Trail: Vetter Mountain Trail Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 659 ft. Location: Angeles National Forest, CA
What is Vetter Mountain?
Vetter Mountain (5,911′) is a mountain located in the Angeles National Forest, there is an active fire lookout and it was named after Victor P. Vetter, a dedicated forest ranger and fire dispatcher. Hikers can access the fire lookout by hiking 2.2 miles round trip. The fire lookout is active and often run by volunteers.
What to pack for a hike to Vetter Mountain?
The hike to the fire lookout is fairly moderate. There is no accessible water any where along the trail, so I would recommend bringing at least 2 liters. There are multiple picnic tables along the way, pack a lunch and enjoy the view! Always carry the 10 essentials and check the weather before losing service. If you are headed up for sunset, carry a headlamp or flashlight for the hike down, as it will be dark.
What is the hike like to the lookout?
While there is an option to complete this hike as a loop- I highly don’t recommend that yet- at least until they’ve cleared debris, fallen trees, and create a new pathway. I can highly recommend taking the fire road all the way to the top!
Starting from Charlton Flat Picnic Area from Angeles Crest Hwy. 2, you’ll climb approximately 659 ft. along Vetter Mountain Road to Vetter Mountain Lookout. The hike is fairly easy, paved, and there are picnic tables, and restrooms along the way. There is a picnic table and restroom also located at the top.
How to get to Vetter Mountain?
- Take Angeles Crest Highway north from the 210 W in La Canada.
- Vetter Mountain is off the Angeles Crest Highway in the Charlton Flats area.
- It is a 1.1 mile hike from the Charlton Flats Picnic Grounds.
