Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This popular day use recreation area is nestled in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Located about an hour from Los Angeles, off of Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) and Mount Wilson Road, this peaceful mountain getaway is perfect for city dwellers looking for a change of scenery and a way to spend the day in nature.

At the Red Box Picnic Area you will find a large paved parking area, numerous picnic sites/tables, BBQ grills, vault toilets, trash and recycling receptacles. The area has scenic mountain and canyon views plus access to several backcountry trails including the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail. 

PARKING PERMIT

An Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking. 

HOURS AND REGULATIONS
The picnic area is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm and the picnic sites are first-come, first-serve. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Red Box Picnic Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41980

Angeles National Forest:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles

Gabrielino National Recreation Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=42008.
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Pros

Picnic Benches. Scenic Vistas. Potable Water.

Cons

Can get crowded.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Vault toilet
Covered picnic areas
Wildlife
Big vistas
Potable water
Picnic tables
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.