Forest Closure – On September 20th, the ANF issued the Bridge Fire Area Closure Order covering National Forest System roads, trails and other facilities impacted by the Bridge Fire. These areas will be closed for public safety and to facilitate recovery of the natural resources and landscape affected by this wildfire.
for specifics: visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles – Alerts & Warnings Bridge Fire Area Closure
Closures of the Bridge Fire Area could affect your visit!
Bridge Fire – On September 8th, the Bridge Fire ignited. As of October 1st, it has burned approximately 54,878 acres, is still active, and is 98% contained. The fire burned through the Big Pines area. The majority of the area is now under closure orders and not open to the public.
Big Pines Visitor Center – is currently closed. When permitted, the visitor center will re-open Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come in to see our displays – including taxidermied bear, mountain lion, and other animals and items from our area, and get information regarding hiking, camping, and the forest. It’s free and the volunteers are eager to help you!
Weather: Fall here. Days are cool/warm and nights are getting cold. Dress in layers. Wear hats and sunscreen. Bring and drink LOTS of water.
Snakes: Rattlesnakes are out. Stay on trails, stay out of tall grass, and always wear closed-toe shoes.
Road conditions and status: visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles – Alerts & Warnings Bridge Fire Area Closure for forest road closures; contact CalTrans at 800-427-7623 or their website for the latest on State Route 2, and check LA County’s Road Conditions website for the latest on N-4, aka Big Pines Hwy. Always watch for rock and debris.
Parking: park legally! – follow posted signage; do not park car over foglines/infringing on roadways.
Camping: As of 9/21/24 All USFS-managed campsites are currently closed. USFS-managed: Blue Ridge, Guffy, and Lupine Campgrounds (first come, first served requiring the Adventure Pass or an Interagency Federal Pass) are closed due to the Bridge Fire.
MtHigh.com is the concessionaire managing all other campsites, picnic areas, and parking lots in the Big Pines Area and have their own fee/pass program. (Exception: an Adventure Pass is required for parking at the Blue Ridge Trailhead parking lot.)
Trash: When there are no trash cans or they are full, please take your trash home with you!
Fire Restrictions: Check ANF website for current fire level status – including campfire prohibitions. Campfire permits can be acquired any time on line or at the Big Pines Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clarification: the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center building had reopened as part of the Big Pines concessionaire-managed area. Sad to report, the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center burned down in the fire. (Remember: the Volunteers and their displays – including the bear and mountain lion – moved from the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center to the Big Pines Visitor Center a few years ago. BPVC survived the fire, but is temporarily closed.)
As you discover other areas of the ANF, please be careful and Thank you for protecting our forest.
