike will bring experienced hikers to Mt. Baldy, which sits at over 10,000 feet.
This strenuous trail will reward persistent hikers with breathtaking views of the arid Mojave and the Pacific.
However, seasoned hikers recommend starting the hike bright and early due to its popularity.