Will Rogers State Historic Park reopened to the public today after a ten-month closure following the Palisades Fire. More than 1,000 visitors — some who walked in from the surrounding neighborhood and others who extended L.A. trips to be there — spent the day on guided hikes, history walks, and leisurely picnics on the open lawns.Families enjoyed the Inspiration Loop Trail, polo demonstrations on the surprisingly intact field, and volunteers and staff walked visitors through what the fire took and what the recovery has already achieved. The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation kept spirits high with complimentary coffee and ice cream, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund covered parking, and the California State Parks Foundation handed out giveaway items — small comforts that made the day feel like homecoming.
As of August 15, 2025, the Forest Service has put a prohibition in place banning personal portable privacy toilets at developed recreation sites within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The order runs through August 1, 2027.
If you’re a hiker or equestrian who travels the Pacific Crest Trail through the Angeles National Forest, here’s something you need to know before you lace up your boots. A section of the PCT and the Williamson Rock area are under a temporary closure order.
If you’re like me, dispersed camping is one of the best parts of exploring the backcountry — find a quiet spot off the beaten path, set up camp, and enjoy some real solitude under the stars. But if you’re planning extended stays in the Angeles National Forest, there are some stay-limit rules worth knowing before you head out.