Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear…read more There's still snow there, the road is clear, and along the way, there's a mountain stream and a reservoir where you can stop. Download a map in advance, as there's no signal there. There's a small lake where you can take a walk, and a forest with a cozy family café where you can grab a snack.

Plenty hiking opportunities, refreshing air, and a nice scenic drive in. Be sure to have a full…read moretank, as there is no gas services. There is a cafe/ convenience store across from the campground where you can also purchase your day use park pass for $5. I experienced a foggy day, which gave a cooling effect to my hiking. Restrooms are vault toilets, so unpleasant smells and a mess are a given. The lake has lots of swampy algae, therefore not appropriate for swimming or water sports. However, they do allow fishing with permit. I am a nature enthusiast and it was saddening to see the lack of humans respect for nature, with graffiti and trash in some areas of the park. Crystal lake definitely could use more funding to preserve its natural beauty. The loveliest part is listening to woodpeckers as they work, watching an eagle fly above with a fish in its talons, and treading quietly not to startle the squirrel who is crossing my path. I suggest picking up a map with hiking trails from the rangers post or convenience store, before planning your day!

The hike is beautiful. It was the first time I've felt the energy from the mountains, the wild life…read moreis stunning, and driving further north east deeper into the mountains is worth the trip. I highly recommend if you have children/grandchildren or wanna take the friends out to clear their head and reset the mind for the week, bring them here.

This is the bottom of the trail, had a lot of fun hiking near "the bridge to nowhere"read more

Nonvemnous hike, I survived :)…read more Rattlesnake peak is known to be "Baby Iron Mountain" and it certainly lives up to that reputation. As who doesn't love babies? Right? Lol, I love, love babies! From the gate, it's about a mile hike on a flat dirt road to the trailhead ...then get ready for an awesome climb and a bit of rock scrambling at the top! Hiking the loop, my iwatch clocked in at 11 miles with an elevation gain of 3,984ft. The descent, after the summit, is so so very overgrown (bleh). Make sure to wear long sleeves, pants as I was pretty scratched up on my slightly exposed areas, from trekking through all the brush. So many sharp yucca plants here too. Descent is sandy with areas that are pretty slippery -I had no shame in using my microspikes then. During this hike, you're exposed to the elements most of the time (not much shade) - so best to do this hike during winter or colder weather. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunnies (sunglasses), hiking poles, water and I wear gloves (to protect myself from the cold, sun and brush). Don't forget to share here on Yelp, your "witch-jump," "broomstick stick jump," at the summit, lol. I had enough energy to muster up a couple jumps for this photo at the peak ...and I have confidence that you will too. Happy adventuring to you !!! Stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) out there :)

Me and my group did this on Saturday (1/8/22). This can be enjoyable if you go in knowing that it…read morewill test you and not enjoyable if you are just looking to be in nature and for great views...there are much easier hikes that can provide you with that ****Warning***** I have hiked hundreds of times and I found this hike to be very difficult so only do this hike if you are prepared for this. It is considered to be the 2nd hardest hike in the Angeles National Forest...only Iron Mountain being harder and this hike is often called Baby Iron or Iron Mountain's Little Brother...there are longer hikes but because of the incline, terrain, etc...it doesn't get much harder in the LA area; Location- north of Azusa, take HWY 39 and turn R on East Fork Rd...the same way as you would go for the Bridge to Nowhere hike...but you make a left on Shoemaker Rd about a mile or two before; the parking lot is pretty big and since this hike is difficult and not a lot of people do it the parking is not croweded; you need an Adventure Pass displayed Trail- you hike for about 1.5 miles on a pretty wide fire road that has gradual incline that is pretty easy...keep an eye out to the left for the small trail that you will want to take...if you get to the first of two tunnels you have gone too far...from all the reviews I have read it is better to do the out and back and not the loop that would include the tunnels since beyond the tunnels the trail is overgrown and not enjoyable; after you take the small trail to the left the next 3 miles will be very slow going with really steep rocky sections and some ups and downs where the dirt is loose and it is easy to slip and fall and this is especially true when coming back down. There will be some false summits and just some areas of up and down that will really slow the pace down. The trail is exposed and because it is so hard it would be wise to pick the right time of year and weather conditions and of course to start the hike at a good time (EARLY) Peak- the views at the peak are really good since you have views to the south looking toward the nearby cities, to the west and Mt. Wilson, to the east and Iron Mtn and Baldy and to the north and Baden-Powell; there was the metal 39 martker and a box with hiking stickers on it but no wooden sign when we were there Difficulty- extremely strenuous Distance- about 8.5 miles Elevation Gain- about 4,300 ft Peak Elevation- about 5,800 ft Duration- there are some people who breeze through this in 5 hrs but I think most people will need about 7-10 hrs depending on how many breaks you take and how long you spend at the peak Tips- wear shoes with good grips (hiking or trail running shoes); wear layers for different weather conditions but also to stay covered up for the bushes and plants that you may bump up against; bring lots of water(3-4L), and trekking poles

great trail! not too steep just a long trek around the river. beautiful scenery, saw a lynx cat in…read morea tree and got chased by a bee lol.

