Irwindale, California
Located in Irwindale, California, the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. The area offers a unique hiking trail that stretches over 5 miles, providing scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Fe Dam. The trail is of moderate difficulty, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned hikers. Along the way, you'll encounter the beautiful lake, home to various waterfowl, and the dam, a notable landmark. The trail also features unique rock formations and lush vegetation. In addition to hiking, the area offers activities such as fishing and biking. Close by, you'll find the top-rated Irwindale Park, another outdoor attraction featuring a playground, picnic areas, and a walking path. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Irwindale for a memorable day out.
Top Spots in and near Irwindale
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Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more -
Monrovia, California
Monrovia Falls
3.71.46 mi / 459 ft gainMonrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail
4.82.49 mi / 1014 ft gainNote: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls
4.61.61 mi / 423 ft gainThis trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates. As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat
5.012.74 mi / 4852 ft gainMt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...Read more -
La Verne, California
Marshall Canyon Trail
4.05.99 mi / 722 ft gainFor this adventure you can choose to start in a multiple of places; for the easiest parking use Oak Mesa Park located next to Oak Mesa Elementary School. From the parking lot cross the soccer field towards the bridge on the north east end of the school. Once across the bridge follow Los Robles ea...Read more -
Whittier, California
Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon
2.03.47 mi / 627 ft gainThe Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...Read more -
Whittier, California
Hellman Park Trail
3.04 mi / 850 ft gainThis trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...Read more -
Altadena, California
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp
4.510.99 mi / 3291 ft gainIdlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead
4.23.54 mi / 528 ft gainThe hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...Read more -
Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
La Verne, California
Cattle Canyon Trail
6.7 mi / 1066 ft gainWithin the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...Read more -
Altadena, California
San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails
17.55 mi / 5614 ft gainSan Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.Read more -
Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop
4.110.16 mi / 3369 ft gainThe trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Irwindale
Palmdale, California
Coulter Group Campground
Overview
At Coulter Group Campground groups can relax and enjoy the experience of being outdoors without traveling far from the greater L...
Palmdale, California
Meadow Group Campground
Overview
Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger...
Pearblossom, California
Bandido Group Campground
Overview
Groups of all types will enjoy staying at the Bandido Group Campground, which boasts beautiful scenery in a relaxing, rustic atm...
Azusa, California
Jackson Flats
Overview
Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature pr...
Valyermo, California
Lake Campground
Overview
Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area. It's set o...
Valyermo, California
Mountain Oak
Overview
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life. Just northwes...
