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    Crystal Lake

    4.1 (64 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Crystal Lake Photos

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    Vendy _.

    Very beautiful place. Just an hour's drive from La Crescenta, much closer than Big Bear. 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.

    Zazzy P.

    We went 2/22, a hidden winter gem. The scenery was absolutely stunning with snow, pine trees, and clear water. It's quiet, clean, and perfect for hiking or just enjoying the view. Make sure to wear proper shoes because the snow can be slippery

    Chicken Sandwich lunch
    Raquel E.

    Definitely, a place you want to experience if you're into being outdoors. They have a little something for everyone. You have the convenience of Post store while camping, staying in a cabin, hiking or going in the water. A home away from home type of place being in the wilderness.‍

    Crystal Lake Cafe and trading post
    Pamela S.

    I finally went to Crystal lake when it was open! I had read on Facebook that it was open so went there to check it out. Had lunch at the Cafe and ate a hamburger which was pretty good. Ate on the patio. The smell of pine trees in the air. I drove around the camp grounds and they looked nice. I was disappointed in the lake. Didn't look like the pictures. Water was low and green.

    Crystal Lake & the beautiful mountain and trees alongside it!
    Jessica A.

    If you love the outdoors and also like places that are isolated from other people and are looking for some real alone time with you and nature than here is the place to go!

    Hiking @ Windy Gap Trail
    Omar G.

    This is a wonderful area to go camping and hiking at multiple trails. If you want to get out of the city and want to explore what nature has to offer, you gotta come here at Crystal Lake! remember to buy an adventure pass.

    Jason R.

    *This is a review for the Crystal Lake Loop hike to Mount Islip* We did this hike for the first time on last Friday (6/12/20). I had hiked to Mount Islip a couple times but from the Highway 2 side (northern side) and wanted to try it from starting on this side of the mountain (the southern side). Parking- the lot closest to the lake was closed so we parked in a lot .3 miles before it so this added .6 miles to our total hike; be sure to display your Adventure Pass and to make sure you don't leave anything visible of value in your car Trail- one of the great things I liked about this hike was we encountered less than 5 people on the hike; we did the loop to Mount Islip clockwise...when you reach the lake at the beginning of the hike you must go around the lake counter-clockwise though; the trail was beautiful and I saw the most butterflies I have ever seen on a hike and I have been on over 200 hikes probably; some great views as you approach Mount Islip and get above 7k feet elevation...when you reach the peak you will be at over 8200 feet; the second half of the trail has some parts that are a bit overgrown and at 6'2" I had to do some ducking; there were also a few places where it is not so clear which way you should go so it was helpful to have my AllTrails app to help navigate; at the peak of you will see the remnants of living quarters for the person who would live up there and the foundation of the fire lookout Stats: 11.7 miles (could be more like 10.5 miles if the parking lot closer to the lake was open and we got off trail a few times that added about half a mile; took us about 5.5 hrs so I would say give yourself between 5-7 hrs to complete; about 2900 ft of elevation gain *some people might feel the effects of the altitude once you get above 7k feet *also it is a long, winding drive on Highway 39 to reach this place

    Shoveling snow :) no chains needed
    Charles P.

    Living in the San Gabriel Valley it's a bit of a drive to go to Lake Arrowhead, Mammoth or Big Bear. Fortunately there is a hidden gem right off of the Azusa Canyons. Basically you get off the 210 freeway, drive North on Azusa towards Crystal Lake. From the base of Azusa to Crystal lake can take you around 30 to 40 minutes. Throughout the drive you can stop along the way to check out the Morris Dam and San Gabriel Dam, look at the big monster trucks in the Offroading Playground, pan for gold and stop by the rivers and streams along the way. You may see lots of law enforcement or military going up and down the stretch because of the outdoor shooting range. I highly recommend driving towards Crystal Lake right after it rains. The roads will be cleared of snow and you basically can drive halfway up and stop by the rest stop and play with snow. Crystal does have a small hole in a wall cafe and areas for you to run around. But again I recommend stopping once you see snow :)

    We woke up at 8am for this! Worth it!
    Yolanda S.

