On a road trip from LA to a national park, my friend Denise and I stopped at Pyramid Lake to…read morestretch our legs and witness the majestic waves that Mother Nature can introduce with a slow roll. When we first arrived, we pulled off at a spot that was the Lake but not the part of the lake that had the expansive water stretch. This part of the lake was so long in length that the water seemed to reach past infinity into the very moment where it all begin-- the point of creation that can be described as the bing bang or the celestial light was turn on, or something else all together. Who am I to judge how someone believes that this lake and all other molecules and atoms were created? I can appreciate beauty without knowing its first source. When we stepped into the first part of the lake we approached a fishermen. He explained that this part was the smaller part of the lake and if we drove a bit, we would see the bigger part. What he neglected to say to us, is that we had to leave the smaller part of the lake get into freeway to get to the bigger part of the lake. Eventually Denise and I figured it out but it took some wrong terms and clearer directions from a park ranger. What was grand about speaking with this fishermen was that I was able to see the carcasses of fish he had caught. I describe it as grand but in reality the moment was grim for I saw multiple fish caught in a hook, still in the water. What was once their area of splash and play now was their grave. I guess that is why people should not see how the sausage is made, for we will know that death is required to make a beautiful plate sing with a protein at the center. I digress. Once we got to the large area of the lake, where the water stretched like I said before, we were welcomed to the type of serenity that only still water can produce within humans and fowl. I wish I would have taken more pictures of the glistening beauty all around but I did take a few. For instance there is this picture where the lake begins, after a boardwalk ends, and the water continues past mountains into the sky. The water and sky did not become one but they seemed to meet at point of convergence. Furthermore, in this picture, there is a single boat, barely visible, but it is there. The boat goers were living the moment to the max. Denise and I just walked a bridge that took us to the water's edge but these folks, in the boat, were dancing with nature. The dance was slow, not tedious, and the movement was graceful, like those performed by members of a ballet company. The boat goers were the swans in the dance, they were the swans swimming calmly along. I asked a lake worker if Denise and I could get in a boat for like 10 to 15 minutes just so we can say we experienced the boat in the water and the day to the max. We were not allowed, we needed to shell 150 for an hour rental. We did not have the time to enjoy the lake to this max. I guess sometimes, people only have time to smell a rose, they do not have time to cultivate one of their very own. The place was not lush or rustic. It was more simple nature left undisturbed. It's growth and water were the kind of work that makes me understand why some people escape to the woods and to the beach. Because in places like this, where nature holds might, problems do not exist. It is only the cherished traits of nature that remain, and I guess this is why these places remain as oases or is it osai or osaieses? As Denise and I were leaving the bigger part of the lake we saw the most wonderful thing, a rock formation with a pyramid in front of its face. We discovered why this lake was named Pyramid Lake. It turns out that the detour was part of the journey all along. True about this roadtrip true about life.

Beautiful lake, you can see this lake from the 5fwy it looks so crystal blue and pretty. We saw it…read morefrom the recreational center and took some amazing pictures. It's $15 per car, that's all I recall reading when we approached pyramid lake entrance.

We waited in line for 3 hours only to be told we couldn't take our brand new boat in. The sticker…read moretakes 30 days to get there but we had a picture that we were told would get us in. On top of the the reg cars and the boats were in the same line. You've got only 2 people but the line is 3 hours long. They are not proactively going to the cars with boats and making sure they can go in. They can easily have a line for reg cars and one for boats only. It was ridiculous to wait in such a long line and not be let in

First time camping here, very strict rules, music and socializing ends at 10:00 pm, ranger…read moreenforced. Showers are paid by quarters only, go prepared. We got on our friend's boat, was a nice experience.

