My friend and I went hiking in Claremont and intended on doing the loop, but when we saw the sign…read moreleading to Potato Mountain, we decided to head up! I've only heard about this spot, but have never been so I was excited to explore. The hike is not shaded and has a steady incline, so I was grateful that it was overcast and cool most of the day. The trail is wide enough for a car to drive on, and no major rocky areas, so I would say that if you were reeeeeally ambitious and wanted to push a jogging stroller up and down, you probably could. There are occasional bikers that we passed, but otherwise just a few hikers doing this trail, much less than the number of people doing the loop, which I actually liked. With the exception of the ugly graffiti on the concrete thing at the top, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley on one end, and snow capped mountains on the other end. It didn't take that long to summit ( I think it took us less than an hour each way), so if you have a couple hours for something a little more challenging than the loop, this is a good hike! Parking is available in the lot starting at $10 (Yikes!) on the weekends. Enjoy!

First time visitor There are not bathrooms anywhere…read more There are a few (3?) trash can / compost / recycle green bins at the start of the trail There is not a designated parking area if coming on MT Baldy RD, park after the last No Stopping Any time sign (will see Angeles Forest large sign) then can park on the side of the road and forward Be aware of oncoming traffic both directions when walking to the trail head Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water, snacks It is dog friendly but tough for stroller I think based on continual incline and gravel and rocky terrain Also note air may feel thinner as you start the trail so be mindful of your breathing and take rest stops Start of trail will be walking through shaded area with tree and can hear water and as continue the pathway make your descent up As you make your way further up, there will be part to turn left or go straight to the right, head to the left to continue upward - you'll see amazing clouds surrounding the mountain and the trail continuing You'll see a pathway that curves down the hill then back up, a right triangular metal sign will indicate going the right way and almost to the end of the trail. Other markers is seeing small forms of graffiti and the name Joey tagged on things Once on top, enjoy your accomplishment and then it's primarily a down hill return Enjoy Hydrate Limited cell service pending what part of the mountain on Enjoy the birds flowers rock formation little critters that pop In and out Would certainly return to try the other routes to potato mountain

Yesterday was my second time running/hiking through Marshall Canyon. I park at Oak Mesa park and…read morewalk towards the back you'll see and entrance and go right on Los Robles, right on via de Mansion and a left on Orangewood st you'll see the entrance to the trail to your left. This trail has a lot of shade, a few water crossing that can easily be jumped since there's not a lot of water. We share the trail with bikes and horses to be sure to keep an ear out. I would say this hike is moderate to hard depending on experience. This trail will connect you to the Claremont Loop, out and back is about 11 miles. Definitely a good trail to train in.

Marshall Canyon is one of my favorite hiking trails. I normally hike 11 miles round trip and it has…read morea good shades in some part of the trails . The elevation is around 1500 ft. but trust me, you will get a good workour and sweat. You will also see lots of bikers throughout the trail. There are areas you can rest and take water break. The trail is wide and safe. Lots of space to walk through.

Woke up early today to hike the 5-mile loop. Arrived at 6:30 when the ranger unlocked the gates…read more Full moon was out still, alluring and mysterious. Parking is now $9 for 4 hours, which seems a bit steep to me, but then again it's worse closer to LA so... Watched the sunrise illuminate the valley as we hiked. Completed it in 1.5 hrs with a stretch break at the rest area at the top. Lots of walkers, several bikers and runners, some dogs with their owners. Lots of birdsong but very little wildlife to be seen, until the last mile, when we saw 3 deer in their leisurely grazing. So beautiful!

Beautiful park and lots of parking. Parking is not cheap, I paid $9.35 to park for 4 hours. Looking…read moreinto a season pass ($170). The views were beautiful. It's a popular park for hiking. The trails are beautifully maintained. Share the trail with bikes and horses (if you come upon any). Some areas are shaded, so bring lots of water as there's none on the trail. Definitely a beautiful area to soak in nature. Be cautious as it is a 'wildlife' park, and there have been sightings of mountain lions and other wildlife. It's a dog-friendly and kid-friendly trail. In many areas, the elevation is a gradual incline, not abrupt, so it gives you a chance to adjust. Overall, a wonderful place to train for the PCT or marathons.

