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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Los Angeles, California
Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail
4.02.07 mi / 915 ft gainGlendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...Read more -
Mount Baldy, California
Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail
5.09.7 mi / 3990 ft gainMt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy as it is known locally, is one of the cans of the challenging "six-pack of peaks" in Southern California. For this one, start before the Manker campground and head up the fire road. This is known as the "Baldy Bowl or Ski-Hut Trail". You'll see some cabins on your l...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood Trail
5.02.49 mi / 505 ft gainMount Hollywood Trail is a loop with scenic views of Griffith Park located in Los Angeles, California. There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Hollywood, including via Mount Hollywood via Fern Canyon Trail (5-mile loop) starting near the merry-go-round. This route is one of the most ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Watts Towers
3.0Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...Read more -
Anaheim, California
Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail
1.42 mi / 187 ft gainThe Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is well kept and offers lots of shady spots. The first portion of this hike will take you up a hill, and then to a fork. One direction will take you around a reservoir and another will ta...Read more -
Azusa, California
Bighorn Mine Trail
5.03.69 mi / 607 ft gainIf you decide to head over to Wrightwood for some skiing during the winter, make sure to get a hike in while you’re at it. There are several trail systems along the Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2), and one of them is scenic Big Horn Mine Trail. The end point of the hike is the historic and abandone...Read more -
Azusa, California
Summit Mt. Baden-Powell
5.07.86 mi / 2808 ft gainThis well maintained and well traveled trail is a popular route with day hikers, backpackers, and Pacific Crest Trail through hikers. Since the trail is on the face of the mountain, snow may linger late into the season. The Pacific Crest Trail is clearly marked on the western corner of the Vinc...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
West Trail Loop
4.31.85 mi / 463 ft gainThe trail starts near Dell Picnic area, near the Trails Cafe. On this wide fire road, you can choose to run or hike, but don't expect to have the trail to yourself, especially if you're heading out on the weekend. With that said, you can time your run or hike around sunset and get amazing views b...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail to Griffith Observatory
4.82.63 mi / 587 ft gainThe Ferndell to Griffith Observatory trail in Los Angeles, California is a moderate difficulty, 2.63-mile loop trail. The trail starts at Ferndell Nature Museum, a small museum with a garden and picnic area. The trail then ascends through a shaded canyon, with a small stream running alongside. ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail
4.65.04 mi / 1155 ft gainGetting to the parking lot near the trailhead and finding an open space can seem like the most daunting part of this whole excursion. There are free parking lots along the road to the trailhead, so keep an eye out. There are also several ways to get to the trailhead from other parking areas; I ad...Read more -
Pearblossom, California
Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair
4.57.37 mi / 1870 ft gainWhat a hidden gem! A martian landscape full of faultline desert rock formations and joshua trees against a mountainous backdrop of the San Gabriels. Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area features a 1 mile well-marked, well-maintained single track loop trail inside the Punchbowl (great for kids) and a 7 ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Bronson Bat Caves
3.20.61 mi / 66 ft gainWho doesn't enjoy a short hike to a scenic/remote location? I know I sure do! After hearing about this spot through word of mouth and the internet, and seemingly never having the time to check it out, I honestly have to say it was a worthwhile trip. This short 0.6 out and back hike/walk to the f...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hollyridge Trail to the Hollywood Sign [Closed]
4.23.5 mi / 383 ft gainThis trail is closed as is the Beachwood Gate which is used to access the Hollyridge Trail will be permanently closed on April 18th, 2017 due to a court order. Check out Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail for an available option. There are three ways to get to the Hollywood Sign. This route ...Read more -
Burbank, California
Wildwood Canyon Loop
3.98 mi / 1680 ft gainThe Vital Link Trail is a steep and narrow out-and-back trail accessed though the Wildwood Canyon Park located in Burbank, CA. Parking at Wildwood Canyon is free and easy, and will be determined by which of the four trailheads you choose to start from. For the shortest and most direct route you...Read more -
Burbank, California
Vital Link Trail
4.03.72 mi / 1775 ft gainFrom I-5, take the Burbank Blvd exit. Drive north on Burbank Blvd. and take a right on N 3rd. Left on E Harvard. Right on Wildwood Canyon after 1.5 miles. There are a few ways you can begin your hike: from the parking lot, the entrance will be to the left past the gate. Here you were have a stee...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Garden of Oz
NOTE: This location is only open on Thursdays from 10am-12pm. Hours may vary depending on availablity (see below). In 1991, Hollywood resident Gail Cottman purchased a small plot beneath her Hollywood Hills home, originally planning a rose garden. It expanded into a magical homage to "The Wiza...Read more
