Vetter Mountain Lookout Site

Overview

In 2009, the historic Vetter Mountain Lookout burned down in the Station Fire, the largest wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history. The area was closed off to hikers for many years, and although the lookout is gone and the trails are still in a bit of disrepair, the area is once again open to hikers. You may not find an historic wooden structure anymore, but the views are still spectacular and well worth the relatively mild effort needed to reach the summit. Plus, if you happen to be there during the dry months and the Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association has volunteers manning the lookout, you can get a chance to learn about how these decidedly low-tech outposts are still an important part of modern backcountry firefighting. The trail begins at this locked gate, where a small parking area is available for hikers to use. There is a trail network that exists here (see this post for more info and a side trip to nearby Mount Mooney), but because this area even in 2018 is still subject to trail closures and future maintenance, the route as described here just sticks to one of the paved access roads to the Lookout. But hey – just because you’re hiking on an old road doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy some pretty spectacular views. This path runs right across the Silver Moccasin Trail, a popular long-distance route that winds its way deep into the interior of the San Gabriel Mountains. You’ll be able to see the rugged terrain just behind the front range, with the prominent backside of Mount Wilson almost directly to the south. Strawberry Peak‘s distinctive shape beckons to the west, while the similarly recognizable form of Twin Peaks looms to the east and Pacifico Mountain towers over the canyons to the north. It’s pretty easy to figure out why they decided this was a solid spot for a fire lookout. the tower farm atop Mount Wilson the old road – with a prominent Strawberry Peak to the left As you hike here, you’ll be walking through a formerly bustling recreation area that is on the mend after the devastating

Trail Stats

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