Sometimes an urge comes over me, and I have this intense need to get out and sleep under the stars. I suddenly cannot stand the idea of getting into my car and navigating the city, or anything that has to do with my daily routine. When this happens, I know it’s time to take a timeout and reset.
For this particular trip, the criteria was – where is the closest, easiest place I can get to immediately? A quick search on the internet landed on Little Jimmy Trail Camp in the Angeles National Forest. 1.5 hour drive out of Los Angeles and 2 mile hike in – sold!
The beauty of an overnight backpacking trip is that you can be spontaneous. Don’t overthink it – just bring your basic sleeping gear, a warm layer, a headlamp, a simple meal (or even just leftovers from the fridge) and get outside.
This is a great spot for a quick getaway, to try backpacking for the first time and to test out new gear. Take in the piney breeze and twinkly stars. Your To Do list can wait until tomorrow.
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
Location
Angeles National Forest, CAWebsite
Activity Guide
Backpacking, Hiking, Peak BaggingGeneral Info
Park at the Mt Islip saddle parking lot and then cross the highway to the trail head – there is a sign with the camp name. You will need 2 National Forest Adventure Passes ($5 day pass) if you don’t already have a yearly pass ($30). Find a place to purchase one here.
Amenities
- Picnic Tables
- Pit Toilets
- Fire Pits
Insider Information
- This trail is part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and it is indeed quite scenic.
- It’s a short steep hike in the beginning which then flattens out through a meadow and then becomes shaded under the canopy of big pine trees.
- It’s proximity to civilization makes it a favorite for boy scout groups. Just wait until their bedtime for your quiet moment of reflection.
- If you have extra time and want to bag some peaks, you can get to the top of Mt Baden-Powell if you keep going 6 miles pass camp. Another option is the 10 mile RT hike to the top of Mt Lewis from the Islip saddle parking lot.
Nice trip Mai-yan, hope that in 2017 you will writer more interesting post like this for us to read and be inspired by you. Cheer!
Nice trip Mai-yan, hope that in 2017 you will writer more interesting post like this for us to read and be inspired by you. Cheer!
I love you so much !
Nice post May-Yan. Relatively easy two mile hike from Angeles Crest Highway. First mile is uphill, after that flat. Pit toilets that are really bad, particularly when the weather is warm. There is year round water at Little Jimmy Spring, but you should run it through your water purifier. Great sunset views from the edge of the campground, and a good camping spot for hiking to Mt. Islip.
@Dennis, thanks for the extra trip beta. Should be helpful to future visitors of this great little local location. It seems we’re getting a lot more time to enjoy it up there with this mild winter!
Very nice picture. Thanks!