Some Friday nights just have a little magic. From the moment we arrived, the evening felt like it belonged in a postcard. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the peaks glowed with brilliant shades of gold while the string lights slowly came to life, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. The live music was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the relaxed atmosphere made it easy to settle in and enjoy every moment. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, adding to the easygoing vibe that makes this place so special. The night felt especially memorable. As the last rays of sunlight painted the mountains in shades of gold, they seemed to catch the glow of her change as well. There was something about that moment the warmth of the sunset, the music in the background, and great company that made everything feel effortlessly beautiful. Some evenings become memories long before they end, and this was one of them. And then there was the donkey. That giant grin completely stole the show! If you visit, don't miss saying hello--you'll probably find yourself laughing and reaching for your camera. Between the breathtaking mountain views, incredible sunset, live music, delicious food, super chill staff, and a donkey with the biggest smile around, this place delivered an epic Friday night from start to finish. Yelp Elite Tip: Arrive before sunset for the mountain views, stay for the live music, and don't leave without meeting the smiling donkey. You'll leave with great memories and probably a few photos you'll keep coming back to. read more

See all

You can stop here to purchase your adventure parking pass and/or grab a bite to eat! We found Adam's Pack Station after we finished our hike. The breakfast burrito was okay, but their burger was veryyyy good. As we sat and ate, the front started to pile up with cars parking as people were arriving to pick up the adventure pass or begin their hike for the morning, so I'd say we came at a good time. The pack station is a little cafe with plenty of seating, and donkeys right beside you so you can say hello (and definitely smell them lol). read more

See all

We were so excited to find this hidden gem by accident when looking for parking. Vibrate and charming cafe up in the mountains. With a number of tables. Small menu. They do serve cold beers. Staff were great. Friendly and attentive. I truly enjoyed the view of the donkeys. It was nice hearing about them especially Willow. We ordered the breakfast burrito and it did not disappoint. I loved how crispy the bacon and potatoes were. The egg was fluffy. Well seasoned. You even get sausage which was delicious. We gave this burrito a 10/10. Highly recommend. We look forward to our next visit and trying their steak sandwich. read more

Adams Pack Station - After Hike Modelos - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

The last remaining mule pack station in the Angeles National Forest, Adams' Pack Station is also a restaurant and shop. You can buy a parking pass here, have coffee, and beer is a big thing. Service was friendly at 9 am. Ambiance is how you'd imagine a mule pack station: very casual. The coffee was decent but they didn't have real milk or half-and-half. I did buy a cute souvenir tumbler, which has been working out well. read more

The new owners are awesome and they have free live music every Friday night in the Summer. Great breakfast burritos! read more

Adams Pack Station - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

Great place to go for food that will fill your belly after a good hike! It's in a great location is you love the outdoors as much as I do! The fast service and friendly works make this place a must go back! read more

Adams Pack Station - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

+ Pleasant outdoor ambience for some casual dining. + Polite, helpful staff. - Not a lot of healthy options. - No fruit - nor fruit drinks. . Just a bit expensive. + No tax. - Parking is $5/day. - Chantry Flat restrooms in need of repair and lacking amenities. I had: $4 ice cream + $3 soda can = $7 read more

Whether stopping in to purchase your park pass or coming to hang with friends. Adams' Pack Station is a great place to stop for eats/drinks before or after your hike. There is such a family feel with all the welcome vibes around. Everyone greets you with a smile. A bonus that they have good food and beer. Their breakfast panini was delish. Flavorful and cheesy over fluffy eggs and breakfast meats. Yum! We had a fun breakfast with friends after a hike to the falls. *they now have the capability to accept tap as payment. was also told they will soon have a full coffee bar to offer those "fancy coffees" haha. looking forward to that before a brisk morning hike. read more

See all

The turkey wrap was so good, they also have muffins, beer, coffee, hot tea, sodas, water and chips. The service was wonderful the lady was very helpful and sweet all the time. She even recommended us other trails to explore and told us to go visit the donkeys. The ambiance is adorable with mountains view. Just be ready for the bees lol. The place looks so rustic with lights .. Has a parking outside. After a good hike you can eat there and also buy hiking adventures day pass or yearly. Recommended it read more

See all

10 stars rating if you ask me, but it's not possible to put that . Where to start.? From the beautiful aroma of sweet Mother Nature, to the birds chirping all around you. The layout of the furniture is so comfortable and their tables have fun table games ! Not only is it just a spectacular place to go and have family time but you can bring your date up here and enjoy the positive atmosphere and frequencies of the mountains. This place is also perfect to pick up a snack or bite to eat before and even after a wonderful hike! Even having super cold beers available if you'd like to unwind with a cold one! Every single worker up there will provide you with amazing service ! Quick tip! When you do go up there, I encourage you to park in their lot down the dirt road for only 5$ donation which goes towards their donkeys they have for you to see and pet!!! Thank you all for being so pleasant and I can't wait to go back up there myself ! read more

