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.

Loved this 1.8 miles hike. Lots of trees for shade, distinct trails to walk. The Waterfalls was…read moresmall but beautiful. We saw deer, squirrels , lizards , snake and butterflies. Recommended hiking shoes and sticks . It wasn't rocky but there were areas steep and slippery. It was a very good experience.

I visited Monrovia Canyon Park for the first time with a friend and had a great experience. We…read moreparked at the first lot ($5) and started our hike from there. We made it to the waterfall, continued to the Nature Center, and then looped back to the parking area about 3.3 miles total, which took us around 2 hours. The hike has a steady uphill on the way in, but nothing too difficult just be ready for the incline. There isn't much shade along the trail, but the waterfall at the end is definitely worth it. We were told by other hikers that it's even more beautiful after it rains, so I'd love to come back and see it then. A ranger also mentioned that the trail can extend up to 7 miles if you want a longer hike. There are restrooms at the entrance parking lot and at the Nature Center, and both were very clean, which is always a plus. Overall, a great spot for a moderate hike with a rewarding view at the end!

It's an enjoyable trail, or more like a neighborhood stroll to get your exercise in. It's not a…read moresuper charming park, but it's accessible if you're looking to have a quick workout. It is mostly paved walkways and a sandy road, for you to walk through. The trail itself is about 3.3 miles long, but honestly...only the first mile and a quarter is worth the walk. It is very dry or desert-like in the middle. There's not much to see in between that stretch. And your foot and knees will hurt walking on the paved walkways. There's also many cracks and raises along the path, so may be challenging for anyone with mobility or may need wheelchair access. Street parking mostly and as of the time of this post, the sidewalk entrance is closed, so just walk through the grass.

An easy 3.3 mile out and back trail in the city of Duarte. The trail is popular to bikers and dog…read morewalkers. I noticed all dogs are on leash, which is very good. The trail is separated from the busy street so its safe to walk around and enjoy the park. Lots of shaded walk way. Nice view of the mountains as well. Family friendly.

Great quick hike up to "sunset bench" ... a little less than 3 miles round trip (2.67 miles)…read more Entrance as others have mentioned is tricky to spot. Go up private looking drives with a few mailboxes out front. Brick pavers and a beautiful mid century modern home on the right is the entrance area.

Well maintained trail, it's a short hike with a steep uphill climb for a good part of it…read more It was a clear day so you can see all the way to DTLA! There's plenty of deer around so don't bother them and keep your distance. Parking on the street, be mindful of the neighborhood steet signs as the entrance to the trail is very suburban.

Update this is for the west Azusa river not the east Azuza river. Attached is a photo of the east…read moreAzusa river

At the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains is a pathway into the canyons, bordered by towering cliffs…read moreand twinkling streams. It's the first right turn before you enter the national forest. Unadorned and easy to overlook, it's perhaps the most uncomplicated way to access the natural beauty of this area. Before you go, you need to prepare by...doing absolutely nothing. No Adventure Pass needed. Parking is free, marked by sizeable signage saying El Encanto. It's the remnant of a restaurant built in the 1920's that ceased operations about 20 years ago. A well-maintained trail curves gently down the canyon. On the descending path, you'll be accompanied by the bubbling river, lofty mountain views, and in typical LA fashion, colorful graffiti. It's an easy 2 mile hike round-trip with moderate elevation change. Though it says no river access at the trailhead, you'll actually end up right next to the river for the latter portion of the hike. The trail ends in a quiet oasis, sleek gray stones of assorted shapes and sizes protruding above the water like a floating zen garden. The Azusa Wilderness Park is still in its nascent stages of development by the Watershed Conservation Authority, a local public entity dedicated to planning and maintaining open spaces. Expanded trails, dining services, and interactive nature experiences are part of the plan. Exciting as all that is, for the moment, simplicity also carries its own tranquil charm.

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???

This is the trail if you're looking for a crazy non stop incline. The entire trail is a 11 mile…read moreround trip. There are some parts that are gravelly. Be very careful to avoid injury. Should wear hiking shoes with traction. There's no shade so make sure you bring a hat and wear lots of sunscreen. Insect spray and net are high recommended. You will see army of Gnats flying everywhere. You will hit 3500+ elevation and it's a great trail for if you want to build that leg muscle and burn more calories. Pretty straight forward trail just one way up you will see a split when you're near the top. Make sure you make a right and a quick left if you're going towards mount bliss. Parking: I usually park at Encanto Park and walk towards the trail, about half a mile down.

Great hike since the beginning straight to business I would recommend to try this hike bring lots…read moreof water

Peaceful, Quiet, plenty space to Walk , Ride Bikes, Jogging, Picnics . Only $8 to get in if you…read morequalify or you could buy a yearly pass that's good for all State Parks.

It's a huge lake park located in Irwindale, and its facilities including picnic tables and bike…read moretrails, which offers affordable family activities and scenic mountain views. However, the park is often crowded, and lack of maintenance, for instance, restroom was in bad condition. They charge a vehicle entrance fee of $15 per car, and from my experience you'd better prepare with cash as the reception there is bad, and their mobile card readers are often slow or not working.