RECREATE RESPONSIBLY

How to Recreate Responsibly & Keep Public Lands Clean

We always encourage the public to plan ahead before visiting the Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, and other natural areas. By taking a few steps to prepare, visitors can ensure a positive experience in the outdoors and help keep these places clean and safe for others.

When preparing to visit the national forest and/or national monument, please keep in mind that these are wild, rugged natural areas. Unlike at developed city parks, you may not have access to public service amenities such as informational/visitor services, restrooms, and/or trash/recycling cans.

You deserve a beautiful experience in nature! If you can pack it in, you can pack it out. Helping to keep these lands clean is our shared responsibility. Come prepared with extra trash bags and take your trash home with you if trash dumpsters or bins are full. Any trash left behind can make animals sick and pollute the river and our drinking water.

Guidelines for recreating responsibly

Know before you go. Check the status of the place you want to visit for closures, fire restrictions, and weather.
Plan and prepare. Reservations and permits may be required. Make sure you have the map(s) and gear you need (including basic first-aid supplies) and a back-up plan. Take responsibility for your own safety.
Build an inclusive outdoors. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Respect others. There is space for everyone and countless outdoor activities. Be kind to all who use the outdoors and nature differently.
Respect the land, water, wildlife, and Native communities. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles: plan ahead & prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others.
Make it better. We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the outdoors. Check out volunteer opportunities in the national forest here: www.trailangeles.org.
If there is an emergency or you see a fire, call 911. Fire agencies like CAL FIRE, Forest Service, and local entities retain their full existing authority and ability to fight wildfires in national monuments.