Cedar Glen Campground

For California locals yearning to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet solitude of the San Gabriel Mountains, Cedar Glen Campground offers a unique and rewarding experience. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, Cedar Glen is a backcountry trail camp, a hidden gem accessible only by foot, promising a profound sense of peace and an intimate connection with nature. It's a destination for the adventurous spirit, those who find beauty in the journey and tranquility in a secluded mountain setting.

Nestled within a shady grove of trees along the Chapman Trail, Cedar Glen Campground provides a much-sought-after quietude, especially after traversing the popular first mile of Icehouse Canyon. It's a place where the sounds of the bustling world fade away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the grandeur of the San Gabriel Mountains. This overview will guide you through what makes Cedar Glen Campground a perfect, albeit demanding, escape for experienced hikers and backpackers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Southern California.

Cedar Glen Campground is uniquely located along Chapman Trail, just off the popular Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, in Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA. This places it deep within the San Gabriel Mountains, part of the Angeles National Forest, and occasionally bordering the Cucamonga Wilderness. For Southern California residents, the Icehouse Canyon trailhead is a familiar starting point, approximately an hour and a half to two hours drive from major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Orange County.

However, it's crucial to understand that accessibility to Cedar Glen Campground is exclusively on foot. There is no vehicle access directly to the campground. The journey begins at the Icehouse Canyon trailhead parking lot off Mount Baldy Road. From there, it's a 4.9-mile (out-and-back) hike to the campground, involving nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain. The trail is described as evenly graded, offering a steady climb. While the first mile through Icehouse Canyon can be busy, the turn onto the Chapman Trail for Cedar Glen Camp almost immediately provides a sense of solitude as the crowds disappear. Visitors must be prepared for a moderately strenuous hike, and checking weather and trail conditions is paramount, especially during winter months when snow and ice can make the trail challenging and require specialized gear. Parking at the Icehouse Canyon trailhead can fill up early, so arriving prepared for parking down the road is advisable. An Adventure Pass is required for parking, and a wilderness permit from the trailhead is necessary as the trail occasionally crosses into the Cucamonga Wilderness.

As a backcountry trail camp, Cedar Glen Campground offers very basic services, emphasizing a leave-no-trace philosophy and self-sufficiency. This is not a campground with extensive amenities, but rather a primitive camping experience.

• P: Designated Camping Area: Cedar Glen is described as a "small, flat clearing in the pine trees with some logs to sit on and rest," providing a designated, albeit rustic, space for setting up tents.
• P: No Potable Water: There are no direct water sources at the camp itself. While a seasonal stream may be close by (crossing the Chapman Trail just below the camp area), campers must be prepared to filter or treat all water from natural sources or pack in all their water.
• P: No Restrooms or Facilities: There are no built restrooms, trash receptacles, or other developed facilities at the campground. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and properly disposing of human waste (e.g., catholes).
• P: No Campfires (Often): Due to high fire danger in the San Gabriel Mountains, wood, charcoal, or other solid fuel fires are typically prohibited at backcountry camps like Cedar Glen. Campers should assume fire bans are in effect, especially during dry seasons, and rely on gas camp stoves for cooking.
• P: Solitude and Quiet: The primary "service" offered is the profound peace and quiet that comes with being in a secluded backcountry setting, far from car noise and crowds.

Cedar Glen Campground offers unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for adventurous Californians.

• P: Profound Solitude: The most significant highlight is the exceptional peace and quiet. After the initial mile of the Icehouse Canyon Trail, the crowds vanish, allowing for a truly tranquil experience amidst nature.
• P: Stunning Panoramic Views: As the Chapman Trail climbs out of the canyon, hikers are rewarded with "panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains." Iconic peaks like Telegraph Peak, part of the popular 3 T's trail, loom above, offering breathtaking vistas.
• P: Unique Access to Wilderness: This campground provides direct access to the beauty of the Angeles National Forest and the adjacent Cucamonga Wilderness, appealing to those who seek deep wilderness exploration.
• P: Shady Grove: The campground itself is a "shady grove of trees," providing welcome relief from the sun and a pleasant environment for resting and setting up camp.
• P: Dog-Friendly: The trails leading to Cedar Glen are dog-friendly, allowing Californians to bring their canine companions along for the adventure (ensure dogs are leashed and follow wilderness rules).
• P: Historical Elements: The Icehouse Canyon Trail, leading to the Chapman Trail, features "ruins of old cabins," adding a touch of historical intrigue to the hike.
• P: Seasonal Beauty: Depending on the season, visitors might experience lush creekside scenery, vibrant fall colors, or even snow-capped peaks in winter (requiring appropriate gear and experience).

As a backcountry trail camp, Cedar Glen Campground does not have an on-site office or dedicated phone number for direct inquiries. Information and permits are typically managed by the Angeles National Forest.

Address: Chapman Trail, Mt Baldy, CA 91759, USA (Note: This is the location, not a physical office address.)

For all necessary information regarding conditions, permits, and regulations for Cedar Glen Campground, it is essential to contact the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument office or the nearest Ranger District within the Angeles National Forest.

Recommended Contact:

Angeles National Forest Headquarters: (626) 574-1613 (for general inquiries)

For wilderness permits (often required for overnight stays in the Cucamonga Wilderness which the trail occasionally enters), contact the appropriate Ranger District office (e.g., San Gabriel Mountains National Monument office). Always check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Angeles National Forest for the most up-to-date information, fire restrictions, and permit requirements before planning your hike and stay.

Cedar Glen Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in California who are seasoned hikers and backpackers looking for a genuine wilderness immersion experience close to home. For many Californians, the ability to escape the urban sprawl and find true solitude in nature is a prized commodity. Cedar Glen delivers this by being a hike-in only destination, filtering out casual visitors and ensuring a remarkably quiet and peaceful environment.

Its location in the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, easily accessible from major Southern California cities, makes it an ideal option for a challenging yet rewarding weekend backpacking trip. The "beautiful trails," "panoramic views," and opportunities for wildlife observation provide the authentic outdoor adventure that many local outdoor enthusiasts crave. While it demands self-sufficiency with minimal services, this aligns with the ethos of experienced campers who prefer to be fully immersed in the natural world. For Californians seeking to push their limits, find profound tranquility, and witness the stunning beauty of their local mountains, Cedar Glen Campground offers an unforgettable backcountry escape.