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!

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.

I'm a photographer and took my client to take her maternity pics here and it was absolutely…read morestunning. My Instagram is CarliToctsPhotography if you want to see my work

Beautiful hike.. I love the sound of the streams While…read morewalking in nature. Peaceful and not too challenging.

Colby Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail near Glendora, California. It's considered a moderate to…read moredifficult challenging route, it took me 2.5 hrs (excluding taking breaks to take photos) roundtrip to complete. CT is a popular trail for birding, hiking, bikers and dog walkers. The trail's main base entrance is at N. Loraine ave in a posh cul-de-sac residential area. This trail is not for novice hikers! As an experience hiker myself, my heart rate went 130 bpm as I hiked those steep inclines. Furthermore, you'll find abundant wild flowers, trees and Mountain Lion growling or hissing at the bushes. The Colby Trail has very limited tree shades and very steady elevation gain incline. It is has two parts, a lower and upper trails which was divided by the main Glendora Mountain road. This trail has four very steep inclines to get to the Summit of CT. Summit has a peak of ~1,580 ft with mind-blowing views. Parking was super easy. Cell signal was spotty as you ascend the trail. Hikers and their dogs were friendly. Overall, I liked hiking Colby trail and recommend it.

Really enjoy this trail with my children. Great view from the top. What I like most is you can…read morechoose the lighter version or a harder version depending on how you feel that day. Only reason not 5 stars is because of all of the poop on the trail, lots of owners don't pick up after their pets.

Update this is for the west Azusa river not the east Azuza river. Attached is a photo of the east…read moreAzusa river

At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains is a pathway into the canyons, bordered by towering cliffs…read moreand twinkling streams. It's the first right turn before you enter the national forest. Unadorned and easy to overlook, it's perhaps the most uncomplicated way to access the natural beauty of this area. Before you go, you need to prepare by...doing absolutely nothing. No Adventure Pass needed. Parking is free, marked by sizeable signage saying El Encanto. It's the remnant of a restaurant built in the 1920's that ceased operations about 20 years ago. A well-maintained trail curves gently down the canyon. On the descending path, you'll be accompanied by the bubbling river, lofty mountain views, and in typical LA fashion, colorful graffiti. It's an easy 2 mile hike round-trip with moderate elevation change. Though it says no river access at the trailhead, you'll actually end up right next to the river for the latter portion of the hike. The trail ends in a quiet oasis, sleek gray stones of assorted shapes and sizes protruding above the water like a floating zen garden. The Azusa Wilderness Park is still in its nascent stages of development by the Watershed Conservation Authority, a local public entity dedicated to planning and maintaining open spaces. Expanded trails, dining services, and interactive nature experiences are part of the plan. Exciting as all that is, for the moment, simplicity also carries its own tranquil charm.

This is challenging hike, it's only 2 miles. Most of the way up is an incline. It's definitely…read moretough on the knees and going uphill even more so with the sun bearing down. Pros: - plenty of parking at the bottom of the trail. Parking is free. - Nice view at the top, with a poop sign. - Not too crowded. Cons: - plenty of poison oak along the trail, but the city does a great job of maintaining the path. - there is little to no shade. Come early or later in the afternoon. Tips + bring a trekking pole! It helps.

It was challenging and fun! I did not finish the whole trail today for safety concern because it…read morestarted to rain and I did not see anyone else. Will come again when the weather is good.

Helped my girlfriend out with family photos here. This park…read moreis really nice. It's a smaller park and it doesn't have a lot of parking. There's a lot of shade, a small playground, and restrooms. This is a horse trail park and known as a photo place. I've come here a few times to take photos. It truly is beautiful. It's not the greatest party for large events just because of the limited parking. Bu, if you're looking for somewhere to take a nice walk, this is your park.

Hidden Gem of a park…read more With a short 20 mins hike, you will have a nice view of the city. The park is right off the freeway and easy accessible. Parking is free and have on site toilets. What is more, there are horse ranches located right next to the park! You may run into horses while you hike!

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.

It's raining sunshine It's raining sunshine…read moreAll over mankind... 5/5 Hiking Good family trail, not too steep or narrow for your little ones. Not too much sunshine raining down here but you have nice coverage by the trees. 3.5/5 Bare Necessities Bathrooms right by the amphitheater. There are also some benches for a meal. We came across some bear droppings, apparently Yogi didn't use the facilities. 5/5 Parking Parking is located along the Big Dalton Trail at the beginning middle or by the service road. There are a few hiking options, we kept it simple for our kids (so dad doesn't have to carry everyone else well). There are notices about posion ivy so just keep an eye out, we didn't run into any. Not much water but I'm sure it looks great when it rains. If you need a local escape and want to be under the cover of some trees from the raining sunshine, visit Big Dalton Canyon. God bless

Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park in Glendora is an excellent place for hiking. There are many…read moretrees and shades, so even on a hot day, hiking seems pleasant. Definitely an excellent hiking destination.