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Credit 1 Pam Starr
2 Alyn Robert Brereton
3 Julie MacKinnon
4 Linda Pittman
5 Parham Pourahmad
6 Larry Whiting
7 Randall Finley
Area: 7 Acres
Lat: 34.326791 N
Lon:  118.005888 W
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Site Facilities
Boardwalks Camping/lodging Drinking Water
Guided Tours Picnic Area Restrooms
Trails Trash Cans Visitor Center/Ranger Station
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Top Banner Photo Credits
Pam Starr
Alyn Robert Brereton
Julie MacKinnon
Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
Randall Finley
Chilao Visitor Center - Site # 54
During winter snow-topped hills rise above the Chilao Visitor Center's boardwalks and viewing decks.

Chilao Visitor Center: 905x694 Chilao Visitor Center: 866x598 Chilao Visitor Center: 825x639

Background: This wooded valley dominated by pines sustains more than 100 bird species. In 15 minutes you can count two dozen species from the observation deck! It is known internationally for its reliable year-round views of mountain quail. Other residents include California quail, acorn woodpeckers, white-headed woodpeckers, and white-breasted nuthatches. Patient observers may see Anna's, Allen's and rufous sided hummingbirds from March to September, a dry period when numerous animals visit the center's watering pan. The brushy chaparral is home to California thrashers, Merriam's chipmunks, and alligator and western fence lizards. Seasonal Chilao Creek shelters warblers, wrens, American bushtits, mule deer and coyotes.

The Habitat: Spectacular peaks and deep canyons surround this area.

Viewing Tips: Excellent year-round birding. Four self-guiding trails; naturalist programs.

Site Notes: Once you visit this beautiful site, you'll understand why it was chosen years ago as the summer home of the Gabrielino Native Americans. With enough advance notice, the visitor center also gives tours to visitors and school groups seven days a week.

The visitor center opened in 1982. Picnic area, fire station, school, FS administrative housing, amphitheater, campground, pay phones, paved road, drinking fountain, information kiosk, bulletin board, double
bear proof trash bins, accessible parking and ramp to visitor
center, interpretive wheelchair accessible trail, benches,
restrooms, Penny Pines plantation, bird watching area, and
interpretive signs. Trail access: Creekside, Tryout, and Gabrielino National Recreation Trail

Nearby Viewing Sites: Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area
Jarvi Bighorn Sheep Vista

Festivals & Events: Bird walks on the second Sunday of each month between April and November and a native plant walk on the 3rd Saturday of the month between April and October.
Contact Los Angeles River Ranger District at (818) 899-1900 for details:
April – seasonal kickoff that coincides with the opening of most of our high country campgrounds
May – Memorial Day
June – National Get Outdoors Day
July – Independence Day
August – Smokey Bear’s Birthday
September – Labor Day

Visitor Information: Pasadena Visitor Bureau - (626) 795-9311 - http://www.visitpasadena.com
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site: Yes
Open: Saturday, Sunday
Hours: April - mid-Nov 9am to 4pm; mid-Nov through March 10am to 3pm
Year Round: No
Seasonal: As long as road conditions allow. Open/close status in the winter will change due to road and/or weather conditions.

Road Information:   Paved. 
Road Hazards: Road is very winding and narrow. Drive with caution and be aware of other drivers
 Number of Parking Spaces: 80
Parking Fee: No
Proximity to viewing area:
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes
Parking Notes: The center can accommodate large buses and RVs.

Special Tips: Chilao Campground 5,300-foot elevation. 84 campsites. Some of the toilets are accessible for visitors with disabilities. Maximum RV length 40 feet. No Hookups. Be Aware of Bear Activity. Sites are $12/night. Campsites are first come - first served.

How to Get There: From Los Angeles, drive north on Highway 2 (Glendale Feeway). Turn right (east) on Interstate 210. Take Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) exit. Turn left at light and drive 27 miles. Turn left; drive 200 yards to entrance.
 

Contact Information
Managing Agency: USDA Forest Service
Agency Site URL: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/angeles/about-forest/?cid=stelprdb5162107
Physical Address:701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006
Agency 2:
, CA
Manager Phone:
Site Phone:(626) 796-5541
County: Los Angeles
Addition Website:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles