Comments on: Camping Spruce Grove in the Angeles National Forest

By: Alzeegator

Alzeegator — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

The trail splits and the horse section is higher and further away from the stream, the lower trail follows the stream. The campground is right on the stream. Water is from the stream and like all areas needs to be treated.

By: Fabrice

Fabrice — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Very nice post!!! I am planning to go there with my kids this month. Is there some water at the campground or on the way?
Thanks
Fabrice

By: Chayacitra

Chayacitra — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Right, right. This dude had his horses on the “No Horses” side, but apparently he’s a local legend and is allowed to bend the rules a bit =)

By: Chayacitra

Chayacitra — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:48:00 +0000

You can get a map of the entire area near the parking lot at Chantry Flats, or you can purchase the Mount Wilson trail map at an REI. Ask the Rangers for a free map after you’ve parked, they’re printed on green paper and give good enough detail of all the area’s trails. Spruce Grove is VERY easy to find though as the way is well-marked.

I’m using an Amvona tripod (Gitzo knock-off I believe) that I bought on eBay about 5 years ago. It’s falling apart though, all the rubber pieces have deteriorated. I just picked up a Pentax 645n Medium Format Camera so I’ll have to be upgrading to something more substantial.

By: Trenttarasen

Trenttarasen — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:38:00 +0000

GREAT POST! Suggestions on where to get a map to get to Spruce Grove and also wondering what type of tripod do you use?

By: Alzeegator

Alzeegator — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 07:33:00 +0000

Always loved that hike and campground, nice and shady. There is actually a split in the trail where you saw the “no horses” sign. One trail is safe for horses the other isn’t but they both end up in the same place.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:12:16 +0000

You’ll find plenty of trees to hang a hammock from at Spruce Grove. The area is so solid with trees that you’re under a full canopy – it should be no problem at all to go tent-less. There are some neat fire-pits, and some near the Klammath Stoves that just about each campsite contains- just like Hoegees. Take enough food, a water filter, and whatever you need to stay warm!

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:09:36 +0000

No problem Bob! Hope you enjoyed Spruce Grove as much as I always do. I also hope it wasn’t as busy as the last time I was there either – sharing that tiny area with over 100 other people isn’t quite the same as it used to be when I had the place just about entirely to myself. Good stuff on Don Juan! Just wait til book three, that’s where Castaneda really starts to shine (and before he goes nuts).

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:41:35 +0000

Hey man.
I just came back from spruce grove and continuing on to the Mt zion loop. I ended up reading Castaneda’s “the teachings of don juan” too and had a great time. I just wanted to thank you for giving me the idea to go up to spruce grove. Happy trails.

By: e-money

e-money — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 03:30:23 +0000

Hey, nice blog. I hike on those trails whenever I get a chance. I do want to start staying a night up there as well and have a couple of questions for you.
Trees, i want to do my camping in a hammock and not a tent. I’ve never been up to spruce grove so i’m wondering if there are plenty of trees to hang a hammock and if there are any sort of close to a firepit or stove? Are the fire spots set up the same way as hoegees were there is a firepit and stove per campsite?
Also how much and what kind of gear do you take up?