The staff here are amazing!!!! Okay, I meant to write this review 2 months ago…read more I am a new boat owner and still learning a TON. It was my first time taking my new boat out without anyones guidance, and of course, being inexperienced, I unknowingly took it out on a super, like super windy day, with 25+ mph winds! And again, being naive and inexperienced, I launch my little boat, immediately regretting it hahaha. And being new to all of this at the time, I had no confidence or knowledge to properly retrieve my boat out of that, mess, to say the least hahaha. The workers, working at the launch ramp SAVED ME!!! They were all so beyond super nice, awesome, and helpful! I asked if they could help me retrieve my boat, cause, I didn't know what to do hahaha, and oh my gosh. I am beyond thankful for them! They all helped me and only thanks to them we were able get the boat back on the trailer with those crazy winds. A MASSIVELY HUGE SHOUTOUT TO KEARNS, HOGGIE, AND BURNETT!!!!! I CAN NOT THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH AND HOPE YOU READ THIS!!! They were so helpful and so kind! Didn't take money or anything! Amazing workers! So sorry it took so long to write a review! I didn't forget! Get them a raise frickin immediately! They definitely made it a memorable first experience hahahaha! May the Lord BLESS all of you!!!

Drove 2 hours to go to swim beach and they were closed for the season even though their website…read moreshows they are still open!

I turned on Google navigation, but it led me to a completely wrong mountain road. I wandered around…read morein the mountains for about 20 minutes before finally getting out, so I just came back home. If you plan to go, make sure to double-check the route at least once before heading out.

A friend and I came here to hike on a recent visit to Pine Mountain Club. We didn't camp, so this…read morereview is for hiking only. We took the Tumamait trail to the weather station at the Mount Pinos summit and picnicked at the top by the Iwhihinmu plaque. After returning to the first fork in the trail, we then hiked to the meadow and back. Altogether, this was a full day of beautiful hiking. The crisp mountain air, pine trees, high elevation buckwheat and lichen meadows, and views were all fantastic. As other reviewers have said, the hikes aren't intensely strenuous, but they can be long if you want them to be. Both Tumamait and the meadow paths are partially shaded with sunny patches. Going to the meadow, most of the hike is a small downhill slope, so keep in mind it will be mildly strenuous coming back up. For hiking, my friend and I did not have a parking pass nor could we find a place to buy one at the Nordic Station parking lot (the drive up the mountain to the lot is lovely, by the way!) We were slightly concerned, but nothing happened. No ticket, no ranger presence. Our visit was in late April, 2022. Spending time in this powerful Chumash site was wonderful. We stayed on the mountain peak for at least an hour feeling the wind whip our faces, enjoying our picnic and the views, looking at the trees and plants and snow, and enjoying being at the "top of the world." There weren't many people around, and we said hello to everyone we passed. It felt convivial and isolated at the same time. A pretty cool combination.

Easy drive out to the Rocks on an OHV Rec area if you have 4X4, but still totally doable (on a…read morenon-rainy day) in a car if you take it slow. The hike itself to the rocks isn't much of a hike, but it's pretty isolated and fun to explore. Even w the motorcycles whining in the distance, it's still pretty quite. I didn't do much more than explore the Rocks, so that's all I'll comment on, but it's a large area and I'm sure you'll find your fun!

Texas Canyon is a large unincorporated area located within the Sierra Pelona mountains between…read moreSanta Clarita and Agua Dulce. Within the canyon there is a section that has a number of large and steep rugged rocks and cliffs that are ideal for rock climbing. Many of the rocks and some of the 100+ climbing routes have even been named. The most prominent rock is a 150-foot rock pillar named Hyperion Slab, also known as, "The Chicken." Personally I think "Darth Vader's Helmet" would have been a more fitting name. The area is rich in wildflowers so as a result there are a large number of bees. Their omnipresent buzzing can be heard in the background as you are explore the area. There is a large and very interesting appearing hive that is located in a crevice of the east face of Hyperion Slab. The area is also used by off highway vehicle (OHV) users. Rowher Flats OHV Area is located north of the canyon. At the Rowher Flats parking lot there are picnic benches, BBQ pits and a bathroom. There area has endless hiking and biking trails. There are a few small Indian caves located near the crag and further north there is an abandoned mine called "Silver King Mine." The entrance is barricaded with steel beams. The location of the mine can be seen on Google maps. To get to the site from Santa Clarita, take Sierra Hwy north about 5 miles and then turn left on Rush Canyon Road (5N13). You will see a sign for Rowher Flats OHV area. The paved road transitions to a dirt road. Continue for about 1.8 miles until you reach a gated fire road that's off to the left. Park and follow the fire road a short while. The path to the rocks will become obvious as you get closer.