Really rude owner, harassed me this morning, gave me dirty looks and stared for minutes. Screamed what's my problem and tried to fight me. Very unprofessional and vulgar behavior from the old raggedy man. The only unpleasant human I interacted with on my hike. read more

Where else can you eat a burger, drink a beer and watch donkeys and wild birds? There are cabins that are over 100 years old down in the canyon. All are privately owned but Camp Sturtevant has bungalows available for rent, but you have to plan ahead. Hiking is what this area is known for. Bring your sunscreen and insect repellent too. Don't drink the stream water. Donkeys and uninformed hikers pee in it. read more

My car oil pan cracked at 10:30 am and the owner maggy gave me support . She was very helpful and nice . She told me if I ever need anything or a ride to let her know and she will support. The auto mechanic mobile came to fix my car and we were there until 8 pm ish . Thank you maggy for the support , you are the realest and have a good heart . God bless you maggy . I hope you see this ! read more

This place is the perfect getaway cove in the mountains. Went on a whim and it was whimsical. Had delicious burgers and will be back for the hikes! And burgers again. Staff is so friendly and you just can't beat the ambiance. Cutest donkeys ever. read more

Adams Pack Station - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Stopped here mid-ride to refuel with some refreshments. I wasn't hungry enough for food, but those burgers smelled amazing! It's a great little spot to relax after a climb and take in the mountain views. Super friendly staff and perfect for cyclists looking for a scenic pit stop. Whether you're grabbing a quick drink or a full meal, it's worth stopping by. read more

Adams Pack Station - Front view - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Just reopened after four years, food on the weekends, cold beer all the time! We had some tasty tacos from local popup, and washed them down with cold beers and sodas. The stables have donkeys, and the hosts will let you visit them when possible. Super friendly hosts, stop in before and after your hike! Some of the best hiking this close to LA. read more

Adams Pack Station - Sign! - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Just ate one of the best breakfast burritos of my life. As big as my leg. Adorable patio dining with a friendly staff.

Great place to relax after a hike they have a variety of beer and refreshments as well as treats and food. So happy they finally reopened. read more

See all

Visited APS for an AYSO event. Our family had such a great experience. The ride up to the site was breathtaking. Being a lifelong resident in the area, I never knew about it. The site is perfect for hosting outdoor events and hiking. We loved meeting the donkeys in there stables. I forgot the hosts names but they were very pleasant and accommodating. We are definitely going back to hike and planning an event to return to APS. It will be reopening in October, so start making plans Keep in Yelping read more

After a rugged 8 mile hike, an ice cold beer sure hit the spot! The virus has trimmed back food services, but it was nice to sit down and enjoy a friendly cold one. read more

Adams Pack Station - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Blown away by the new ownership! I have been hiking Chantry Flats regularly for more than 5 years and absolutely LOVE the Sturtevant Falls hike (see photos). Adams' Pack Station has always stood out as a convenient place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a cold drink after hiking, or find last minute parking on the weekends. However, the new owner has taken the customer service to new levels. I was greeted warmly upon arrival, offered information about the many hikes in the area, got a great cup of coffee for only $2, and even got my Camelback filled with cold clean water since the Forest Service fountain was out of order. So happy I stopped here and can't wait to return this summer for concerts and beer in the mountains. read more

See all

Haulin' Ass Since 1936! This pack station is the last of its kind in southern California. Since 1936, they have faithfully delivered goods to cabins via donkeys and served the hikers and campers of Chantry Flats. They provide gear, food, and other general store stuff. But more than that, the friendly folks at the station can provide valuable advice on trails and terrain conditions. Tips: Don't have a parking permit aka "Adventure Pass?" Pick one up at the store. Check their website for events. read more

Adams Pack Station - Pack station - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Sweet spot at the top of the trailhead. Park your car for $10 in a private lot and have a righteous spicy sausage dog, fries and a beer after the hike. The people running the place were super nice and I'll be going there next spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Cheers to the people at Pack Station. ps. Take the upper trail above the falls for an exciting walk along a steep cliff. read more

See all

Help Save Sturtevant Camp. Visit adampackstation.com to donate. Thank you Ms. Burgess for all that you do. Ms. Burgess has dedicated her life to the maintenance and care of Adams' Pack Station. She ran the Pack station at mostly a loss and is just now turning a profit selling hot dogs, hamburgers, panini's and chili at the pack station. Her prices are reasonable, $7 will get you a burger and fries. The hot food is appreciated as you emerge from the forest. There are goats donkeys and horses onsite. The whole place is quite inviting and charming. Ms. Burgess next project is to raise money and help save the historic cabins at Sturtevant Camp. She sorely needs donations for her cause. If you would like to help visit adampackstation.com and donate. read more

