Go Get a Lytle

Hike to Stone House Campground in the San Gabriels

Stone House Camp is just a hop, skip, and a jump outside of Scotland (not the one you’re thinking)! This small California campground is hidden in the vast mountainsides of the San Gabriels (near Scotland, CA) along the middle fork of Lytle Creek.

Go on a little adventure with big valley views, creekside relaxation, and shaded campsites—all within a 1.8-mile out-and-back  hike.

undefined

Start at the Middle Fork trailhead and immediately you’re rewarded with spin-around views of the mountains and the valley. The views stay with you most of the hike to Stone House Camp. Gradually ascend more than 400 feet in just over half a mile before coming to a fork marked by a sign.

Head left to follow the arrow that points to Stone House Camp. The trail dips down to the valley floor and the middle fork of Lytle Creek, flowing strong from all the snow melt from Timber Mountain and Bighorn Peak above.

Follow the creek until you see an opportunity to cross into the canopy of canyon live oaks and Jeffrey pines on the left side. When you spot the stones laid in circles and marking paths, you’ll know you’ve arrived at the campground. Keep going until you come across a small waterfall, which serves as a good turning back point.

From the I-15 north of Fontana take the Sierra Ave. exit and head north toward the mountains. Sierra Ave. will turn into Lytle Creek Rd. After 6.5 miles turn left onto Middle Fork Rd., which ends at Middle Fork Trailhead.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View