California Map

Request Free Visitor Guides

Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain Trail

Contact Info
701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006

Phone:
626-574-5200
Basics
Length:
1.5 miles one-way
Difficulty:
Easy
Time:
1/2 to 1 hr
Trailhead Elevation:
400 feet

Description

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.

Details

Length:
1.5 miles one-way
Difficulty:
Easy
Time:
1/2 to 1 hr
Trailhead Elevation:
400
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Chilao Flat

Map + Directions

Basic 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.


Copyright © 1997 - 2024 The Go Travel Sites. All Rights Reserved and.

Email Page Link

Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. You can send yourself an email as well. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. See our full Privacy Policy for details.
:
:
:
 
 
 
:
Copy Yourself on the Email Yes No
:
:

1

Select a Free Visitor Guides below

2

Complete the form to receive your guides by mail

Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Los Angeles. More Visitor Guides are available in California. Click here to view them all!

Catalina Island Catalina Island Catalina Island
Southern CaliforniaDiscover the magical island of Catalina, just off the coast of Southern California. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a place to bring the entire family, or just need a few days to unwind, Catalina Island is the perfect destination.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.

Specialty Guides

Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters Maverick Helicopters
Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and CaliforniaUnforgettable Tours Offered in Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California.
Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested! You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.