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    Rattlesnake Peak Trail

    4.0 (7 reviews)

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail Photos

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    view from the peak
    Melanie D.

    The difficulty and length of this hike varies, depending on which starting point you choose. One option is to start at mile marker 339 (before the 1ST tunnel and about 1.5 miles from the parking lot) for about 8.5 miles round trip and 3500' elevation up and back. The longer option is to continue on the trail past the 2ND tunnel. This route is about 10.5 miles round trip and 4100' elevation. Unless you enjoy bushwhacking and the potential for lots of cuts and scrapes from the brush, I would recommend taking the shorter trail. Unfortunately, our group did not. The trail is very arduous and difficult to locate at times, as the brush is overgrown and thick. GPS is helpful if you are taking the long route. The entire trail to reach the peak is essentially an ascent, and most of it is a very steep climb - very steep! You will feel like you are in reach of the peak over and over, but it just keeps going. Definitely wear long pants and use trekking poles if you have them. Most importantly, take more water than you think you need. There is no shade, and if it's a hot day, you will become dehydrated pretty quickly. The views are nice but not the most impressive. On the way back, we took the route that reaches mile marker 339. I'm so glad we did, as this route has very little high brush and it is much easier to locate the trail. However, there are still several steep climbs over hills in order to eventually descend. The descent is pretty steep much of the way down. This is a much tougher hike that I anticipated, even though I was told that it is the 2nd hardest climb in the area, only 2nd to Iron Mountain. It is great training and an exhausting workout, but I probably would not consider doing it again. tip - adventure pass required parking - small lot

    View on the way up
    Debie L.

    This was a very challenging hike. It is pretty easy to find: from LA, take the 210 east, exit Azusa Ave, turn right on East Fork Rd (12 miles up), then drive about 3 miles and make a left on Shoemaker road, and finally drive a couple of miles until you see a yellow locked gate. That's where the trail starts. We had absolutely no issue with parking (there was just one group that was camping out there by the entrance). At the beginning of the hike, it was really hot because there is no coverage. We found some shady spots to take breaks in, but you definitely do not want to forget the sunblock! Eventually, you get to two different tunnels, which was really cool (in both senses). It was nice to get a little break from the sun and the tunnel was full of graffiti that was cool to look at. :) After the second tunnel, we turned right and hiked through a part where there's an old rusty storage tank and a little stream. At this point, we lost the trail. We did a little exploring in order to figure it out (this part was fun but kind of saddening because it was a hiccup in our hike). My boyfriend noticed that the trail had been washed out and it continued up higher than where we were. It is a little dangerous getting up this part, but we made it back onto the trail. (If you choose to do this, I recommend using the roots to climb). We continued on the hike, but it seemed that there were a few other parts that had been washed out. Also, many plants were overgrown and poked us (make sure to wear long pants). We had to turn around because we ran out of water, but we really liked the hike nevertheless because of how challenging it was. It is a difficult hike if you continue past the second tunnel. If you're looking for a moderate hike, it is also nice to just hike to the stream after the second tunnel. There are a lot of cool spots for pictures!

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    6 years ago

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    Azusa River Wilderness Park

    Azusa River Wilderness Park

    4.3(30 reviews)
    3.3 km

    This place is pretty cool! Nice way to get off the beaten path and take in some nature. There is…read moreabsolutely no cell service here, so I was happy I was able to meet up with my friend without any issues. There's a decent amount of parking, but I would imagine it fills up during peak times. There's a couple of trails and we chose the one that meandered along the river. There were a couple places where people had stopped to fish as well. I think there's a waterfall, but we didn't go that far. It was pretty cloudy when we visited, but I don't think there would be a lot of shade on the trails when the sun is out. Still a pretty nice hike!

    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.

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    Azusa River Wilderness Park - Peaceful scenery at the end of trail

    Peaceful scenery at the end of trail

    Azusa River Wilderness Park
    Azusa River Wilderness Park

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    El Encanto Trail Hike

    El Encanto Trail Hike

    4.8(9 reviews)
    3.5 km

    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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    South Hills Park - View from trail behind dog park

    South Hills Park

    4.3(26 reviews)
    4.9 km

    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.

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    South Hills Park
    South Hills Park
    South Hills Park - The beginning!

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    The beginning!

    Rattlesnake Peak Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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