I came looking for a park for my kids to play and found this hidden gem tucked adjacent to South…read moreHills. This park hugs the edges of the hill and faces the Dalton wash. It's pretty calm, quiet and serene due to the low traffic which is at end of a cul da sac. The park has a few hiking trails trail called the Dalton Wash Trail and the Toyon trail which are simple, but at the same time fun. The playground looks pretty new and in good condition. I love how it's covered with rubber materials as cushion as opposed to sand and wood chips. It's cleaner on the kids and safer if they fall. The dog park is also in good condition with shading, seating and a small obstacle course it (sections separated for small and large dogs).There is also lots of natural shading due to the large trees with picnic benches. Additionally, there are also a restrooms on site with a water fountain. Everything about the park is great because it has everything you need within a small space.

After the wettest winter in LA county in my life, South Hills Park is now (3/20/2017) tremendously…read moregreen! It went from looking like the Sahara to looking like Scotland. There are lots of deviating paths, but you don't get lost here as most side paths are just viewpoints that end rather quickly. I went here with my mountain bike starting from the eastern side of High Country Drive entrance (taking Hunters Trail road). I recommend entering this side as it's easier to go uphill on cement and do most downhill towards the exit of Bonnie Cove Drive. Amazing views at many points of the trail. Some parts, you'll hear the deafening 210 freeway and electric clicks of the overhanging ropes from electric towers. Other areas, you'll be shielded and it'll seem like you're no longer in a city. NOTE: the trail of Bonnie Cove is a little overgrown from the rain, so you'll smack into a lot of tall grasses and it's only like 1.5 ft wide now. Totally fun if you don't mind it. Lots of others are also overthrown, but I don't remember if they had names.

As of October 2025, the price of admission has increased to $15. At least it was for the weekend of…read morethe annual dragon boat festival. Many cars were lined up before the recreation area opened for the day, so it took a while to find parking. Many teams found their patch of grass to pitch up tents for the better half of the day, while it seems those who weren't part of the festival were partitioned off. From around 7am to 4pm, a lively environment of DJs and live music, jersey vendors, drumming competitions, costume contests, and even Zumba, a nice mix of distractions between all the waiting between heats. The park's maintenance team were on hand cleaning the restrooms, emptying trash cans, and driving to and from whenever they were needed. Some of the dragon boat teams and vendors also drove into the booth areas which made it kinda dangerous with so many people. There was even a close call of an infant almost getting run over. In terms of dragon boat, participating in 250m sprints was a positive experience. Much different sense of urgency compared to the usual 500m.

Peaceful, Quiet, plenty space to Walk , Ride Bikes, Jogging, Picnics . Only $8 to get in if you…read morequalify or you could buy a yearly pass that's good for all State Parks.

We stopped by this station to purchase our adventure pass and use the restroom before heading to…read morethe Azusa River wilderness Park. It is a must stop before heading up the hill. It is the cleanest restroom you are going to find. The people here were very nice and very helpful when purchasing our adventure pass. We were going to buy the day pass, but We ended up buying the yearly pass for $30 instead. They have a cute little sitting area outside.

Definitely a 4.25 star trail. From a 5 mile to a 10 mile long trail - for walks, jogs runs bikes,…read moreskating- etc for individuals to groups ... and family outings... the scenic views are gorgeous...inspiring. from low to higher elevation, the trails are clean and encouraging. The river flows can be heard and seen. As the trail advances up north, less and less people and homes can be seen or heard...Just nature... as a runner, I was drawn to the beauty of the sounds and scenery. Along the way, wooden gateways lined the trails, rest stops along the way and up to the turn around point. Only thing missing is restrooms but I can see why. Have fun enjoy. Parking can be done at the wilderness point ...Last stop by north or park along the roadway , along the housing track.

This is the trail if you're looking for a crazy non stop incline. The entire trail is a 11 mile…read moreround trip. There are some parts that are gravelly. Be very careful to avoid injury. Should wear hiking shoes with traction. There's no shade so make sure you bring a hat and wear lots of sunscreen. Insect spray and net are high recommended. You will see army of Gnats flying everywhere. You will hit 3500+ elevation and it's a great trail for if you want to build that leg muscle and burn more calories. Pretty straight forward trail just one way up you will see a split when you're near the top. Make sure you make a right and a quick left if you're going towards mount bliss. Parking: I usually park at Encanto Park and walk towards the trail, about half a mile down.

Great hike since the beginning straight to business I would recommend to try this hike bring lots…read moreof water

Hidden gem right off the 210. This would be a great destination for a work-out hike; there are lots…read moreof hills, inclines and challenging trails. It's also a great place for views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the SGV. We walked almost every inch and clocked 5 miles if you make the whole circuit. Free parking.

Nice short trails nice views not many people around Went after it rained so some trails were muddy…read morebut will definitely try again

I've been on this trail a few times and really enjoy it. Only issue is there are some homeless…read morewalking around occasionally but they don't really bother you, although I would still be careful. Bring sunscreen and a nice bike and ride all the way to the Santa Fe Dam. Would recommend! Easy bike trail.

We've ridden our bicycles a few times here starting off from the Gold Line Duarte station. The…read moreroute is in good condition but what I do not like is the homeless trashy encampments that are an eyesore to what should be a nice clean safe environment. Another issue is there are hardly any places to pull over nearby that you can relax and eat, drink, or enjoy the cities business districts. They also lack signs at the cross streets you go under informing you where you are at, the cities could do better.