Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area — Attraction in Irwindale

Horrible experience after visiting for over 30 years. Decided to go with my family kayaking and when arriving I wanted to pay with my debit which they did have a sign that said we take debit card. So when arriving the lady they had at the ticketing booth started to explained how she was new and didn't know how to make those transactions. So I tell her well there is a sign saying you can with a dumbfounded look on her face she tells me to go find an ATM. So I decided to go drive in and get some information and see if maybe I can pay at the main station and once arriving the ticketing booth lady had already called my vehicle in saying I went in without paying now I wanted to ask questions as it was my first time (kayaking) and was pretty frustrated when I got to the main station everyone had a very bad attitude and acted as if I was some hoodlum sneaking in . As i explain the situation and ask about fees they tell me that all ATM transactions are down. But when I asked to pay year round fees for year round parking and boat launching. They had a miracle and were able to do a transaction. If I paid for the whole year but not for my days visit. There answer as to why they can only charge yearly passes and not daily was "umm I think there different systems for that" . So frustrated with the ignorance of the staff I decided to head to a different park. As I leave a life guard drives up and flags me down so I stop. And at this point feeling as I was treated like a foreigner getting my pockets picked. The questioning of the lifeguard as if she was a cop was the icing on the cake. After asking me what I was doing I explain once again and ask if there was a problem. The lifeguard replied "no" and began to ask another question as I just drove off regretting ever coming.

Ps. Drove another 30 minutes and went to Bonelli Park were they took my card and the lifeguards gave me great advice on where it was most suitable...

My drive was about 40-45mins to get from my house so it wasn't a bad drive. However we chose to go on the hottest day...ooops. I enjoyed everything. Here are some tips and things to know. There is a lot of parking. Parking fee is $10.00. There really isn't any restaurants near from the Dam. I didn't see any single McDonalds of fast food joints. Going inside there are to areas that I noticed one you go straight or turn left. We turned left to go near side where the swimmers are allowed. We parked my station 3. Restrooms were clean and had enough toilet paper in the morning. I don't know about later in the day, if it gets used more. I always take toilet paper just in case. What is allowed swimming, I the swimming area, fishing in the fishing area, bbqs, we took a small one. We used charcoal. Some spots are from the parking lots, so I do reccomend to go early and save a spot with shade. Also take a wagon or something to carry your things. Trust me it's easier. There are so many trees, that provide shade. There are no waves here so it's great for the little ones by the shallow. They do have lifeguards. They have a kayaking area. Bike trial, and also you can run there as well. The view is amazing. They have water rentals, except they were not open when I went. So I was sad because I wanted to rent. Bugs, bugs, and bugs. There is a lot of them, if you can try to take bug spray, or something to protect yourself from those bites. Water was dirty but fresh not salty. Overall it was a great experience. Please have in mind that during Covid19 I and my family did use masks, except when eating. Also, some things seemed like they were closed or shut down because of the pandemic, like the rentals and the medical center that it seemed to be there. It was my first time here and I am planning to go back on a more fresh day. Very...

Well, this is a hidden gem. It is not just the bike paths seen along the freeway, it is a 'large bowl' with rocks for walls. No sounds from outside can be heard, very quiet and peaceful. The entry, from Arrow Hwy, is long and windy, going over the rocks (watch for bikes) before descending into the valley. Inside the 'bowl' is a 70 acre lake with ducks and geese. There are even 3 islands! The 836-acre facility has plenty of nice, wide hiking trails that run for 2-3 miles before there is a turn, and even then it is a slight one. Lots of separate picnic areas can be rented and general use picnic tables abound. During the summer season, peddle boats, row boars and water cycles can be rented or launched (row, kayak, canoe) for a fee.

The sun sets over the lake, making it a great romantic spot for proposals. Writers and painters alike will enjoy the serenity. Lots of little coves around the lake for a quiet, little spot. There is even a little amphitheater for plays. A great natural, rustic environment.

It was designed and built by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The staff is helpful and kind, the park well maintained. Lots of parking. It is part of the bike path system to the beach, so bike riders can enter for free, but cars are charged a fee of 10,00/day in the summer season. In winter, it is free Monday to Friday, November to February, inclusive. It's a...