This trail was an absolute CF. I've been on better primitive trails. It is one way in and one way…read moreout no other options. There are NO maps and little trail indicators. You'd be better off walking barefoot on a coral reef. You cannot actually enjoy the trail because you have to always look down so that you don't trip and break your neck. I do not recommend, do so at your own risk.

The San Gabriel Bike Path is a very unique trail that offers those who are seeking a challenge. It…read morestretches from san antonio Mountains to Seal Beach, a whopping 37 miles total ride total. it's a great bike trail if you want to ride on your road bike with your friends ( or alone ). Normally, I casually ride here multiple times a month and haven't had any issues. homeless folks are still present around the riverbed, but it's not as bad as the LA River Trail Overall, I recommend this trail to anyone.

Over Thanksgiving weekend I wanted to get some fresh air and burn off a few holiday indulgences, so…read moreI found this great trail to hike with an excellent view of the Quartz Hill/Palmdale area. This is also a trail that memorializes a local hero (Sgt Steve Owen of the LA County Sheriff's Dept) that was gunned down and then executed by a parolee with a stolen gun during an attempted robbery. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-sergeant-steve-owen-killed-20161006-snap-story.html The trail begins along the Palmdale aqueduct (a section really popular with runners and dog walkers) and then veers off to the right at about the 0.5 mile mark to begin the ascent to the first memorial bench on top of a lookout point. The out and back hike in total is short at 3.5 miles, with all of the elevation gain in little over a mile, so consider this more of a mini peak hike to get some morning exercise and take in a great view of the AV. There's ample free parking across the street from the trailhead and a porta potty. If you don't want to hike the hill, there's also the paved side of the Palmdale Aqueduct trail that's also accessible from this trailhead.

Nice little hike. Lots of trails. Good place for dogs. Watch out for snakes during seasonread more

Great walk and beautiful area. Trail is nice for walkers and bike riders. There are places for some…read morepeople to complete various workouts. I wish there was more on the history of the rail line and bathrooms though

Great trail for cycling, jogging, and walking. My only advice is not to rely on the lights at each…read moreintersection to cross the street. Never speed up to make a light. Wait until cars have actually stopped before crossing. Too many close calls due to drivers ignoring the lights.

We live here for almost 8 years and love it, love neighbor , our garden and lot of birds in our…read moreyard even though so hot in the summer

Great trail for mountain biking. Takes several hours all up hill to reach the fork. About 7 miles…read moretotal and about 2700 feet elevation. So bring water and a snack. The road is a fire trail that as you get towards the top it's rocky and sandy. But as you can see from my pictures the climb is well worth it

