General Information
Access
Hikes
Other Web Information
General Information Charlton Flat is an open area near Vetter Mountain, Angeles NF, part of the Los Angeles River Basin at an elevation of ~5,300'. Charlton Flat is 13.8 miles east of the junction of the Angeles Crest and Forest Highways, or 32.4 miles west of the Big Pines Highway at mile marker 47.5. Driving time is approximately 36 minutes from the 210 Freeway.
Charlton Flat is named for R.H. Charlton, who was supervisor of the Angeles NF for more than 20 years, 1905-1925. The alternate (or earlier) name was Pine Flats.
Charlton Flats Picnic Area is a day use picnic area with 185 tables and stoves and piped water. The name of the picnic area always seems to be plural, Flats, while all other usage is singular.
The Forest Service closes varying portions of Charlton Flat for ten years "to improve erosion", according to Angeles National Forest biologist Patti Krueger (PSN 11/29/00).
Access Map: Charlton Flat Trail Map
See also: USGS 7.5' x 7.5' Map: Chilao Flat (34° 17' 40" N, 118° 00' 45" W)By Car: From Interstate 210, go northeast on Angeles Crest Highway, State Route 2, 23.4 miles. Turn left at Mile Marker 47.5. Forest Adventure Pass needed.
By Trail: The Silver Moccasin Trail comes in from the south from Shortcut Saddle and goes north toward Chilao; the Wolf Creek Nature Trail; the Vetter Mountain Trail; the access road to Mt. Mooney, Stony Ridge Observatory and Devil Peak.
Hikes Warning: this list does not get updated as often as the hikes listed in the region tables. Consult Chilao Region Hikes for the latest listing.
No. RT
milesElev.
gainSeason Name 54.2 2 400 all Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain Lookout via Fire Road 54.3 3.3 700 all Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain Lookout Loop Hike 54.4 1 250 all Charlton Flat to Mt. Mooney 54.5 1.5 300 all Charlton Flat to Devil Peak
Other Web Information
- Vetter Mountain Lookout
- "Vetter Mountain, In Service" (Jane's journal of days at the fire lookout tower)
- Vetter Mountain Lookout from the ANF Fire Lookout Association
- Vetter Mountain Lookout from the San Bernardino National Forest Association
- Birds found in the Charlton Flat - Chilao Recreation Area
- Seasons of the San Gabriels September 3, 1998 and November 25, 1998.
Go to Field Guide to the San Gabriel Mountains: Places
Copyright © 1999-2001 by Jane Strong and Tom Chester
Permission is freely granted to reproduce any or all of this page as long as credit is given to us at this source:
http://tchester.org/sgm/places/charlton_flat.html
Comments and feedback: Jane Strong | Tom Chester
Updated 21 August 2001.