Looking for a free ride out into the sticks? The Angeles National Forest will be testing a temporary shuttle program this month to run from the Arcadia Gold Line Station to the Chantry Flat picnic area and back. Chantry Flat is one of the Forest's most popular hiking destinations, with easy access to Hermit Falls, Sturtevant Falls, Mount Wilson and Camp Sturtevant (read: gorgeous vistas, waterfalls and swimming holes); it also happens to be an area with extremely limited parking (due in part to said popularity), so a shuttle service makes perfect sense.
The free shuttles will run courtesy of Car-less California, an awareness program for using public transit to explore outdoor destinations, as part of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Management Plan. (Chantry Flat technically isn't part of the SGM National Monument, but hey, who's keeping track when there's free transportation on the line?) The shuttles will run Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, September 24 (National Public Lands Day) through Sunday, October 9. Upon arrival and before heading out on a hike, visitors can stop by Adam's Pack Station at Chantry Flat—the restaurant will have live music during most of the free shuttle days.
Really dig this idea and want to get involved? The Forest Service is looking for volunteers to work information kiosks at Arcadia and Chantry Flat in four-hour shifts. Sign up by September 10, then check out the in-person or by-phone briefing sessions on Friday, September 16.
Not a big public transportation user? No worries—check out our guide to Metro, and let the call of the wild motivate you—there's a free shuttle waiting in Arcadia. (There's also an REI, a climbing gym and an In-N-Out within walking distance of the station, just saying.)
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.