There is, perhaps, no better way to truly appreciate urban life than riding down a bicycle path…read more There are many in SoCal--some nicer, some prettier, some cleaner--but none like this one. I have ridden the entire thing numerous times, both in sections and as a single long ride. Over time, you begin to notice themes and trends... When the flowers are in bloom, when the water runs in the river, when the clouds of gnats gather, and when the locals are active. There are times when it is scary, serene, scenic, scented, but always satisfying. AZUSA CYN TO ARROW HIGHWAY: Starting from the northernmost point, there is a turn-around dead-end where the trail enters Azusa canyon. Most folks don't start here, but for the purpose of explanation, this is the top of the trail. Nestled well in the foothills of the San Gabriels and adjacent to some upper end gated track housing, the trail here is relatively clean, save for the occasional pile of sand or gravel. Heading south, the trail runs along the east side of the San Gabriel "river"-- an historic watershed that is largely concreted on its way to the ocean. This stretch is one of the more natural areas, with chaparral and semi-arid plants like yucca, sage, buckwheat, willow, prickly pear and cholla cactus growing amidst the rocky soil and Boulder-strewn expanse of the flat river bed. It is here that many enter the river trail at Lario or by parking near Encanto park and riding across the bridge. This desert beauty, interrupted by the 210 freeway and the occasional kid on a big wheel, continues down past the Miller brewing plant into the Santa Fe Dam area (see my review for more information!)-- in summary, many recreational opportunities, a nature center or two, and a beautiful desert plant path to walk... Rabbits, roadrunners, coyotes, snakes, lizards, and ground squirrels frequent the area. The trail continues along the top of the dam for a couple of miles, then crosses Arrow Hwy. ARROW HWY TO PICO RIVERA GOLF COURSE: The trail switches to the west side of the river below Arrow Hwy. starting with one of several rest stops for bikers. This first one is a concrete area with some benches, a shaded area, and a map or two of the area. Heading south, the scene is mostly industrial for a mile or so. Passing behind neighborhoods and schools, the homeless population starts to show up under bridges and road overpasses. Graffiti becomes common. Occasional broken glass and garbage keeps your eyes on the path. There are a few places where it seems water collects most of the year; local subsistence fishermen ply the waters here for carp, and the occasional catfish or stocked trout that got trapped here when the waters recede seasonally. There are several horse and livestock properties along the last few miles above the Pico Rivera golf course/dam area. Watch for the roosters in cages-- I'm sure they're just part of a breeding program, and couldn't possibly be involved in any kind of cock fighting operation.... Just above the Pico dam, the SGR trail meets the terminus of the Rio Hondo trail, which heads essentially north back to Arcadia via Whittier Narrows regional park and past El Monte Airport. Pico Rivera Golf Course is biker-friendly, and has restrooms, a snack bar, and a parking lot that seems to be used by many cyclists as an endpoint. PICO RIVERA GOLF COURSE TO I-5 FWY Just south of the golf course, you switch back to the east side of the river. This stretch prompted me to make a pepper spray purchase, and rig a holder for it in my handlebars. It is also good motivation to keep pedaling! Shoals of people-- some homeless, some harmless, and some homeys--wandering about or living under the bridges in communities. I once had a guy try to stop me holding a broomstick that I was sure was going in my front wheel as I sped by. If you time your ride when other cyclists are in the area or go with a group... And don't go looking for trouble... You just get through here. Backyard farms, horses, some illegal dumping, and urban rattle-can art highlight this stretch. Keep moving. Rest stops and small parks are overrun by homeless and weirdos. Respeto, Papi. I-5 TO SEAL BEACH As if someone hit a switch or waved a magic wand, the trail improves, and the scenery changes. Two big parks-- Wilderness Park and Liberty Park-- are decent rest stops with relative safety. Things continue to improve the closer you get to the ocean, but the crowds increase. Watch for kids, joggers, and pedestrians! Use your voice to let people know you're behind them. Within a few miles of the beach, the river is filled with water year-round, and you can see mullet jumping out of the water near the power plant warm water outfalls. Anglers try to snag mullet and tilapia here. Numerous waterfowl and wading birds can be seen here. Prettier and prettier... In Seal Beach, the last stretch heads down to the River's End cafe, and some beach restrooms, and a short ride to downtown and the pier. Happy cycling!

I use this lower section of the San Gabriel River Trail as a connector to get me from the Coyote…read moreCreek River Trail to the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path that ends at the Catalina Express in Long Beach. All of these river trails are an excellent way to ride a bike a long distance and not have to compete with the cars on the street! For that reason alone, I give this trail five stars. Plus the trail from Katella to Marina Drive was newly paved this year (2012). The San Gabriel Trail merges with the Coyote Creek Trail at the bridge crossing just South of Katella. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/coyote-creek-bike-path-anaheim?select=5voIMVzbgym4CD4qv3sSfQ#EkKaZsu_4grxwPY3PbiKBQ This is where the canal always has an ocean water level and some wildlife habitat. You will most likely see pelicans there. Heading South, you will pass by the Haynes Steam Power Plant between 7th and 2nd Street. At night, the lights from the Power Plant illuminate the trail. After going under PCH, the trail seems to end at Marina Drive. But if you cross Marine Drive, the San Gabriel River Trail actually goes anther half mile or so and ends up at the Rivers End Café. http://www.yelp.com/biz/rivers-end-caf%C3%A9-seal-beach-2 If you go back to Marina Drive, you can take it to go around Alamitos Bay Marina and head for the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path to the Queen Mary! http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoreline-pedestrian-bikepath-long-beach After Alamitos Bay Marina you will take a left at 2nd Street, a left at Bay Shore Avenue and another left at 54th Place, which will take you right to the beginning of the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. This trail will take you by the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, through Shoreline Village, go around the Aquarium of the Pacific and end at the Catalina Express. If you haven't had enough miles by then or you forgot that you have to ride back... you can stay to your left after you go around the Catalina Express and catch the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path!