At Charlton Flats, in Angeles National Forest, spectacular views

The first part of the hike is along the pine-lined and paved Forest Service Road 3N16.

Mountaintops loom ahead as you walk up from the trailhead. This hike is a great introduction to the many Angeles National Forest trails along the Angeles Crest Highway.

Along the hike, you can still see evidence of the devastation of the 2009 Station Fire.

Charred bark on a fallen tree seen on the walk up shows the effects of the 2009 Station Fire, which burned more than 160,000 acres and caused the deaths of two firefighters.

Blue skies above bare trees along the trail, which winds through recovering forestland.

Several trails run through the Charlton Flats area, which is about 5,000 feet in elevation.

A paved stairway leads to the Old Vetter Mountain Historic Fire Watch Tower, or what’s left of it.

As you head back toward the start of the Charlton Flats hike, views shift and delight.

Late-afternoon sun peers through trees near the parking lot at the trailhead.