San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center
San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center
The San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center is a 2.5 – acre pocket park and interpretive center in Azusa that provides a unique interface between urban and Angeles National Forest environments marking the entrance to the National Forest - National Monument.
Stop here on weekends to pick up a wilderness permit, buy an Adventure Pass (CASH ONLY), or simply ask for information for your adventure out in the Angeles.
For more information about the Center, conditions and activities call (626) 969-1012.
WCA - Wilderness River Park
Situated at the gateway to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, the River Wilderness Park offers spectacular vistas of the San Gabriel River and the canyon. The area is known for its enchanting beauty and charm from which the site’s previous use as a beloved local restaurant “El Encanto” took its name.
The former El Encanto Restaurant, originally built in the 1920’s to house the San Gabriel Canyon Forest Ranger, now hosts the offices of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and the Watershed Conservation Authority. The Hilda Solis River Outlook and native garden in front of the building provides a sneak peek of improvements and interpretive features to come. This outlook is also a trailhead for a popular 1-mile walk (2 miles round trip) along North Old San Gabriel Canyon Road, which follows the San Gabriel River.
San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area
The San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area is located 11 miles north of Azusa on Highway 39. Over 160 acres of rocky, sandy river bottom await users of 2, 3 and 4-wheeled OHVs. TThe OHV and obstacle course area is open Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day) at 8 a.m. ALL VISITORS MUST EXIT BY 4:30. Special closures may occur if unusually high water, wildfire or capacity crowds occur.
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Access into the San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area is through the Staging Area located along Highway 39. Parking and restrooms are provided. Food service is available at Camp Williams in the East Fork of San Gabriel Canyon. The nearest towing and gas services are located in Azusa.
FEES
A fee of $8 for each primary vehicle and $5 (CASH and CHECK only) for each secondary vehicle is charged for entry into the San Gabriel OHV Area. Entrance permits may not be purchased without proper vehicle registration, approved spark arrester or muffler system, and any other protective equipment required by the State of California for off-highway vehicle operation.
West Fork National Scenic Bikeway
The West Fork National Scenic Byway is a 7-mile bike trail that parallels the rushing West Fork River. The paved and gated West Fork Trail is closed to motorized vehicles, allowing hikers and mountain bikers to experience the natural environment free of motorized traffic. The entire West Fork trail bounds the West Fork Wild Trout Area and the river’s bounty of rainbow trout, bluegill, and other common varieties. A state fishing license is required for all forest visitors over the age of 15. The West Fork area is restricted to “catch-and-release,” and fishing is limited to single barbless hooks and artificial lures.
This nationally designated bikeway is very popular with bicyclists who enjoy flat surface as they make their way towards Glenn Campground and eventually Cogswell Dam. During a hot-summer-day, hikers can cool off by dipping into the West Fork of the San Gabriel River under shade from Sycamore, White alder, and Willow trees.
It's important to note, however, this is one of the forest's more popular areas and the nearby West Fork parking lot only accommodates 45 vehicles (make sure to display an Adventure Pass) so it's recommended to come very early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Valley of the Moon
Located half a mile before Coldbrook Campground on State Highway 39, across from the Smith Mountain Trailhead turnout is the Valley of the Moon Plantation. Make your way to Valley of the Moon during a nice Spring night during a full moon where surrounding mountains provide a scenic backdrop against a glistening full moon.
Crystal Lake Recreation Area
At a Glance:
- 5539-Foot Elevation
- 50 Campsites
- Maximum RV length is 22 feet - no hookups.
- Potable water available
- Camping - $12 per night per site, $5 for extra vehicle. Day use - $5 per vehicle. Adventure Pass will be honored for day use. Campsites are first-come-first-served. Adventure Pass required for vehicles parked outside the campground.
- A California Campfire Permit is required
What to Expect:
Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground, located at the top of HWY 39 (mile marker 38.13) offers four loops of camping for a total of 50 campsites. Each campsite is $12/night and is first-come-first-served year-round. Outdoor adventures lie around every corner - including hikes to spectacular peaks of Mt. Islip and Windy Gap or fishing in Crystal Lake.
It's only a mile hike to Crystal Lake from the campground.
Nearby Crystal Lake Cafe sells hot meals, sandwiches, and camping necessities that might have been left at home, including firewood.
Crystal Lake Visitor Center Staffed by Angeles Volunteer Association (626) 910-1149.
Hours of Operation: Saturday and Sunday - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
