Directions to Vetter Mountain Lookout:
-From the 210 Freeway Westbound, exit on "Angeles Crest Highway 2" and turn Right, towards the mountains.
-From the 210 Freeway Eastbound, exit on "Angeles Crest Highway 2" and turn Left, over the freeway, towards the mountains.
On Angeles Crest Highway 2 you will climb through a residential neighborhood and start winding into the mountains. Turn on your headlights for safety because you can get fined if you don't. Stay on your side of the road and watch out for people crossing your yellow line, it happens all the time and watch out for idiots on motorcycles, animals, and several huffing puffing bicyclists. It is a narrow road.
A few miles past the top of the grade you will come to an intersection, stay straight, don't turn. This is Clear Creak. At Clear Creak is a small kiosk that is sometimes open where you can purchase an "Adventure Pass". The pass costs $5.00 for a single day, or $30.00 for the year.
Continuing straight you will pass "Switzers Camp" parking area on the right.
You will start climbing another winding grade and near the top is an intersection called "Red Box". There is a restroom here and a road that goes to Mt. Wilson. Stay straight, don't turn.
You will continue along the side of a mountain and up ahead you will see some high power lines crossing the road. There is another intersection here, but just continue straight on the main road, don't turn. When you get to the power lines you can see the tower on the Mountain top to the far left of the road. If you have binoculars, check to see if the shutters are open and the flag is flying , as that will indicate if the tower is open.
Continue along the road until you see a sign that says "Charlton Flats Picnic Area". There is a little brown building and an open gate to the Left. Turn left off "Angeles Crest Highway" and continue straight on the little winding road. Follow that road through all the parking areas until you get to two locked gates.
Park your car at this location, if you can but make sure you do not block the gates. If there is no room here, park back at the picnic area and walk up. Make sure your "Adventure Pass" is displayed no matter where you park.
The Fire Lookout Tower is 1.1 mile from the left most gate. Follow the dirt road to the top of the mountain.