Adams Pack Station - This is a photo of the hardworking Ms. Burgess. Help save Sturtevant Camp visit adampackstation.com and donate. - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

Pros: Charming little pack station at Chantry Flats located at the end of road. Popular hiking location. Has a few hiking options which are good for different experience levels. Great place to stop for a cold water or refreshing beer after a nice long hike. Also have a little food hut so u can have a Canyon Hot Dog, burger, chilifries etc. instead of packing a lunch. Finally, they have local musicians playing every Sunday from 11-5. Picnic area is pretty clean so pls pick up after yourself! You need an adventure pass to park on the public parking area for free or can park in station's lot for $10. ( U can buy pass at station.) Cons: PARKING SUCKS! People go up there early...so finding parking spaces in public lot is tough and many end up parking on side of road. I usually fork out the $10 and park in station's lot but u may need to leave your keys since they do park cars behind one another. Been seeing a lot more visitors this summer. Final Thought: Personally, I love this place. Local and nice escape from concrete jungle. Love hiking up to Sturtevant Falls, then hitting the Station for a cold drink while sitting on the patio under the cooling misters as I relax to some sweet music. read more

Adams Pack Station - Patio area - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

If you don't know, ask somebody. This is a great place for live music on Sundays during summer. They make great burgers and sandwiches, the beer is cold and the music is good. Go for a hike, stay in a cabin or just chill in the afternoon. Deb is amazing and the people you meet there will warm your heart. read more

See all

So you decided to get off your duff and venture out into the ether known as "outside". For some inexplicable reason you end up at this place called Chantry Flats. Why it is so named doesn't make a lot of sense when you realize you are quite literally on a small shelf on a mountainside with a drop on one side that is 100s of feet and the other side is mostly very steep forests clinging to the side of the mountain. However there is a small park, ranger station, and a couple of parking lots with a helicopter landing pad. Nestled in against the side of the hill is a small joint called Adams Pack Station. No they don't sell power packs or luggage. They do sell random things however like hiking supplies, food, hot food, and swag. From time to time they have some unique animals that are available to be bet or viewed as well. Beware they have chickens roaming around and I don't want you to be pecked to death hahaha The pack station is also private property with a paid parking lot where you do not need an angeles forest parking pass. This is kinda handy to say the least if you don't want to wait for a parking space. The hot food here consists of simple to fix food or bbq. Hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, pulled pork sammies, chips, fries, etc. So if you want a premium priced item to snack on before or after your trek through the wilds, they have got you covered here... So if you get the hankering for some grub well you now have an option while out beyond beyond in chantry flats... read more

This place is bullshit and I'll tell you why. I went here to pay the stupid fee to park. The guy ahead of me want to buy a piece of fabric with the map of the trail on it hanging on the wall for $20. The guy wanted another one that was cleaner and the snot nosed kid that was running the joint was like "that's our only one" he even had the other girl working put up the act to look for another one. The guy bought it and then the other girl asked "should I put another one up?" and the kid said "no wait a while". I would expect that behavior from 7/11 workers but not from this place. It's really ridiculous Oh they have beer here in which I dunno if they have a liquor license to sell. read more

Went to hike at Sturtevant Falls and as usual, parking was full for about a quarter of a mile down. We went around the parking lot and as we looped around, there was a sign for parking for $20. Kinda of expensive, but hey, convenience is nice. The person in front said it was private property and we could park there and it would be valet and we would need to drop our keys off. Dropped our car, no issues. It was weird, however, to see all the parking/valet attendants were wearing volunteer t-shirts and barely looked like they were even able to drive. I would put them at 18 years old tops. Should have been a red flag but we wanted to hit the hike. We gave them our key, they gave us a card with a number. They didn't have any numbers on the cars so all they really know is who gets what keys and not which car the key belongs to. When we came back, our car was parked tucked in the corner. We were blocked to the side and from behind. We had about 2-3 feet space to the left, and 3-4 feet space behind us with no space in the front or to the right. They apparently lost the key to the car behind us. How do you do that when your lot only holds 20-25 cars tops? For 20 minutes, all you see are them pressing the key remotes and we see all the cars around us light up since they didn't know which key belonged to that car. They ended up moving the car to the left of us and expected us to navigate using a 26 point turn. I shared my concern about this as earlier, since it was a dirt, sloped road, we were slipping. Told one of the older ladies that if we back up and we slip, we'd hit the car right behind us and we would be held liable and we weren't comfortable doing that. She was like "oh, that won't happen." Sorry, I didn't know you were God and knew the exact outcome would be....Then I brought up the fact that we slid earlier and she said "oh that's cause you were on a slope." Hello???? We're on a freaking mountain and your entire parking lot is sloped. After our 26 point turn, we eventually was able to escape this trap...but one more point..they had the volunteers go DIRECTLY BEHIND our car while we were backing up saying "just go till you almost hit our legs" to make sure we don't hit the car behind us. I'm sure insurance would love to hear that they are letting their 16 year old volunteers (or workers, i don't know what they really are) stand behind a car backing up, on a dirt slope parking lot, to stop the car from hitting the car it's backing up into.....smart. At the end, they never apologized and made it sound like it was my fault for them losing the key. They were speaking in a condescending tone and if they were nice about it, I wouldn't have cared. But not one apology, not one "it was our fault", not even a refund. In a nutshell, don't go here and just do the walk up the hill to the hike...i mean, we're all coming here to hike anyway right? Might as well add another 1/4 of a mile. If you do choose to park here, pay by card so you can get your money back if they do something shady like this. I made the mistake of paying cash where I can't get that back. read more

