Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest (626) 574-1613 |
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Recreational Activities
Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain
|
Distance |
Elevation |
Difficulty |
Topo Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 miles one way | 400 feet | Easy | Chilao Flat |
Directions:
Follow Angeles Crest Highway for 23 miles from its beginning at the 210 Freeway
in La Canada to Charlton Flat. Turn onto Charlton Flat picnic area road and go
right at the junction a short distance from the highway. Continue down through
Charlton Flat to the area near the Forest Service pump house and across from
Wolf Tree Nature Trail. A wooden sign on your left indicates the trail to Vetter
Mountain. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to be displayed on your
vehicle while it is parked in this area. Cross the gully and follow the trail
along a small ravine, crossing the road after 1/2 mile. Continue winding along
the ravine to the ridge top, then hike left up the ridge to the fire lookout.
![[Photograph]: Vetter Lookout's Grand Reopening!](../local-resources/images/vetter.jpg)
In May, 1998, historic Vetter Lookout was reopened. The "Grand Reopening" was
well attended, and included speeches, refreshments and a flag raising.
The highlight of the Grand Reopening celebration was when Ramona Merwin - who
was the last paid Lookout at Vetter (1955-1980), called the Angeles National
Forest Dispatcher to report that Vetter was "Back in service"! Ramona is shown
here with her daughter Joyce, granddaughter Julie, and great grandson "Jiggs".
The Lookout is now open most weekends during fire season (and occasionally
during the week). The helpful volunteer staff will give you a tour of the tower
and answer questions about life in a lookout tower.
Along the trail you will see excellent specimens of Ponderosa, Jeffrey and Sugar
Pines, along with Western Red Cedar, oaks, Manzanita and some Coulter Pine near
the top. In May and June, look for the exotic and strange snow plant, looking
like a large, bright red asparagus spear. They are rare, so please do not touch.
Leave them for others to see. Keep an eye out for Western Bluebirds, Stellar’s
Jay (bright blue with crested head) and Woodpeckers, which are just a few of the
many birds in the area.
USDA Forest Service - Angeles National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 19 November 2008 at 16:27:13 EST