Well maintained trail with lots of shade and high elevation. Some parking available in a small lot…read morenear the beginning of the trailhead. The map had me go through the ski resort next door to safely get to the off road to park. I was confused at first but realized that Google Maps would not break any traffic laws therefore I couldn't cross the double yellow lines and make a left into the lot. The trail was peaceful with birds chirping, the sound of water flowing from a stream and beautiful views. I didn't see a bridge as I had in a couple pictures online, not sure if they removed it? I hiked the trail on the AllTrails app and noticed there was a fork near the bench (about the half-way). It's possible that the bridge was on one of those offshoot trails. The trail leads up to a campground area and also the Discovery ski lift connected with the ski resort nextdoor. A little beyond the trail you will find the PCT. I met five people and two dogs on the trail. It was a beautiful day and a good hike. Oh, I placed my annual pass signature side up on my dashboard of my car for the hike but I'm not sure if anyone checked. I went to what appeared to be a ranger station after my hike and it was closed, no one was there. It said it was open to the public on Saturday I think. Either way it's better safe than sorry. You never know when someone will check for the adventure pass (or interagency pass) so yes, I believe a pass is still recommended.

This has become one of my fave local trails - a great workout, gorgeous views, peace & quiet, small…read morewaterfall, snow in season!! Everything you could want in a trail! I say local but, well, sorta "local" I guess - it's about an hour from the greater LA area near Wrightwood but well worth the drive! Google maps takes you right to the trailhead parking lot - it's small but we've always found parking. There are bathrooms too but sometimes they're locked so plan ahead. AllTrails has the trail right at 4 miles and 1,079 feet elevation gain. But the trail also links up with the PCT so you can go further and I highly recommend it if you can - you'll be rewarded with some pretty incredible sweeping mountain vistas! Last time we went, we did around 7 1/2 miles and just over 1500 feet - I was whooped but it was 100% worth it! And there are no bathrooms along the trail or at the end either. The trail is moderate when there's no snow and mostly shaded - a true mountain pine forest habitat. But when there's snow, I'd bump it up to moderate-hard. The snow can last all the way into late April sometimes - it gets deep and the trail is very narrow in lots of places. With snow on the trail, you'll definitely need micro spikes and poles - and a good trail map bc the snow is deceiving regarding trail width and you'll fall if you misstep. To find the part that links up with the PCT, just keep going at the end of the AllTrails map towards the ski lift to the left and you'll see the signs - about another mile and a half and you'll reach the top and there's all the gorgeous views!! It also shows all the area trails that link up inside the AllTrails app so I highly recommend downloading it before you go bc the signal is very spotty out there. And I would recommend snacks and bear spray too.

Big Horn Mine is a nice escape from the city, without having to travel too far…read more All trails will have you thinking it's a difficult hike, when the main thing to keep in mind is that you need to dress appropriately. Wear hiking boots/shoes and this will be a breeze. The recent fires still show some burn scars and lack of shade, so ideally get in/out before early afternoon. Other than that it's lovely.

Did a little exploring, no signs or maps and we still found it. Such an amazing view!read more

The Aspen Glen Picnic Area is a day use area only that is open year round. It's a quaint area for a…read moreleisurely picnic or a great starting point to accessible trail heads. Some picnic tables, a community fire ring, and some barbecues are provided for use. I wouldn't rely on the restrooms. Also, be prepared as there's no potable water on-site. There is a small parking lot that fits about 15 small vehicles. Parked vehicles must display a valid recreation pass. You can purchase a pass from the Mountaintop Ranger District & Discovery Center along with other vendors (see the USDA Forest Service website for a map of vendors located under the "Passes and Permits" tab).

This Aspen Glen Picnic area is a beautiful spot surrounded by tall pine trees that provide plenty…read moreof shade. It's a peaceful place to relax, with several picnic tables scattered throughout the grove. I've visited a few times in both fall and winter, and fall is definitely my favorite, the weather is much more comfortable for me. The parking lot is quite small, so it's best to arrive early, especially during busy months. Parking is $5, and conditions can vary depending on the season. When there's snow, the lot can be challenging to access, small sedans can easily get stuck, so having a larger vehicle or 4WD is highly recommended. There is one standard two stall restroom, but it's not very well maintained. There's no running water, so bringing your own toiletries and hand sanitizer is a good idea. The area is open from 8am to sundown .

