Monte Cristo Campground

Monte Cristo Campground is a serene camping destination located in the Angeles National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is situated in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by towering pine trees and offering a peaceful escape from the city. The campground is situated at an elevation of 6,300 feet (1,920 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by towering pine trees.

The campground offers 19 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 22 feet in length. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, making it easy for campers to cook and enjoy meals outdoors. The campground also has vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection facilities.

One of the main draws of Monte Cristo Campground is its proximity to outdoor recreation activities. The campground is located near several hiking trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The nearby Monte Cristo Creek is also stocked with trout for fishing, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Overall, Monte Cristo Campground offers a peaceful and enjoyable camping experience for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. The campground’s proximity to Los Angeles makes it a convenient destination for city dwellers looking for a quick getaway, while its natural setting provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for camping and outdoor recreation activities.

Campground Summary

NameMonte Cristo Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California
Latitude, Longitude34.3422, -118.1081
Elevation6,300 feet (1,920 meters)
Number of sites19
Amenities picnic tables, fire rings & grill, vault toilets, drinking water, and trash collection facilities.

Campground Map

Table Mountain Campground

Table Mountain Campground is situated in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is surrounded by a beautiful and serene forest environment, with stunning views of the mountain range. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

The campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The tent sites are situated on a grassy area, with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water nearby. The RV sites offer full hookups, including water, electricity, and sewage. The cabins are well-equipped with modern amenities, including kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and heating.

One of the best things about the campground is its location. It is situated near several hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to explore the mountain range and the surrounding forests. The trails range in difficulty, from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs through the campground, and the Table Mountain Trail, which offers stunning views of the valley below.

In addition to hiking, the campground offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a playground for children, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. There is also a campfire area, where visitors can gather around the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.

The campground is well-maintained, with clean and modern facilities. There are restrooms and showers available, as well as a laundry facility. The staff are friendly and helpful, and are always on hand to answer any questions or provide assistance.

Table Mountain Campground is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing camping experience. Its beautiful surroundings, modern amenities, and variety of activities make it the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you are looking to hike, explore, or simply relax in nature, this campground has something for everyone.

Campground Summary

NameTable Mountain Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County, California
Latitude, Longitude34.3863, -117.6894
OpenSpring – Fall
Elevation7,261 Feet
Number of Sites111 single site(s), 2 double site(s)
AmmenitiesVault Toilets, Potable Water

Campground Map

References

Courtney Chauncey Julian

Courtney Chauncey Julian
C. C. Julian

Courtney Chauncey Julian, C. C. Julian, was a businessman and shameless promoter who’s business dealings forced him to flee to California for China. He is noteworthy in his dealing in Death Valley National Park for his promotion of the town of Leadfield. After numerous court battles, he fled to Shanghai, China where he is poisoned or committed suicide.

C.C. Julian launched a newspaper blitz promoting his Julian Petroleum Corporation in 1923. The promotional blitz formed the basis for a ponzi scheme for investment into the JPC. The scandal became known as the “Julian Pete Scandal”. By 1927, it is estimated that Julian sold four million dollars in stock, which was stolen from his investors. Others estimate the value of the scheme at over eight million.

Drama followed the man, as he received death threats, however the nature of this threat is never resolved. It was reported by the United Press on Jan 4, 1924, that gun shots are fired threw the windows of his $100,000.00 house in Hollywood.

Perhaps one of his wierdest altercations came with famed film star Charles Chaplin. Just weeks after the shooting, Julian literally bumped into a table where Chaplin was eating at Club Petrouschka in Hollywood. A fight ensured and Chaplin got the better of Julian and knocked him out.

As one would expect from a thief, Julian had assets seized, by Collector of Internal Revenue, of $250,000.00 in cash and securities for failure to file is earnings from 1919-1923. He is able to maintain his house because it is deeded by his wife.

Julian at the Western Lead Mine located in Leadfield, California - Photo Los Angeles Times
Julian at the Western Lead Mine located in Leadfield, California – Photo Los Angeles Times

The end of Julian Petroleum Corporation stated in 1925. Julian sold his interest in the company to Sheridan C. (S.C.) Lewis and Jacob Berman for the sum on $500,000.00. The following year the company merged with California-Eastern Oil Company. An internal audit revealed the company had issued 4,200,000 unauthorized shares of stock. On May 5, 1927, the Los Angeles Stock Exchange halted trading in Julian Petroleum.

In 1931, Julian was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud in Oklahoma. He jumped bail and fled to country for Shanghai, China. Courtney Chauncey Julian is found dead of suicide in March, 1934.

"The Last Days of C. C. Julian," Los Angeles Times, 29 Sept. 1935
“The Last Days of C. C. Julian,” Los Angeles Times, 29 Sept. 1935

This town was the brain child of C. C. Julian, who could have sold ice to an Eskimo. He wandered into Titus Canyon with money on his mind. He blasted some tunnels and liberally salted them with lead ore he had brought from Tonopah. Then he sat down and drew up some enticing, maps of the area. He moved the usually dry and never deep Amargosa River miles from its normal bed.

He drew pictures of ships steaming up the river hauling out the bountiful ore from his mines. Then he distributed handbills and lured Eastern promoters into investing money. Miners flocked in at the scent of a big strike and dug their hopeful holes. They built a few shacks. Julian was such a promoter he even conned the U. S. Government into building a post office here. 

Desert Magazine – 1971 – Betty J. Tucker

References

Chilao Campground

Chilao Campground is a popular camping destination located in the Angeles National Forest, in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,300 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Facilities

Chilao Campground features 77 campsites, each of which is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. The campground also offers a number of amenities, including potable water, restrooms, and showers. Additionally, there is a camp store on-site that sells firewood, ice, and basic camping supplies.

Activities

The San Gabriel Mountains are a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the nearby hiking trails, including the Silver Moccasin Trail, which offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. There are also opportunities for fishing and swimming in nearby streams and lakes. Additionally, the campground is located near several historic sites, including the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Location

Chilao Campground is located in the Angeles National Forest, approximately 55 miles northeast of Los Angeles. To get there, visitors can take the Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2) to Chilao Campground Road. The campground is situated in a peaceful, secluded area, surrounded by trees and mountains.

This is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. With its stunning natural scenery and wide range of activities, it is sure to provide a memorable camping experience for visitors of all ages.

Campground Summary

NameChilao Campground
LocationSan Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles, California
Elevation5335 Feet
Number of Sites77
Latitude, Longitude34.3203, -118.0134

Campground Map

References