Gould Mesa Campground

Open — The campground is currently open. It reopened on April 4, 2025, following the Eaton Fire closure and is scheduled to remain open through December 31, 2025. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations.

About

Gould Mesa Trail Camp is a hike-in campground nestled at 1,500 feet elevation in the Angeles National Forest, just a few miles from La Cañada Flintridge. This primitive backcountry site offers a quick respite for hikers seeking solitude while remaining accessible to the Greater Los Angeles area. The campground features 5 sites, each equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, trash receptacles, and hitching rails spanning 52 linear feet for equestrian users. The trek to Gould Mesa is accessible via two routes on the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. Hikers starting from Altadena near the Jet Propulsion Laboratories will experience a 5.1-mile round trip journey through riparian groves along a tranquil stream surrounded by steep ridges, with 300 feet of elevation change. Alternatively, visitors can access the campground from Angeles Crest Highway by hiking approximately 1 mile past the power substation. No piped water is available at the campground, though seasonal stream water may be treated for use. However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall, so campers should bring adequate water for all needs including cooking, cleaning, drinking, and extinguishing campfires. All sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. The campground experiences heavy usage due to its proximity to urban areas.

Directions

Accessible by the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. From I-210 West in La Cañada, take Windsor Ave, turn right on Windsor to Ventura St and park. Take the Gabrielino Trail 2 miles to the campground. Alternatively, from I-210 exit at Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) and head north about 2 miles. Park on the right before entering the forest and hike the dirt road 1 mile past the power substation to the campground.

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