Woke up early today to hike the 5-mile loop. Arrived at 6:30 when the ranger unlocked the gates…read more Full moon was out still, alluring and mysterious. Parking is now $9 for 4 hours, which seems a bit steep to me, but then again it's worse closer to LA so... Watched the sunrise illuminate the valley as we hiked. Completed it in 1.5 hrs with a stretch break at the rest area at the top. Lots of walkers, several bikers and runners, some dogs with their owners. Lots of birdsong but very little wildlife to be seen, until the last mile, when we saw 3 deer in their leisurely grazing. So beautiful!

Beautiful park and lots of parking. Parking is not cheap, I paid $9.35 to park for 4 hours. Looking…read moreinto a season pass ($170). The views were beautiful. It's a popular park for hiking. The trails are beautifully maintained. Share the trail with bikes and horses (if you come upon any). Some areas are shaded, so bring lots of water as there's none on the trail. Definitely a beautiful area to soak in nature. Be cautious as it is a 'wildlife' park, and there have been sightings of mountain lions and other wildlife. It's a dog-friendly and kid-friendly trail. In many areas, the elevation is a gradual incline, not abrupt, so it gives you a chance to adjust. Overall, a wonderful place to train for the PCT or marathons.

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!

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.

Great park! Trails are safe and inviting. The restrooms are clean and safe! Dog friendly too.read more

This park was surprisingly pleasant. San Gabriel Mt. provides a backdrop well maintained lawn and…read moreeasy walkable trails makes this place perfect place for a picnic . Nestled in the Claremont foothills is worth driving to if you live in the immediate area.

Great way to spend a late afternoon. Bring a hiking stick for balance and leverage as coming back…read moredown can at time be a bit steep and slippery. Also use bug repellent because chances are you will be bit. The views are spectacular. Well worth the hike. It's definitely a good workout both in the going and coming back. Time well spent!

The harder the climb, the better the view. Now let's begin this hiking adventure review…read more Mystic Canyon Trail is short trailhead with a steady elevation gain of 700 ft that reaches 1,908 feet (hoisted flag point). This trail's degree of difficulty is considered Moderate albeit challenging. The trail is well kept and easy to navigate with little pockets of tree shades along the way. Hence, a hat and sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. Furthermore, this M.C. trail interconnects with Lower Monroe and Punk Out trails. I proceeded further to 2,069 ft of the Punk Out trail. Views are amazing! Going back to the parking lot was a breeze. Parking lot is not big but can hold ~25 vehicles. Overall, this hiking trail is great for experienced hikers, family and dogs.

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.

What a hidden gem! A shady (in the good sense) trail with…read morestream access. Our dogs were in heaven and they delighted the children also playing in the stream watching them swim. It's just a few step from the parking so it's easy for a quick commune with nature. Very refreshing, even in this summer heat. A word of caution, even if you wear water shoes, the rocks can be slippery. I took a spill going over a log. The water was deeper than I thought on the other side. It was a soggy drive home, but refreshing.

I really enjoy this trail. There is plenty of shade throughout most parts of the trail. You can…read morebring your horse and dogs as well. Plenty of people at the trail at different times of the day. They also have a couple of Pokémon stops if you play.

My friend and I went hiking in Claremont and intended on doing the loop, but when we saw the sign…read moreleading to Potato Mountain, we decided to head up! I've only heard about this spot, but have never been so I was excited to explore. The hike is not shaded and has a steady incline, so I was grateful that it was overcast and cool most of the day. The trail is wide enough for a car to drive on, and no major rocky areas, so I would say that if you were reeeeeally ambitious and wanted to push a jogging stroller up and down, you probably could. There are occasional bikers that we passed, but otherwise just a few hikers doing this trail, much less than the number of people doing the loop, which I actually liked. With the exception of the ugly graffiti on the concrete thing at the top, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the valley on one end, and snow capped mountains on the other end. It didn't take that long to summit ( I think it took us less than an hour each way), so if you have a couple hours for something a little more challenging than the loop, this is a good hike! Parking is available in the lot starting at $10 (Yikes!) on the weekends. Enjoy!

First time visitor There are not bathrooms anywhere…read more There are a few (3?) trash can / compost / recycle green bins at the start of the trail There is not a designated parking area if coming on MT Baldy RD, park after the last No Stopping Any time sign (will see Angeles Forest large sign) then can park on the side of the road and forward Be aware of oncoming traffic both directions when walking to the trail head Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water, snacks It is dog friendly but tough for stroller I think based on continual incline and gravel and rocky terrain Also note air may feel thinner as you start the trail so be mindful of your breathing and take rest stops Start of trail will be walking through shaded area with tree and can hear water and as continue the pathway make your descent up As you make your way further up, there will be part to turn left or go straight to the right, head to the left to continue upward - you'll see amazing clouds surrounding the mountain and the trail continuing You'll see a pathway that curves down the hill then back up, a right triangular metal sign will indicate going the right way and almost to the end of the trail. Other markers is seeing small forms of graffiti and the name Joey tagged on things Once on top, enjoy your accomplishment and then it's primarily a down hill return Enjoy Hydrate Limited cell service pending what part of the mountain on Enjoy the birds flowers rock formation little critters that pop In and out Would certainly return to try the other routes to potato mountain