los angeles, mountains, national park, forest Kyle Hanson los angeles, mountains, national park, forest Kyle Hanson

#291 San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument was created on October 10th, 2014 to protect 346,177 acres of pristine wilderness above Los Angeles. More than 15 million people are within a 90 mile radius of the monument, but a visit will feel uncrowded with 4 designated wilderness areas. 300 species of plants and animals are found here and nowhere else on Earth making it a rich biodiversity zone. The San Gabriel Mountains provide Los Angeles with 70% of its wild space and 30% of its drinking water. Native American history here dates 8,000 years.

 
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los angeles, state park, mountains, foothills, forest Kyle Hanson los angeles, state park, mountains, foothills, forest Kyle Hanson

#212 Placerita Canyon State Park

Placerita Canyon State Park preserves an important transition zone between the San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert ecosystems. Coast live oaks line winding trails through chaparral covered hills. One oak in particular, 'Oak of the Golden Dream', claims fame as the first location of gold discovery in 1842. The canyon has also been a favorite location for Hollywood films with its streams, trees and canyons.

 
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los angeles, mountains, forest, foothills, desert Kyle Hanson los angeles, mountains, forest, foothills, desert Kyle Hanson

#153 Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area

Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area is a grand assortment of sandstone boulders and cliffs at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. At 4,750 feet, the San Andreas Fault travels directly beneath the park helping to create its striking formations. A one mile trail takes you down into the heart of the punchbowl for an up-close look at this geological wonderland.

 
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los angeles, museum, mountains Kyle Hanson los angeles, museum, mountains Kyle Hanson

#122 Boddy House

The Boddy House is a beautiful Hollywood Regency Mansion at the Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Designed by Hollywood's James Dolena for newspaper tycoon Manchester Boddy in 1937, the 22 room mansion has stunning views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. This 12,000sq. ft. house is a wonderful way to relive the glamour of Hollywood's past by a visit to the gardens.

 
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scenic drives, los angeles, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson scenic drives, los angeles, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson

#111 Angeles Crest National Scenic Byway

Known as 'the most scenic and picturesque mountain road in the state', Angeles Crest National Scenic Byway is a beautiful scenic drive high up in the San Gabriel Mountains. Also known as Highway 2, the road began construction in 1929 and took 27 years to finish in 1956. It winds through Angeles National Forest & San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to a land of pristine alpine wilderness. During rain storms, the mountain peaks become engulfed in foggy clouds and makes the road appear to soar above to the Angels of Heaven.

 
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los angeles, forest, mountains, national park Kyle Hanson los angeles, forest, mountains, national park Kyle Hanson

#7 Mount Wilson

Mount Wilson is a grand peak in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument & Angeles National Forest. The summit is just over a mile high at 5,710 feet. From the Angeles Crest Highway, Mount Wilson Red Box Road beautifully winds up the range. Visit on a rainy day and soar above the bursting clouds. Snow is even common in the winter. This wonderland is unbelievably right above Los Angeles yet you will feel you've entered another land.

 
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