T. White - Aug 26, 2018 6:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 2018
Great little hike
Took the road up (bear scat and poodle dog bush dotting the concrete), but I learned from the lookout volunteer that work was being done on the trail by his counterpart. We saw rescue vehicles and a chopper tend to a motorcyclist who had lost control of his bike and died on Big T Road below us. Lots of smoke blowing in from the 400,000-acre Ranch fire up north. Also heard that the lookout is scheduled to begin construction this year... but don't hold your breath.
StartingOver - Dec 8, 2017 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Dec 2, 2017
Trees are coming back
Hiked in early December in a winter with no rain (or snow) so far. The Station Fire devastated the area in 2009, before I moved to SoCal, so I don't know what the area used to look like. Now it is still fairly barren but the chaparral is already back, and I saw young trees everywhere, ranging from about 6 inches high to nearly 6 feet tall. I am no expert on how fast these trees will grow, but I am confident this area will return to its former beauty relatively soon.
NavySeabee - Jun 12, 2017 3:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 10, 2017
Vetter Mtn Road
Hiked the road from Charlton Flats. Nice views from the summit. Peak 2 of 4 including Josephine, Mooney & Barley Flats.
According to the Lookout Manager (official title?), the trail has been cleared of brush (incl. Poodle Dog Bush) but is still listed as closed. He didn't discourage me from using it.
Additionally, the construction of the new lookout building is scheduled to start this Summer.
The hiking trail from Charlton Flats is closed halfway up per Forest Service sign...had to backtrack and hiked up the main service road instead, very nice view from the top!
orbitor - Aug 26, 2012 11:42 pm Date Climbed: Nov 27, 2011
From Charlton Flat via Fire Rd.
Could walk to the summit with eyes closed. Stood in the ruins of the historic fire lookout and took in fine views of the San Gabriel Range.
dgrutherford - Dec 12, 2011 12:10 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2011
Charlton Flats
Bagged along with Mooney and Sally. Via paved road from Charlton Flat entrance
Easy hike up a road, but pretty cool views from the top although the devastation from the Station Fire is immense. Lots of poodle dog bush growing everywhere in the burned areas.
T. White - Aug 26, 2018 6:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 2018
Great little hikeTook the road up (bear scat and poodle dog bush dotting the concrete), but I learned from the lookout volunteer that work was being done on the trail by his counterpart. We saw rescue vehicles and a chopper tend to a motorcyclist who had lost control of his bike and died on Big T Road below us. Lots of smoke blowing in from the 400,000-acre Ranch fire up north. Also heard that the lookout is scheduled to begin construction this year... but don't hold your breath.
StartingOver - Dec 8, 2017 5:45 pm Date Climbed: Dec 2, 2017
Trees are coming backHiked in early December in a winter with no rain (or snow) so far. The Station Fire devastated the area in 2009, before I moved to SoCal, so I don't know what the area used to look like. Now it is still fairly barren but the chaparral is already back, and I saw young trees everywhere, ranging from about 6 inches high to nearly 6 feet tall. I am no expert on how fast these trees will grow, but I am confident this area will return to its former beauty relatively soon.
NavySeabee - Jun 12, 2017 3:45 pm Date Climbed: Jun 10, 2017
Vetter Mtn RoadHiked the road from Charlton Flats. Nice views from the summit. Peak 2 of 4 including Josephine, Mooney & Barley Flats.
According to the Lookout Manager (official title?), the trail has been cleared of brush (incl. Poodle Dog Bush) but is still listed as closed. He didn't discourage me from using it.
Additionally, the construction of the new lookout building is scheduled to start this Summer.
socalpeakbagger - Jul 5, 2016 5:16 pm Date Climbed: Jul 3, 2016
Service RoadThe hiking trail from Charlton Flats is closed halfway up per Forest Service sign...had to backtrack and hiked up the main service road instead, very nice view from the top!
orbitor - Aug 26, 2012 11:42 pm Date Climbed: Nov 27, 2011
From Charlton Flat via Fire Rd.Could walk to the summit with eyes closed. Stood in the ruins of the historic fire lookout and took in fine views of the San Gabriel Range.
dgrutherford - Dec 12, 2011 12:10 am Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2011
Charlton FlatsBagged along with Mooney and Sally. Via paved road from Charlton Flat entrance
cab - Sep 12, 2011 3:23 pm Date Climbed: Sep 10, 2011
Charlton FlatsEasy hike up a road, but pretty cool views from the top although the devastation from the Station Fire is immense. Lots of poodle dog bush growing everywhere in the burned areas.
MelbaToast - Jan 9, 2011 5:47 pm
Probably won't do it againGlad I went up there before the fire.
johnm - Dec 21, 2010 11:51 pm Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2003
Family FavoriteNice place to visit with the family. Although the look out is now gone the views are still pretty good.
WRGruener - Sep 30, 2010 4:27 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 1982
Several Times...Started when the kids were young and kept coming back for a picnic with a view. Sad to think it is gone....
tarol - Oct 11, 2009 1:10 pm Date Climbed: Sep 18, 2009
Vetter Mountain Lookout BurnedSad to report that the fire lookout tower burned in the Station Fire
Robb - Jul 21, 2009 8:30 pm Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2009
Hot day!Climbed Sally and Vetter on this hot morning! It was then time for a cold beer at Newcomb's!
dgrimreaper - May 17, 2009 12:10 pm Date Climbed: Jan 12, 2009
Cold Afternoon StrollNice easy 3 mile hike on a brisk January day. Went up with friends and his 9 year old son. Good family hike.
gaudzdice51 - Mar 8, 2009 2:42 pm Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2008
Clear dayAfter our failed attempt of Strawberry due to major ice on the trail, we headed over to Vetter. Clear day with snow everywhere. Awesome!
Ze - Mar 3, 2009 11:01 pm Date Climbed: Feb 28, 2009
from Red Boxone way trip across Lawlor & Barley Flats then up Vetter
SierraCJ - Feb 22, 2009 5:13 pm Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2008
Great viewGreat views of the front range and also east to Mt San Antonio.
Bob Burd - Jan 23, 2009 1:35 pm Date Climbed: Dec 10, 2008
Along the roadAnother day of HPS peakbagging, another fine day of weather in SoCal. Trip Report
mlarkin2002 - Nov 6, 2008 1:50 pm Date Climbed: Oct 31, 2008
RoadWalked up the road from the locked gate. This one is better than Mooney.
bechtt - Oct 19, 2008 7:55 pm Date Climbed: Oct 19, 2008
After driving by so many timesAfter Williamson, Goodykoontz, and Mooney. With Coco the Dog.
mdougherty - Jul 21, 2008 1:24 am Date Climbed: Jul 20, 2008
Nice viewDriven by many times, finally stopped to check out the view. A bit hazy, but nice with the sun dropping.