Chilao Campground - Manzanita Loop

Overview Manzanita Loop is one of two camping loops at Chilao Campground, located northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is accessed via the Angeles Crest Highway, a scenic byway that winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, high desert terrain, and pine forests. Situated in the high country of the Angeles National Forest within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Manzanita Loop offers cooler mountain temperatures, panoramic views of surrounding peaks and ridges, and diverse forest habitats.

Recreation Manzanita Loop provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nearby trails include the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, which connects to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Angeles Crest Highway offers scenic overlooks and access to additional trailheads. Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are popular activities due to the campground’s elevation and reduced light pollution.

Facilities Manzanita Loop has 41 campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Amenities include potable water, four vault toilets, bear-proof dumpsters, large parking spurs, and one shared group fire ring. RVs up to 40 feet in length are allowed.

Natural Features Manzanita Loop sits at an elevation of approximately 5,300 feet within the transverse range of the rugged San Gabriel Mountains. The landscape is characterized by a mix of coulter pines, manzanita shrubs, scrub oaks, and chaparral plants covering steep mountain slopes. This mid-elevation environment supports diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, and bobcats.

The campground is located less than one mile from the San Gabriel Wilderness, a designated wilderness area encompassing over 36,000 acres within the Angeles National Forest. The wilderness preserves its natural character across extremely rugged terrain, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 8,200 feet. Vegetation transitions from dense chaparral at lower elevations to pine- and fir-covered slopes at higher elevations; offering significant biodiversity, seasonal temperature variation, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Nearby Attractions The Chilao Visitor Center is located approximately 1 mile east of the campground and features interpretive exhibits, short trails, seasonal programs, and a birdwatching deck. The visitor center is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm.

From the Los Angeles basin side of the San Gabriel Mountains: drive to La Canada via the I-210 (Foothill Freeway) to the State Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) exit. Turn north towards the mountains. Stay on State Highway 2 for approximately 25 miles to Forest Service Road 3N21 (look for the Chilao Overnight Campground sign); turn left onto 3N21 and travel west for approximately 1 mile. The Manzanita Loop entrance will be on the left-hand side of 3N21.