Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain Trail offers a diverse selection of wildlife in the form of plant life and exotic birds. The view from the lookout is spectacular.

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 snowplant, 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.

Located just off the Angeles Crest Highway at the Charlton Flat Picnic Area, Vetter Mountain Historic Fire Lookout will be open to visitors starting on Memorial Day weekend. Experienced and knowledgeable hosts will be available to give you a tour and answer questions about what it was like to be a "Lookout."

Directions: From La Canada, CA, 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 half a mile. Continue winding along the ravine to the ridge top, then hike left up the ridge to the fire lookout.

Elevation Gain: 400 feet

Distance: 3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

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