Although the trail to Vetter Mountain was open, it’s obvious that the environment is still healing from the 2009 fires. The trail is 100% exposed to sunlight. A trail volunteer warned me about Poodle-Dog Bush. He was right, it was EVERYWHERE. «Like poison ivy,» he said. I didn’t go off-trail at all for that very reason. I didn’t really break a sweat until the last .5 miles. There were a few bathrooms on the hike up, and one shaded picnic table at the top. Lots of butterflies, too! It was so quiet except for the motorcyclists cruising up and down the Angeles Crest Highway. On the way there, I actually used the turn outs A LOT to let them pass by me, as I was not feeling very speed-demonish that Sunday. AND I saw a couple people get pulled over and ticketed. There isn’t much to see at the top, but the way I see it is: healing trees need visitors, too. While you’re walking, telepathically coomunicate encouraging things like: Good growing! and Looking strong today! Or don’t. But I did. Just in case it helped.
Paolo H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Santa Clarita, CA
The summit of Vetter Mountain used to be the site of the historic Vetter Mountain fire lookout tower. The lookout tower was built in 1937 and remained in service until 1981. It was restored in 1988 but was unfortunately destroyed in 2009 by the Station Fire. I have read that there are plans in the works to rebuild it using the original 1930s historic design. The hike to the former lookout tower is an easy 3.8 mile, there and back, trip on a mostly paved, sun-exposed, road. You definitely won’t have any problem finding a bathroom since you’ll pass 4 different outhouses on your way to the top. Be careful not to touch any Poodle-Dog Bush along the way because it can cause an poison ivy-type skin reaction. Much of the surrounding trees that you’ll see have also been damaged or destroyed by the Station Fire. The best part of the hike was relaxing under the shade of the canopy located near the former tower and enjoying the views of the San Gabriel mountains. I look forward to returning after the lookout tower is rebuilt. To get to the site you’ll have to drive approx 20 miles along the winding Angeles Crest Hwy, located off the 210, to the Charlton Flat picnic area. Be sure to purchase and display an Adventure Pass before you come.
