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San Gabriel River

From its headwaters high atop Mount San Antonio to its debouchment with the Pacific Ocean at Seal Beach, the San Gabriel River is one of the L.A. basin's most cherished and vital waterways. During its 60 mile trajectory the San Gabriel River flows through more than 19 cities, largely within concrete encased flood channels. The Azusa Canyon portion of the river has become a favorite destination for millions of Southern Californians, while the West, East and North Forks of the river drain the largest watershed in the mountain, and provide millions of residents with clean drinking water.

Recreational opportunities abound in the San Gabriel Mountains near the top of the river. The East Fork of the river provides a gateway to hiking within the Sheep Mountain wilderness, and in recent years many hikers have even taken to bungee jumping at the end of the 7-mile long hike to the Bridge to Nowhere. The West Fork offers a National Scenic Bike trail and access to a catch and release trout stream.

Currently, there are efforts underway to designate large portions of the river and the San Gabriel Mountains as a National Recreation Zone. The Emerald Necklace Project envisions connecting more than 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces along an interconnected greenway around the Rio Hondo, San Gabriel, and lower Los Angeles rivers.
 

San Gabriel River
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Eldoradoville: The Forgotten Boom Town of the San Gabriels
In 1860, this boom town was thriving along the San Gabriel Rivers East Fork, boasting general stores, black smith shops, and more than a few saloons.
Train of cars carrying lumber being pulled by a logging tractor in Central California. Lumber was also extracted from the San Gabriels. | Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library
Century of Destruction: Environmental Devastation of the San Gabriel Mountains
The nineteenth century was a brutal era of exploitation of the San Gabriels.
Jason and Owen Brown on top of Mount Wilson | Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library
Mountain Men: Pioneers and Outlaws of the San Gabriels
Yearning to operate in the wild margins of Los Angeles, early pioneers and fugitives from the law carved their homes and hideouts into the cloistered heights of the San Gabriels.
Battle of Río San Gabriel and American Exploration of the Sierra Madre
After the United States fought for the conquest of California, sights were set on mapping the economic possibilities of the uncharted San Gabriel Mountains.
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Mountain Fortress: Indian Resistance to Mission San Gabriel
As Spanish missionaries staked their claim to the San Gabriel Valley, the mountains would serve as the last fortress of protection and resistance for the native people.
mount baldy at sunrise
The Indigenous Dawn of the San Gabriel Mountains
The brilliant heritage of the San Gabriel Mountains is largely unknown to millions of Southern Californians. The historical and cultural impact of the mountains' indigenous people is where the astonishing story begins.
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Santa Fe Dam to Seal Beach: Biking the San Gabriel River Path
The 64 mile round trip bike ride can be exhausting and emotional...but extremely rewarding.
Bridge to Nowhere
Finding the Bridge to Nowhere Along the San Gabriel River
Following our exploration of the West Fork of the San Gabriel River, it was now time for us to conquer the hilly and windy paths along the East Fork of the river, otherwise known Bridge to Nowhere hike.
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