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.
Mt. Baldy Trails Closure Extended to March 20
A temporary closure has been extended for National Forest System trails within the Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio) area of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety. This closure is in effect from February 27 through March 20, 2026.The…
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "Moderate"
Effective January 23, 2025, the Angeles National Forest fire danger level and associated restrictions are moving to MODERATE. Visitors to the forest, including recreational cabin owners and concessionaires, are advised of the following updates: All stoves and campfires require a valid California…
Eaton Fire Area Closure
In effort to protect the public and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Eaton Fire, this closure extends the Eaton Fire Area Closure through December 31, 2027.The following roads and trails remain closed:RoadsMount Wilson Toll Road (below Mt Wilson Trail) Mount Wilson…
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. For your safety and the safety of first responders, be sure to “Know Before You Go” this…
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.Possessing personal…
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. Hours and pass availability may change with limited or no notice.When one office is closed, please contact another forest…
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. 05-01-24-04), in effect through December 31, 2026, is for the protection of natural resources, specifically the…
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: 1. Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground for > 7 consecutive days in a calendar year. 2. Camping outside of a Forest Service…
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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