The Angeles National Forest was established by executive order in December, 1892. It covers over 2,600 square kilometers (650,000 acres) and is located in the San Gabriel Mountains, just north of the metropolitan area of Los Angeles, California. The Angeles National Forest manages the watersheds within its boundaries to provide valuable water to southern California and to protect surrounding communities from catastrophic floods.

The land within the Forest is diverse, both in appearance and terrain. Elevations range from 365-3,067 m (1,200-10,064 ft). Much of the Forest is covered with dense chaparral which changes to pine and fir-covered slopes as you reach the majestic peaks of the higher elevations.

Peaks within the Forest include:

• Pine Mountain 2,940 m (9,648 ft)
• Dawson Peak 2,918 m (9,575 ft)
• Mount Wilson 1,740 m (5,710 ft) also housing the Mount Wilson Observatory
• Mount San Antonio 3,067 m (10,064 ft) also known as Mt. Baldy

Species for which the Forest is important include Bigcone Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa), Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri) and California Walnut (Juglans californica).

A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking in the Angeles National Forest and other National Forests in Southern California, and may be obtained from visitor centers and local merchants. The forest has been the site of numerous protests against the Adventure Pass. Los Angeles County has declared that they are not required on county-maintained roads.