A hiker traverses the East Fork of the San Gabriel River along the Bridge to Nowhere trail, which is currently off-limits due to the Bridge fire.
The Bridge, Line, and Airport fires have consumed approximately 184 square miles across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties, impacting numerous popular outdoor spots. An analysis from mapping tool CalTopo combined with forest closure orders has revealed the status of various hiking routes affected by these fires.
As fire crews finalize their containment efforts on the three conflagrations in Southern California, it is becoming clear which trails will remain shut down for an extended period. While some trails suffered damage from the fires, others are closed out of caution. A detailed list has been compiled to assist outdoor enthusiasts in responsibly planning their excursions, as well as tracking which locations have been affected by the latest wildfires.
In the months ahead, volunteer trail crews throughout L.A. County and beyond will be mobilizing for recovery efforts, consistently seeking volunteers. The Times used CalTopo’s mapping capabilities, cross-referencing burn maps and closure orders with local trail data to identify which routes lie within the burned areas. It’s important to note that being in a burn zone doesn’t necessarily mean a trail is completely destroyed. More information about individual trail conditions and anticipated reopening dates will be provided in the near future.
In the San Gabriel Mountains, the Bridge fire has scorched close to 55,000 acres, devastating homes and buildings, particularly in Wrightwood and the Mt. Baldy area. As of the latest update, the fire is 97% contained; however, containment doesn’t equate to total extinguishment. Wildfires have the potential to smolder for extended periods, particularly after containment efforts if embers remain.
On September 21, a closure order specifically for the Bridge fire was enacted, which affects federally managed roads, trails, and other recreational areas. This order is expected to remain in effect until December 31, 2025, though it is subject to revision. By referring to local trail lists and the current burn map, The Times has outlined trails impacted by the fire:
In the East Fork and Camp Williams area, the Bridge fire was named after the Cattle Canyon bridge in the East Fork of Angeles National Forest, where it originated. Despite significant damage looming, firefighters succeeded in saving Camp Williams Cafe & General Store and the Camp Williams Mobile Home Park. However, the following trails appear to be affected and are currently closed: The Bridge to Nowhere Trail (also known as the East Fork Trail), Cattle Canyon Trail, Rattlesnake Peak Trail, Rattlesnake Peak Loop, Shoemaker Canyon Road, Devil’s Gulch Waterfall, Iron Mountain via Heaton Flat Trail, Bonita Peak via Heaton Flat Trail, Heaton Saddle via Heaton Flat Trail, and the first segment of San Antonio Ridge (up to 10 miles from the East Fork area). The Allison Mine Loop and Gold Dollar Trail are also closed.
In the Mt. Baldy area, access to local businesses has resumed, and several well-loved trails such as Icehouse Canyon and Icehouse Saddle remain unburned. Notably, San Antonio Falls, Ontario Peak, and Cedar Glen Camp have also escaped the flames. However, trails that have been burned include the Old Mount Baldy Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, Bear Flats Trail, Lookout Mountain Trail, Sunset Peak Trail, and Sunset Ridge Road. Additionally, other trails that did not burn but are closed include Baldy Bowl Trail, Devil’s Backbone Trail, Mt. Baldy Trail, the Mt. Baldy visitor center interpretive site, and the Mt. Baldy wayside picnic site.
In the Wrightwood and Vincent Gap area, while the Mt. Baden-Powell trail narrowly avoided the blaze, other nearby trails have been adversely affected. The Grassy Hollow Visitor Center was lost to the fire, while Mountain High ski resort fortunately survived and plans to reopen in time for the winter season. Approximately 12 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail were burned, starting about half a mile northeast of Vincent Gap, continuing past the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center. The majority of the Pine Mountain via Acorn Trail also burned, along with the Big Horn Mine Trail. Meanwhile, other trails and sites remain closed despite not being burned.
The Line fire, reportedly ignited as an act of arson, has consumed over 39,000 acres in San Bernardino County. This fire resulted in damage to four structures and injuries to several firefighters. It is currently 83% contained, with prospects for favorable firefighting conditions. Hiking trails are closed under the Line fire closure order, which encompasses a significant portion of the San Bernardino National Forest that was untouched by flames but remains under closure for safety concerns.
In Cleveland National Forest, the Airport fire has ravaged nearly 24,000 acres since it started on September 9. This blaze compromised 160 structures and injured numerous individuals while nearing 95% containment. A sweeping closure order currently prohibits access to the Trabuco Ranger District, encompassing an area much larger than the actual burn footprint.
An ongoing effort is underway to keep up with trail conditions, and more details will emerge as officials continue to assess the damage. Individuals are encouraged to reach out with inquiries about specific trails or to report missed locations as efforts to restore access continue.