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    Azusa River Wilderness Park

    4.3 (28 reviews)

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    Reviews With Photos - Azusa River Wilderness Park

    The river right below the ledge
    Alfred G.

    This is a great view of the San Gabriel mountains the river is right next to you and it is only about a couple miles there was a landslide but it was cleared you are supposed to go in the water but you can reach it very easily

    River

    I loved it, quiet and beautiful place! Best for summer gatherings, river walks, hikes, etc.

    Evelyn L.

    Easy hike that's not crowded. It's a 3 mile trail out & back, but only hiked about a mile before I turned around. Great for kids & dogs. Will hike again to finish the loop. You're able to see the river, but there is no access down. Plenty of parking at the start. The center before this has public restrooms, but it only has hand sanitizer.

    Isobel L.

    Truly a hidden gem! I say hidden because the entrance is not marked from the road and I had driven by many times without knowing this park existed. The trail follows the San Gabriel river up the canyon but does not provide river access. It's well maintained for hiking purposes, not too strenuous, but keep an eye out for landslides. Parking is free in the parking lot. Perfect trail for solo, friend and family hiking and especially for nature lovers.

    Bike trail

    What beauty and a great place to explore nature it has a lovely bike trail that goes all the way from Aziza to the borderline of Los Angeles County and Orange County

    Even partially disabled now I was able to maneuver to a nice spot to decompress from all this CA healthcare stress. River not passable.

    Great place to go in Los Angeles after a rainy season and guards were very informative. However many things blocked off due to danger July 1,2024.

    ATV Larry
    Edward P.

    Now, you may have heard of BBQ Becky, I have a new name to add to pantheon of folks who go over board on authority and make no apologies for being block heads. I call him "ATV Larry" and I see that he was mentioned in a post earlier doing the EXACT same thing he did with us. Well, my wife and I decided to try a new place to hike in Azusa Canyon and found this wonderful gem. We arrived around 3:45p or so and began the hike. It's an easy one, pretty straight forward just keep on the fire road. But be warned, you will come to a fork in the road that is paved.. do not go down the paved road. It is private property. Just stay on the fire road. As we came to the fork we looked down to see a couple of guys with fishing gear and a guy driving on an ATV. My wife and I are thinking "hey this is like an outdoor paradise" we can come fish or just ride ATVs, this is a real cool place. Welp, what we were actually watching was ATV Larry kicking out the fishermen of his property and telling them that he was calling the sheriff. We thought that it was odd but it did not involve us so we moved on and continued our hike. Well, about 10 min later like a bat outta hell, ATV Larry rides up to my wife and I to tell us that the "park is closed" and "he called the sheriff" and we better "get out and not get wrapped up into it". I said okay fine and he looked at me and said "all right, you said Ok so turn around start moving out" and he then waits for me to turn and walk before he grinds down the trail on his ATV. Would you know it! The LA County Sheriff truck arrives right as we were making our way back into the parking lot. At this point, my wife needed some clarity and walked up to the Sheriff to ask when the park was closed and the Sheriffs say at sundown. Of course, ATV Larry is leaning next to the truck door looks over at us and agrees with the sheriffs nodding his head saying yea it closes at sundown! Wow! What a knucklehead! We told the sheriffs that ATV Larry was telling everyone that the park was closed and left it at that. ATV Larry is not a park ranger, he is not a sheriff, my assumption is that he is a property owner or the care taker of the private property along the river. So sure, I get that he is protective of the property but he goes overboard thinking that he has some authority over people in a public park. He has no authority to kick people out of the park especially when it is 4:50pm way before sundown begins! Just remember, if you see his ATV a-commin' just give him a wave or a friendly nob but don't think for a minute he makes the rules on when the public park is opened or closed. Would give this place 5 stars if it wasn't for ATV Larry ruining our first time experience at this beautiful park.

    Anyone know how to get here EXACTLY ? My dad would take us here when I was younger and I want to go now but don't remember I asked him but things look much different than they did 20 yrs ago so his description doesn't help much .

    With my boys . Short hike
    Rene C.

    Short hike :) but nicely if you don't want to walk too much and still Enjoy . There is loose dirt and rocks to get to the end of the hike . Must be very careful

    The drive!

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    3 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

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

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Very relaxing and beautiful hike! I have 25 people joining this hike. We enjoy the plants and water streams.

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    11 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Amazing review! No Wi-Fi but its amazing to go clean your mind off and have some quality time with family and restore your thinking.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful hike trail! You can hear the river the entire way. It's very peaceful and not too crowded.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Azusa River Wilderness Park

    Hi can you swim in the river?

    I believe at this part of the river no, there are signs telling you that you can drive up to a higher part of the mountain for access to swim

    Does anyone know if the park is now open?

    Idk about now but I went a few months ago

    Hi is open is good for the kids?

    Most of it looks like it should be ok for kids.

    Is it still open?

    I was wondering the same thing haha

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    Review Highlights - Azusa River Wilderness Park

    The trail follows the San Gabriel river up the canyon but does not provide river access.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Crystal Lake

    Crystal Lake

    4.1
    (62 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    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.

    Photos
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    My Cheeseburger from the Crystal lake cafe.
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Steps to/from Crystal Lake to the parking lot
    Crystal Lake

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    El Encanto Trail Hike

    El Encanto Trail Hike

    4.8
    (9 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    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.

    Easy hike, lots of entry points to River. The family and I had a great time. I'd recommend wearing…read morebug spray and bringing water shoes if you plan to take a dip. It was quite dirty with people leaving trash everywhere (so sad)! A few of us plan to return and clean it (we didn't have the time or supplies to do a deep cleaning of the place yesterday). I will say that the only thing that was strange was toward the end of the day (approx 5pm), there were two elderly ladies walking. One of them had long curly gray/white hair with the most creepiest looking face (best described as a corpse with yellowish eyes). The family (and kids) who seen her all got very creeped out. It didn't look like they were going to film anything. Anyone else ever see her???

    Photos
    River swing
    River swing
    El Encanto Trail Hike
    El Encanto Trail Hike

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    Rattlesnake Peak Trail

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail

    4.0
    (7 reviews)
    2.0 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
    Great views at peak
    Great views at peak
    View on the way up
    View on the way up
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    South Hills Park

    South Hills Park

    4.3
    (26 reviews)
    3.3 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
    The beginning!

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    The beginning!

    Azusa River Wilderness Park - hiking - Updated July 2026

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