Pic: Regis K.

The Santa Fe Dam Reservoir is a hidden oasis nestled within an expansive 836-acre park, with the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains providing a scenic backdrop that captivates visitors. Situated in southern Los Angeles County, within the City of Irwindale, this expansive 70-acre reservoir is widely regarded as one of the premier paddling destinations in the entire region

The park is home to a variety of California native plants and wildlife, including cactus wrens, California gnatcatchers, scissor-tail flycatchers, horned lizards, and kangaroo rats. Maintained by the California Parks and Recreation Department, the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Park offers a welcome escape from the hectic pace of Los Angeles.

Visitors can explore awesome trails by bicycle or on foot, immersing themselves in the beautiful, isolated outdoors. The reservoir itself is a 3-mile u-shaped stretch with a total park perimeter of 6.3 miles, though there is no continuous path around the entire area.

TThe Fairplex RV Park presents an urban camping experience, conveniently positioned next to a commercial area and a residential neighborhood, as well as adjacent to Fairplex, where the LA County Fair takes place. The park features a total of 185 RV campsites, some of which are shaded, but it does not allow tent camping.

The park provides a range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including year-round kayaking, fishing, and use of non-motorized watercraft on the reservoir. For those seeking a peaceful respite from the city, the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Map of Santa fe Dam