Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area

Irwindale, California

Welcome friends to the "Local Routes" section of Get-Into-Cycling.com. In this page we will take a look at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, located in the City of Irwindale, California, where the I-605 and I-210 freeways meet (you can't miss it).

The dam was created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control dam for protection of the San Gabriel Valley region. Nestled inside the dam, is a beautiful small man-made lake that offers fishing, a swmimming beach and pedal boating/row boating.

The park has acres of spaces for picnics, bar-b-ques, several playgrounds, a workout area and other family related activities. Plus the dam is host to many other activities including the Renaissance Faire, R/C aircraft flying, a nature center with nature trails, just to name a few.

But we are here to talk about the most important activity of all: Cycling. Yes, this is a great area for cycling.....both on-road and off-road. The paved bike path system within the dam is actually part of a larger bike path system called the "San Gabriel River Trail" that starts within the San Gabriel mountains and ends at Seal Beach for a total of 38 miles. This is a great challange for those of you wanting to ride long distances as the trail winds its way thru many different cities within L.A. County.

For those of you just starting off, the bike paths within the dam offer miles of riding fun, not to mentioned great views of the San Gabriel mountains and the Cities of Irwindale, Duarte and Azusa on clear days from the portion of the bike path which is built right on top of the dam.

Plus, within the confines of the dam, you'll find miles of dirt fire roads and smaller single track trails for all cycling abilities to try. You can even rent quadcycles in the main park area if you just want to cruise around the park.

This is a great place to bring your family for a day of cycling fun. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch and take a stroll by the lake.

Parking is available within the dam's recreation area for $8.00 per car, but if you want to save some money (who doesn't) and don't mind riding in, you can park outside the Santa Fe Dam entrance along Arrow Highway or go just a few miles north to the San Gabriel River trailhead parking lot located west of Irwindale Ave. on the northside of Foothill Blvd. The entrance is adjacent to the San Gabriel Riverbed and is clearly marked.

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