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. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View
  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View