Idlehour Campground
Closed — Closed through December 31, 2025 due to the Eaton Fire closure. The Idlehour Trail and surrounding areas in Big Santa Anita Canyon are within the closed area for public safety and natural resource recovery.
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "High"
The fire danger level for the Angeles National Forest has been lowered from “Very High” to “High”. Despite the change, there are no new fire restrictions.What does this mean to you?
Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Recent storms have brought winter weather to the Angeles National Forest! From the foothills to elevations reaching over 10,000 feet, visitors can encounter a variety of conditions in the mountains.
Forest Order No. 05-01-25-13, Camping Equipment Prohibition
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from August 15, 2025, through August 1, 2027.
Bridge Fire Area Closure Terminated
The Bridge Fire Area Closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-25-12) that was in effect from June 5, 2025 through May 22, 2026 has been terminated starting June 20, 2025.
Mt. Baldy Communications Site Project
Renegade Towers, LLC, is proposing to build, operate, and maintain a communication uses facility and tower. The proposed facility would be constructed within the Mt.
Forest Order 05-01-25-09 Eaton Fire Area Closure
On Friday, April 4, several popular trails, forest roads, and a campground reopened after the Eaton Fire, as per a new forest order issued by the Angeles National Forest. To see the full forest order, visit www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.
Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
The information below provides updates to existing information on our webpage about Angeles National Forest offices and visitor centers. Check this alert regularly.
Angeles National Forest full closure to partial closure
The Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, partially reopened on Thursday, January 30.
Williamson Rock Area and Trail Closure
Hikers and equestrians along the Pacific Crest Trail may be affected by a temporary closure of the Williamson Rock area of the Angeles National Forest. This closure (Forest Order No.
Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2026
The following is prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument from Dec. 16, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2026:
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...North to northeast winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Ventura County Coast, Malibu Coast, Ventura County Valleys, western Los Angeles County Valleys, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains, and Eastern San Gabriel Mountains. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
About
Idlehour Trail Camp is a primitive backcountry campground nestled in Big Santa Anita Canyon along the historic Idlehour Trail. The camp consists of three dispersed hike-in campsites, each equipped with a picnic table but no other amenities. Located approximately 1.5 miles from the Chantry Flat trailhead, the camp sits between Mount Wilson Road and the saddle between Mount Lowe and Inspiration Point. This is a true wilderness camping experience with no developed facilities. There are no toilets, fire rings, trash receptacles, or piped water. Campers must bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and extinguishing campfires. All trash must be packed out. The minimalist nature of this camp appeals to experienced backpackers seeking solitude in the San Gabriel Mountains. The camp is situated in Eaton Canyon and historically has access to stream water, though this should be filtered or treated before use. The trail passes through beautiful canyon terrain within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
Directions
Access via hiking 1.5 miles from Chantry Flat Picnic Area along the Idlehour Trail into Big Santa Anita Canyon. Chantry Flat is located off Santa Anita Avenue in Sierra Madre.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.angeles_info@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (626) 574-1613 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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