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    El Encanto Trail Hike

    4.9 (8 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Magdalena T.

    Beautiful easy wide spacious trail that's short and some cars coming out as you walk into it from the entrance. Lots of rocks above and up ahead, so don't go during any rainy or bad conditions and risk anything. They have a small lot. We didn't know it was closed on the weekends because we didn't see any signs, so just fyi!

    Danny L.

    El Encanto Trail is located right before you head up to Crystal Lake on Highway 39. This fire trail road is located in between steep mountains, the serene sound of water flowing downstream from the riverbed & a wonderful equestrian center. If you look closely, there is a few white Buddha statues sitting on top of concrete platforms. It is an easy hike with mostly flat terrain throughout. Total round trip is less than three miles & close to an hour to complete. Unfortunately, there is no fishing in the riverbed. The parking lot is huge, very spacious which results to plenty of parking for everyone.

    Jazzari T.

    Easy hike - most of the trail is small rocks/dirt. Pretty flat terrain. The last 10 minutes of hike a lot of small rocks making it difficult for those who have a hard time balancing or vision. Little rope Hanging from the tree at the end of the hike, I'm assuming people like to swing into the river during warmer months but this area is marked on map as not for recreation. 10 minute drive north of Downtown Azusa. Only porter potty's available. There are trash bins to properly done any food to keep away from bears or wildlife. I would definitely recommend this trail for families with children. It was open today, Saturday so I don't know why it shows as closed on the Yelp page.

    el encanto hiking trail, azusa river wilderness park

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Lovely! Bees in spring are intense but with it. Lots of sun. Bring a shady hat and potential ticks

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    Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1(62 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    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!

    Photos
    Crystal Lake - My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.

    Crystal Lake - Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot

    Crystal Lake

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    Rattlesnake Peak Trail

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail

    4.0(7 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    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

    Photos
    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - Great views at peak

    Great views at peak

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - View on the way up

    View on the way up

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - The All Mountain Karate Tournament Cobra Kai vs Miyagi-Do

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    The All Mountain Karate Tournament Cobra Kai vs Miyagi-Do

    South Hills Park - View from trail behind dog park

    South Hills Park

    4.3(26 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    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.

    Photos
    South Hills Park
    South Hills Park
    South Hills Park - The beginning!

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    The beginning!

    Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - This crested duck was cracking me up with his little bouffant XD

    Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area

    3.7(245 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Heart shaped cactus on the trails in the flood control basin!

    Heart shaped cactus on the trails in the flood control basin!

    Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Beautiful migratory Lesser Scaups! I love the flash of deep purple on their heads! (February 2024)

    Beautiful migratory Lesser Scaups! I love the flash of deep purple on their heads! (February 2024)

    Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area - Cactus Wren - another lifer on my hike!!

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    Cactus Wren - another lifer on my hike!!

    El Encanto Trail Hike - hiking - Updated May 2026

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