Adams pack station is a fun family spot to get away from it all. Straight up Santa Anita drive in Arcadia, you'll get there in 15 minutes. Parking can be crowded on weekends, as this is a launching point for many destinations in the San Gabriel mountains, but when you find a spot , make your way over to the pack station, south of the main parking lot. Cool drinks, shade , tables, and if your lucky its a BBQ weekend and they're selling pulled pork sandwiches ! Have a drink and a sandwich and listen to some free local live music too! Don't forget to tip! read more

Adams Pack Station - One of the locals at Adams Pack Station- - Rest Stops Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

Beware...both bathrooms they have here are completely disgusting! They are really unusable and look like they have not been cleaned or attended to in some time. What do they do with the $10 they get you for the Adventure Pass they get you for to park??? read more

See all

On Saturdays my friends and I would take the bus as far as it would go up Santa Anita and then hitchhike the rest of the way up to Chantry Flats. We would hike and swim all day and then stop for a cream soda at the general store. That was back in the mid 70"s. read more

Awesome atmosphere & music. Great place to go on a Sunday afternoon. They even rent out cabins. Deb makes you feel right at home. Just found my new favorite place!! read more

Today I went with a few of my hiking buddies and enjoyed a beautiful day checking out the Sturtevant Falls trail. After the great workout we had coming back up a steep and seemingly never ending hill, we decided the sign for burgers and cold beer from Adam's Pack Station strategically placed half way up the hill, was exactly what we needed to recover. I ordered a burger with fries and a budweiser which came to $10.50 and was made to order. The drinks were nice and cool and the burger and fries were fresh and hot off the grill. The grill/pick up area had signs for Perfect Canyon Hot Dogs and Kick Ass Burgers which is right on the money! They have a simple menu selection but they cover all the bases from burgers to hot dogs to veggie burgers. My friends and I were pleasantly surprised at how great everything tasted and really enjoyed sitting on the deck with plenty of shade and a nice view of the cute goats and mules. They also offer ice cream bars, candy, muffins, hot chocolate, coffee and much more inside the general store. Credit cards are accepted. Can't beat a lovely day enjoying nature in good company and topping it off with a cold beer and a burger with fries! read more

Don't get me wrong, the hike to Sturtevant Falls is wonderful, but the people at the Adams' Packing Station are just plain rude. From their behavior to their signs and even their website, they very clearly show two main themes: They have no interest in visitor education, they simply tell you to read the sign of visit the website. They are the only game in town, and will charge whatever they please and provide the lowest level of service possible. Their sarcastic and bitter demeanor reflects poorly on the residents of the cabins that they serve and the decisions of the national park service to continue renewing their permit. read more

I love this place! It was such an interesting discovery for my husband and I. The people working there were so helpful and nice. We're going back for bbq and a concert, can't wait! read more

The most special and unique place in the forest -- a pack station that offers many live music and family activities, moonlight hikes, and much more, including great food and merchandise. read more

Their are goats running louse they will come up to you for a pet but be ware if you have small children the male attacked my 4 year old using his horns he armed his stomach and threw him up in the sir and on the ground his scream shooed the animal off it happened so fast I couldn't stop it. read more

If you're in the Chantry Flats area and it's a weekend, support the local business and stop by the pack station. Debb and her crew do a great job. Live music and BBQ's on the weekends. read more

Would have been better if that old man wasn't so rude. Just ask one question and he was throwing a fit. Simple question like " where do I pay? " or " can we park at the other lot? " I understand that he probably got 100 approach but being rude or give a tone about a simple question was not needed. Beside that, a lot of space to park, three sections. The restroom is plain nasty. read more