Vetter Vistas

Hike to the Vetter Lookout in the San Gabriels

Hike to Vetter Lookout in Los Angeles County

Epic lookout ahead! And a brand-new lookout tower, too. This 3-mile (round-trip) hike takes you to the 5,908-foot summit of Vetter Mountain and its recently finished lookout, where you get some of the best views the San Gabriels have to offer, including huge vistas over Big Tujunga Canyon.

undefined

Start at the Charlton Flats picnic area (follow signs for the Vetter Mountain trailhead and drive to the end of the paved road or park in spaces along the way). There are two trailheads here next to some picnic tables and a restroom - the fire road is the Silver Moccasin trail, and the singletrack just before it is the Vetter Mountain trailhead.

Take a deep breath under the pines and start hiking, gradually ascending towards your summit destination. Stay on the narrow trail, as poodle-dog bush grew out of the 2009 fire and still exists in these parts. You’ll cross two fire roads (one is Silver Moccasin) before reaching the final ascent, marked by manzanita bush lining the trail.

The views have now arrived. And they only get better! You’ll soon reach the fire road that takes you to the 5,908-foot summit—and a phenomenal lookout over Big Tujunga Canyon. The original lookout was built in 1937, but sadly got burned in the 2009 Station Fire.

Vetter Mountain Lookout Hike

The new lookout is completed, and worth seeing even though it isn’t opened yet for the public to go inside. For now, thank the volunteers of the Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association who survey during fire season, and enjoy the surrounding panoramic beauty: Prominent Strawberry Peak is to the west, Mount Waterman and Twin Peaks are north, the peaks of Wilson and San Gabriel are southwest, while Baldy is far east. You could spend hours up here scanning the forest, especially if you brought binoculars. Vetter visit!

To get to the Vetter Mountain trailhead, take the CA-2 Angeles Crest Highway 23 miles from the La Cañada entrance. At the Charlton Flats picnic area, turn left and follow the road to the end (ignore the fire road that is an alternate route to Vetter). Adventure Pass required. Bring a face-covering to use in case you can’t get physical distance on sections of the trail, as well as plenty of your own water. Dog-friendly!

Lookout photos courtesy of The Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View