Santa Anita Canyon Madrone

by "Hiking Joanie"
(greater L.A. area)

I am a hiker in Southern California. One of my favorite areas is in the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest.

On returning several years ago, on the Upper Winter Creek trail going to Chantry Flats, my eye was caught by a brilliant red/orange bark tree.....which I first thought was Manzanita.

However....it was huge and the leaves were definetely not Manzanita. Upon peering down the canyon further, I was delighted to see a nice stand of these trees....all brilliant in the late afternoon sun.

Since then I have found another stand of these trees further south, but from the same trail. They are magnificent and a treasure to behold.