Arroyo Seco and Gabrielino Trail Reopen After Fire Closures

At the Arroyo Seco above JPL, 2021 (File Photo- Reg Green)

Hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers have reason to celebrate: the Arroyo Seco is officially open to the public once again.

By News Desk

The Angeles National Forest has lifted the closure order on the Arroyo Seco and the full Gabrielino National Recreation Trail, marking a major step in the region’s recovery from January’s devastating Eaton Fire.

Originally slated to remain closed through the end of the year, the order had restricted access to several beloved canyons and trails — including Millard Canyon, Switzer Falls, and Sturtevant Trail — with enforcement supported by federal authorities. Despite the broad ban, much of the Arroyo Seco remained untouched by flames. The most severe damage was concentrated in Millard Canyon, where nine of the canyon’s eighteen historic cabins were lost.

Now, the Arroyo Seco has officially been removed from the restricted list, alongside several other popular areas, including:

• Switzer Picnic Site
• Chantry Flat Recreation Area
• Upper and Lower Winter Creek Trails
• Sturtevant Trail
• Sturtevant Loop
• Gould Mesa Campground
• The full Gabrielino National Recreation Trail

Stretching across 700,000 acres of rugged Southern California terrain, the Angeles National Forest is a vital outdoor refuge for more than 20 million residents in the Greater Los Angeles area.

For the latest updates and a full list of current closures and alerts, visit the Angeles National Forest’s official website.