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Chilao Visitor Center Site # 54 | |||
| During winter snow-topped hills rise above the Chilao Visitor Center's boardwalks and viewing decks. | |||
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| 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 Visit website | |||
| 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. | |||