The park itself has a ton of toys for the kids-rock climbing wall, swings, playground, etc. set in…read morethe heart of downtown Wrightwood. It's in great condition and clean. There are some tables, not many, and porter potty bathrooms. The park feels a bit crammed like everything is on top of each other but there's a lot of toys for kids in a small space.

This is the supposed playground in front of Canyon Creek Inn and Grand View Cabins. Still closed…read moreand fenced off. No notice as to how long or why it's closed. Also, no sign of actual construction going on. Don't make the same mistake I did and tell your kids they can use the playground based on the reviews of the lodgings! Now I'm scrambling to find another playground in the area, which is nonexistent!

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!

Boulder Bay Park is one of Big Bear Lake's most picturesque (and busy) spots, offering stunning…read moreviews of the lake, towering boulders, and plenty of open space for you and your dog to enjoy. Located on the western side of Big Bear Lake, this park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, particularly those looking to enjoy a peaceful and leisurely walk with their pets, a picnic, or just some quiet time by the water. There is a free parking lot adjacent to the park, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. If the lot is full, there is additional street parking available nearby. The park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is mild, and the lake is at its most beautiful.

This is a PACKED and very busy Park that attracts people coming into Big Bear Lake or leaving Big…read moreBear. We came in at night, so we hit this park leaving Big Bear Lake. Many people taking pictures or selfies, some people fishing off the small pier, while others were walking their dogs. It was very clean, there is restrooms available (yes there was a line) and plenty of parking, although you may need to wait for a spot. It is a cool park to check out, I've seen pictures of people kayaking, however there are signs that say to stay on the path and not cross over the railing. A nice picnic place perhaps or family photos with the bear. The boulders in the area/park make it a cool photographic area.

Nice park near my house, has a lot of different areas of activities: basketball courts, tennis…read morecourts, volleyball court, shaded children's playground, 4 baseball diamonds, soccer field that also doubles as football field. There are picnic tables and bbqs throughout the park, a track lines the perimeter and there's also a vending machine library. I really enjoy walking my dog there. With the new builds in the area the park has gotten super busy, but still a great place to visit.

Sunset Ridge Park is easily one of the nicest parks in the High Desert! It's always so clean and…read morewell-maintained, which I really appreciate. They recently added one of those cool library vending machines, and I love that touch--it makes the park feel even more welcoming and community-focused. The playground is great, the baseball fields are well-kept, and it's the perfect place to walk, relax, or hang out with family. It's definitely my favorite park in the area. If I had one suggestion, it would be to add a trash can and hand dryers inside the restroom. Other than that, I just hope people continue to take care of it--it's such a beautiful space and it deserves to stay that way!

Love the place it was beautiful and honestly the time they give you to have fun is enough due to…read morehaving to go up the stairs you will be exhausted and ready to leave when your time is up

Such a fun experience, kids had so much fun sledding, kinda of crowded but worth the wait.read more

Great group site. There are 6 running toilets with a hose bib outside to wash hands. The site has…read moretons of shade and picnic tables and a fire pit. There is a 3.5 mile downhill bike to Jackson lake. The observatory is a 10 minute walk from the campsite and offers great views.

I would agree with everything the previous reviewer said. This place is is private since you have…read moreto unload your stuff and then go park your car in the lot 250 yards away. The group sites are for 40 people but realistically can fit about 20 people comfortably. There is a BBQ, Fire pit, huge long tables and flush toilets. There are a couple of short hikes from the site that offer great views, but nothing too hard core, so if you're looking to hike through, this probably would not be the place for you. The host is a nice old man who is good about enforcing quiet hours, but is lenient at the same time. Quiet doesn't mean complete quiet :) This place is good for one or two nights, but anything more would be a stretch.

It is so beautiful and amazing. The view is surreal. When…read moreyou go into the nature center and visit the snakes and beetles it's cool but then you walk out to an observatory type deck and it's breathtaking!

This review is for the Devil's Chair Trail:…read more Went with two friends and we finished in around 3 hours. The start is the hardest part since there's little to no shade, and there are still burnt trees along the trail. We also ran into a fallen tree on the trail and had to climb over it. I took some photos and one video from our hike. Once we got to the Devil's Chair, the views were nice, just not the most impressive compared to other hikes. Worth doing once, but I wouldn't go out of my way to repeat it which is why I give it 4/5 stars.