Mindy, her son Sy and Cruising Castaic was ahhhhmazing!!! My bff and I went yesterday, Saturday and…read morewe placed our reservations a couple of weeks ago online. The whole experience was so organized, fun, and memorable! We arrived around 10mins before our reservation and everything was set up. Sy gave us the run down, thry even provided waterproof phone bags and waterproof satchel for your stuff, life-jacket, board, paddle and of course instructions, lol! We got to sailing or Paddleboarding and the lake was so nice, everyone else in the water was nice, no bad vibes on the lake. We paddleboarded the lake for a good hour and brought everything back. I had a win. Too because I eventually stood up and actually did it!! Its a work-out and worth every dollar. We will definitely be heading back to the lake and hopefully bring our squad! Parking dies cost $15 and they take apple pay, Google pay, and card payments. Have fun and get outside, and enjoy!!

I loved this so much. It was windy at first but I got the hand of it. Mindi and her family are so…read moresweet and helpful. I highly recommend

How have I never been here before…read more... Sunday with no plans on the book. Let's take a drive to Frazier Park and go hiking. Same with that, never been to this little town as well. It's literally off the 5 freeway a couple miles in and you at the town. It was about half hour or 45 minutes drive up the mountain from the freeway till where the mountain start. There's different sections that you could go to if you wanted to hike or camp. We didn't really know where and what trails there was. Just ended up at of the campsite parking lot and went from there. There's loads of trails to choose from. Theres sign at the base that'll tell you the levels of hike and the distance. Also, the path was pretty wide on the one we were at which was nice. Right when you get out of the car, you could already smell the difference in air quality. Mountain air, being in nature with all the beautiful trees and noise of the birds. This place was beautiful. The path was nice to walk, slightly uphill and not hard. We passed loads of people but it still felt very quiet as you're in the woods. There's still loads of wildflowers growing. Temperature wise, it was perfect as your at a higher elevation and there was also nice breeze. Just walking and seeing all the beautiful trees, some covered in moss. The chipmunks running past you along the paths, it's a completely different experience from the hustle and bustle of the city. The views were amazing. When you get to the lookout point where the tower is, there was two tins/cans along the rocks that you could leave a message. Notebook and pen was provided for signing. This particular trail wasn't hard even though it said it was but very manageable. About 2 miles each way. But the views along and at the top of the lookout was spectacular. It's amazing that an hour or so from the city, there's so many hidden gems. Nature is beautiful if you haven't noticed. And another place for hiking on our lists.

Overlooked forest since Angeles Forest is nearby. We love Los Padres National Forest. The little…read moretown of Frazier Park is the last town before going up to Los Padres. We love the quietness and solitude you find here. The trees and winds make this beautiful sound. I honestly think this place is sacred. We have camped at McGill Campground and have hiked up to Mt. Pinos. Only about an hour drive from Los Angeles/Santa Clarita. The forest does get snow fall and I think we just had the first big dump of snowfall last night.

Nice, well maintained campground less than 2 hours from the Antelope Valley. The sites are roomy…read moreand you can usually get into a no reservation site if you arrive before Friday. The campground host, Harry, is friendly and helpful and works nonstop at maintaining the campground. We like a peaceful site so appreciate things quieting down 10 pm. One of the best things is the nearby hiking. From the campground it's 11 miles up and back to the top of Mount Pinos.

This review is based on what we saw. Didn't stay here…read more.. There's a nice size parking lot just off the campsite. It's not a far walk, maybe 10 min or so along the main trail/path. The scenery is very beautiful. You'll come across a beautiful meadow with loads of flowers. Once you reach the campsite, they're marked so you know where to go. Each site has a picnics table and is pretty decent in size. It wasn't that busy when we walked by but when it's full, it's very lively. Theres the restroom situation not far from sites. From what we've seen, it's actually pretty nice. Place is clean which is a plus. It's near loads of trail which is also a plus. Also, it's camping so take what you brought with you back. Keep nature clean as it should be.