    Oh! Crystal Lake! We went two straight days up in the mountains during Thanksgiving long weekend, the snow was really good! I was like wowowowowowed all the way to the top! Not gonna lie, for a second, I thought I was in Japan or some other European countries! It's unreal! That kind of snow in SoCal? You have to see it by yourself! Some useful tips: 1. During our last visit, no snow chains are needed! Very safe to drive! 2. Go as early as possible, the parking situation wasn't great! 3. Driving to Crystal Lake cafe is probably not a good idea, (you can walk if you like) we tried it twice to get there (at 2pm and 10:30am), the traffic was insanely awful! People just parked where ever they liked, and everyone was literally stuck on the road! (It took us around 40 mins to get close to the parking lot, but still they asked us to turn back) The police did show up, but honestly, nothing really changed the whole situation! 4. Pack yourself some snacks, food and water, there's no place to buy food! (Only Crystal Lake cafe) And it takes another 30-40 mins to go back to the city! So, get prepared! 5. No public toilets at all! (=Don't drink too much water!) 6. Bring a shovel if you have one, just in case your car is stuck in snow. We've seen a few cars struggled. A pair of waterproof pants and gloves are needed if you are planning to play in the snow! 7. Annual parking pass is $30. You can buy $5 one day pass on your way up to the hill. The weather forecast shows that it's gonna rain again this coming weekend, I believe there's a high chance to see the snow again! Get prepared + Enjoy the stunning view!

    tent setup
    Jacky H.

    went camping here! the workers at the cafe are so kind and helpful. it was our first time camping. it was safe and they had all the amenities mentioned in the angeles forest website except no running water in the bathrooms but they had a faucet at the cafe(luckily we were close). the scenery is beautiful! so clean! lots of trash cans everywhere! the informational board. $12 for a night and $5 for day stay and 5$ for extra cars when camping. THE ENVELOPES ARE IN THAT SLOT. ITS CONFUSING WITH PPLS RANDOM STICKY NOTES. follow instructions of the green "fee required" sign

    #photography
    Mohammed N.

    Great place to go to and have fun a lot of photos over here to take nice place to take and see

    Snow
    Hannah C.

    Every year around December my family and I like to come here to go to the snow, we used to go to Mt Baldy but the line to get to the top is insane. So we took a chance and decided to try this mountain just to play in the snow for a few hours, and we made the best decision, there was absolutely no line of cars driving up, so driving up to the top went smoothly, there wasn't no steep cliffs without railing, we did not need any chains going up, and there was so much snow to play, we made a snowman and we took snacks up there and you can take sleds to ride down hills, you don't need to pay for parking or anything, all of it is free, you just drive up with your family, park we're you want to get off and play, I definitely recommend anyone who wants to have a snow day to come here, you won't be disappointed.

    Crystal Lake Cafe
    Andrew Y.

    Very accessible about an hour north of Azusa. Try to go during weekdays with less traffic. We went after the recent rainfall and we're lucky enough to see active snow showers and several inches of snowy goodness to walk through. Watch the drive up- if you're going all the way to the cafe before the 2 highway likely will need chains if you don't have AWD. Saw lots of people with their cars off to the side of the road and several accidents. Still, remarkable to drive all the way up to the hiking paths!

    Named the little guy midnight

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    15 years ago

    It's open for camping and this week is the first trout plant in a looooooooong time!

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    7 years ago

    Went camping here with son n family for first time. Last week and was wonderful. We planning another trip soon.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Crystal Lake

    Can you bring dog?

    Yes ! I've always seen lots of dogs, they also love the snow that comes around mid-late December

    Can we camp here?

    $12/a night at campgrounds, normally rangers will comes early at around 7am sometimes earlier or later, depends, to collect the fees in the bin or check the campground to see if your "ticket" is on there

    Can you swim here?

    No swimming allowed nor would it be good, lots of plants and algae

    Is the fishing good?

    Lots of bass ! We've caught 3 or 4 the past 2 times we've gone camping nearby

    Is there snow up there around this time of year?

    No it does not snow

    You wouldn't happen to know the number to the ranger station with you when is the last time you been up there?

    Se puede asar

    Hi does anyone know how the lake looks right now is it nice to go is their water or is it like before when their was the drought?

    I was told at the visitor center, that the water level was much higher. This was in March. Best to call the ranger station for an update.

    Is their a hike to get to the lake?

    Yes. From the parking lot there is a steep stairway down to the lake. Maybe one hundred steps, I don't know exactly. Be prepared for the return up the stairs.

