The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument protects a vast and scenic area of the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California. Established in 2014, it preserves rugged peaks, deep canyons, diverse wildlife, and historic sites north of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service—Angeles National Forest—and offers year-round outdoor recreation, ecological research, and cultural heritage exploration.

Overview

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument was proclaimed by President Barack Obama on October 10, 2014. It protects approximately 346,177 acres of the San Gabriel Mountains, which have long been valued for their natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance. The monument stretches from the urban edge of Los Angeles into high mountain wilderness, encompassing towering peaks such as Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy), scenic rivers, and vast forests.

The designation builds on decades of local, state, and federal efforts to safeguard the San Gabriels. The region is known for its dramatic geology, Mediterranean and montane ecosystems, important watersheds, and Native American and pioneer histories. The monument is part of the Angeles National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a focus on ecological restoration, community engagement, and sustainable recreation .

Plan Your Visit

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic driving. The monument’s proximity to the Greater Los Angeles area makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking mountain adventure and wilderness escape.

Mount Baden-Powell Scenic Highway & Cloudburst Summit Trail

Mount Baden-Powell is a prominent peak in the monument, named after the founder of the Boy Scouts. The Cloudburst Summit Trail provides access to stunning panoramic views of Southern California’s mountain ranges and valleys. Visitors can reach the summit by hiking a short trail from the Mount Baden-Powell Parking Area along the Pacific Crest Trail .

Angeles National Forest Visitor Center

Located in the town of Newcomb, the Angeles National Forest Visitor Center serves as a gateway to the monument. Rangers provide information on hiking trails, camping sites, and current area conditions. The center also offers exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history and is a starting point for many forest adventures .

Switzer Falls

Switzer Falls is a popular hiking destination featuring a scenic waterfall and shaded canyons. The trailhead is accessed via the Gabrielino Trail, which passes through diverse plant communities and offers opportunities to see riparian habitats and native wildlife. The falls are especially vibrant in the spring when water flow is at its peak .

Mount Wilson Observatory & Trail

The historic Mount Wilson Observatory, perched atop Mount Wilson, has been a center of astronomical research since 1904. Visitors can drive or hike to the observatory to explore its telescopes, visit the visitor center, and enjoy sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin. Several trails, including the Mt. Wilson Trail from Rubio Canyon, provide access to the observatory for hiking enthusiasts .

Management

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Angeles National Forest. The management approach emphasizes ecological restoration, fire resilience, community partnerships, and sustainable recreation.

Ecological Restoration & Fire Management

Restoring healthy forest ecosystems and managing wildfire risk are top priorities. Efforts include removing invasive species, restoring native vegetation, and implementing controlled burns and fuel reduction projects to protect communities and enhance ecosystem resilience .

Community Engagement

The monument fosters partnerships with local communities, Native American tribes, conservation groups, and educational institutions. Programs focus on environmental education, volunteer stewardship, and inclusive access to public lands. The goal is to ensure that the monument benefits current and future generations of Southern Californians .

Recreation and Resource Protection

Managing recreational use to protect natural and cultural resources is a key focus. Rangers work to educate visitors about Leave No Trace principles, permit requirements, and safe wilderness practices. Trails and facilities are maintained to support both casual visitors and backcountry adventurers .

Animals

The San Gabriel Mountains host a diverse range of wildlife adapted to mountain, forest, and riparian habitats. Species include:

California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

One of the world’s rarest birds, the California condor has been reintroduced in the region and soars above the monument’s rugged canyons. Conservation efforts continue to support its recovery in Southern California .

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)

This endangered bird species relies on riparian thickets along the San Gabriel River and other mountain streams for breeding and foraging. Habitat restoration benefits its long-term survival .

San Gabriel Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus apalachicolae)

A rare amphibian found in cool, shaded mountain creeks, this salamander is an indicator of healthy watershed ecosystems. Conservation of water quality and forest cover is vital for its habitat .

Plants

The monument encompasses diverse plant communities ranging from chaparral to alpine forest. Notable plants include:

Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana)

The tallest and most massive of all pines, sugar pine forests crown the higher elevations of the San Gabriel Mountains. These ancient trees produce the largest pine cones in the world and play a key role in mountain forest ecology .

Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni)

A dominant species in mid-elevation woodlands, interior live oak provides food and shelter for numerous wildlife species. Its tough evergreen leaves help the woodland persist through dry summer conditions .

San Gabriel Mountain Manzanita (Arctostaphylos parvula)

Endemic to the San Gabriel Mountains, this manzanita species is found in rocky slopes and chaparral communities. Its distinctive smooth red bark and white flowers contribute to the region’s unique botanical diversity .

Geology

The San Gabriel Mountains are a result of complex tectonic activity along the San Andreas Fault and other geological structures. The range features granitic and metamorphic rocks that have been uplifted rapidly over the past few million years, creating steep peaks and deep canyons. Volcanic activity and erosion have also shaped the landscape, producing unique rock formations and rugged terrain that define the monument .

Additional Resources

The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument offers a spectacular mountain wilderness experience just beyond one of the nation’s largest urban centers. Its combination of towering peaks, rich biodiversity, and cultural history makes it a prime destination for exploration, education, and stewardship in Southern California .

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Last updated: Sat Jun 7, 2025

National Monuments

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument