🏞️ Weekly Mountain Hike | Cogswell Reservoir in Los Angeles

This weekend, I originally planned to hike Mount Islip 🥾, but halfway there, a group of motorcyclists stopped us. 🏍️🛑 At first, I was worried it might be some kind of roadblock situation—but they told us there had been an accident ahead and we couldn’t go further. Sure enough, looking up, I saw a helicopter over the mountain, followed by police cars and ambulances rushing by. 🚑🚨 Clearly, the hike wasn’t happening today. In a hurry, I checked the map and remembered a trail we’d passed earlier. So we turned back and soon arrived at a place called Azusa Canyon West Parking off Highway 35. 🧭 It was a lively spot! Because it’s close to the road and has a small creek flowing through, many people were picnicking, playing in the water, and just relaxing—a true “lie flat” kind of day. 🧺💦 But since I was already out, I was determined to walk at least a little. Along the creek, there’s a paved path that, according to the map, goes for 8 miles. Later I learned it’s called the West Fork National Scenic Bikeway—yes, it’s actually a bike path! 🚴♂️🌲 At the end of the path is Cogswell Reservoir, a flood-control reservoir for Los Angeles. The water level was pretty low, though—probably a lingering effect of the drought from previous years. 💧📉 From the dam, looking back the other way, you can see the bare peaks of the Angeles National Forest. 🏔️ The only thing is—it’s an out-and-back route. So 8 miles there means 8 miles back! After snapping some photos, I had to hurry back. Even though it was a “chill” paved trail, my feet were still pretty tired by the time I got to the car! 😅👣 #Hiking #FallHiking #DayHike #HikeTheWorld #LosAngeles #California #HikingCommunity #ScenicTrails #ReservoirViews #LAOutdoors #EasyHike #NatureWalk #WeekendAdventure #WaterfrontTrail #ExploreLA