    View All 17 Questions

    Review Highlights - Crystal Lake

    The roads will be cleared of snow and you basically can drive halfway up and stop by the rest stop and play with snow.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    Frank G Bonelli Regional Park - Oops!! Am I in trouble?

    Frank G Bonelli Regional Park

    3.9(333 reviews)
    8.1 mi

    What a beautiful park with so many varied areas to recreate!…read more I have to admit, I do wish it was limited to unmotorized boats, other than the Lifeguards. It's so peaceful to be near or out on the water with people using row boats, kayaks, paddle boards, peddle boats, fishing etc. But then you get a speedboat or jet ski blaring back and forth in this little strip area. I'm not sure why that would even be fun in such a confined area. Anyway, I don't recommend it for motorized boats. Too small. But often it's quiet and peaceful there. They have a bird wetland/marsh habitat area at the southeast end of the lake with all kinds of beautiful water birds. The bird watching there is amazing. You even sometimes see Bald Eagles. Many families have parties there and stroll the grounds on the weekend. Perfect for people who don't have yards and want to come and relax on the grass and picnic on the weekend. I recommend anyone in the area that uses the park often get a yearly membership and support this great resource of ours!

    This place is a premier birding hotspot in the area. The diverse habitats--ranging from the…read moreexpansive reservoir to quiet, leafy coves--attract a stunning variety of waterfowl and local species. It is incredibly peaceful to walk along the water and just listen to the birdsong. Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated birder with a ebird checklist, you'll find plenty to see here. Beyond the wildlife, the park is well-maintained with clean facilities and great trails, making it a perfect escape into nature. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a quiet morning of birdwatching! Note: There is a parking fee here.

    Photos
    Frank G Bonelli Regional Park - A woman was going around the park throwing peanuts- this squirrel was in hog heaven lol!!

    A woman was going around the park throwing peanuts- this squirrel was in hog heaven lol!!

    Frank G Bonelli Regional Park - Double-crested Cormorant

    Double-crested Cormorant

    Frank G Bonelli Regional Park - Beautiful little Kildeer!

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    El Encanto Trail Hike

    El Encanto Trail Hike

    4.8(9 reviews)
    0.8 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???

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    El Encanto Trail Hike - 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)
    1.9 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
    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - Great views at peak

    Great views at peak

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - View on the way up

    View on the way up

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - The All Mountain Karate Tournament Cobra Kai vs Miyagi-Do

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    Peck Road Water Conservation Park - Beautiful Yellow Warbler | IG @moniquedao

    Peck Road Water Conservation Park

    3.8(65 reviews)
    7.3 mi

    I guess I didn't really explore this park as much I should have during my first visit, as my memory…read moredid not recall how big the park actually is. And perhaps I was just bothered by how inconspicuous the park entrance is: it's a gate that does not immediately look like the entrance to a park, which is how I missed it the first time I visited over a decade ago. During my recent second visit, I came back with a better appreciation for parks and birds. I did not expect to find any birding lifers here, but I in fact found four in one day. I heard the Green Heron before I saw it, and photographed it without realizing what it was. I just thought it was another Black-Crowned Night Heron, but boy was I delighted to find out later when I was reviewing my photos that it was a Green Heron lifer. The park appears to know it's a great spot for birding as there is signage indicating possible seasonal bird encounters. Perhaps I should stop talking about birds, but I can't help it. Also, "Peck" Road? Birds are the point. It's a large park with a delightful amount of nature to get immersed in. I can't wait to come back for a third visit!

    A friend of mine introduced me to this hidden gem a year ago for birding. I recently returned and…read morefell in love with it all over again. This place is a birder's paradise, with its large lakes and blooming flowers, inviting many bird species. I've counted over 20 different species in just a few hours of walking a whole loop. My only complaint is that it was closed the one day I made the long drive out, on a day that it wasn't supposed to be closed. But thankfully there is a cut out on the gate to the side so you can still walk in. You'll just have to park on the street instead of drive in and park inside. So this is just something to watch out for - random closings.

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    Peck Road Water Conservation Park - Bullock's Oriole

    Bullock's Oriole

    Peck Road Water Conservation Park - Bullock's Oriole

    Bullock's Oriole

    Peck Road Water Conservation Park - Nice

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    Crystal Lake - parks - Updated September 2026

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