Red Box Loop

The Red Box Loop is a challenging 21.8-mile route through the San Gabriel Mountains located within Angeles National Forest, east of Los Angeles. This route is an ideal urban getaway and can make for an epic one-day adventure or a 1-2 night backpacking trip.  In spite of its close proximity to the city, it offers serene seclusion and reveals rugged mountainous terrain with flowing water and a variety of plants. 

One of the most challenging features of this hike is its elevation gain, which totals 6,722 feet overall. But hikers will be rewarded for their effort with scenic sights like Inspiration Point and the Mount Wilson Observatory. Additionally, whether taken clockwise or counterclockwise, hikers will encounter numerous opportunities for peak bagging.

DIRECTIONS

Begin your trek from the Red Box Visitor Center, briefly hiking along the Mount Wilson - Red Box Road to reach the Bill Reilly Trail. Ascend the Bill Reilly Trail and continue along the San Gabriel Trail, passing San Gabriel Peak. Follow this trail to Markham Saddle, then head west on the Upper Sam Merrill Trail. On your way, you'll encounter a turnoff for Idlehour Camp before arriving at Inspiration Point. From there, take the Idlehour Trail to the Mount Wilson Toll Road. Hike along the toll road to the Mount Wilson Trailhead (please note that this route doesn’t officially lead to the top of Mount Wilson or the picnic area, but a short detour is possible). Descend using the Kenyon-Devore Trail (watch out for Poodle Dog Bush), then turn left onto the Gabrielino Trail, leading you back to the starting point, passing Valley Forge Camp on your return.

RED BOX PICNIC AREA

At the Red Box Picnic Area, you'll find a spacious paved parking lot, numerous picnic sites with tables, BBQ grills, vault toilets, water fountains, trash and recycling bins. Additionally, there is a visitor center with some snacks for sale. The picnic area is open daily from 6:00am to 10:00pm and the picnic sites are first-come, first-serve. The area offers scenic mountain and canyon views, along with access to several backcountry trails.

PARKING PERMIT

An Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass is necessary for parking. Find Adventure Pass Vendor Locations here: Adventure Pass Vendor Locations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Red Box Picnic Area

• Angeles National Forest

• Gabrielino National Recreation Trail

• Camping Information:

  • Idlehour Camp

  • Valley Forge Camp