The Duarte Parks and Recreation Department’s 20th Annual Family Wilderness Day is Coming April 18!
This event sold out last year and once again the Vulcan Rock Quarry will open their gates to the City of Duarte shuttle bus and allow access to the original Fish Canyon Trail. This entrance to the trail will shorten the round trip to the waterfalls.
The Fish Canyon Trail will lead you through the site of what was one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the San Gabriel Valley. During the early 1900’s there were over 50 cabins in the canyon and even a dance hall at the mouth of the canyon. Most of the cabins were destroyed in the 1958 fire and flooding the next year. Remnants of the cabins can be found along the trail. At the end of the trail is Fish Canyon Falls, a guide book of the San Gabriel Mountains describes the Falls as “One of the top natural attractions in the San Gabriel Mountains. When the water runs high, the falls are a spectacular delight plunging 80 feet in three stages into an emerald pool.”
Hikers must be transported to the trailhead by a City of Duarte shuttle. Private vehicles will not be allowed on Quarry property. Hikers will navigate the trail on their own and return to Encanto Park on city shuttle for barbecue lunch and park activities. Sorry, no dogs will be allowed on the trail or in city buses.
The day’s activities will include a 24-foot climbing wall for beginning and experienced climbers, reptile exhibit, panning for gold in the stream, a barbecue lunch, and fun for everyone. Please pre-register to ensure you and your family’s participation.
Register at the City of Duarte Parks and Recreation Department, 1600 Huntington Dr., Duarte, 91010, Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 6:00pm, or mail completed form with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment to the above address. For more information call (626) 357-7931.
