Exploring the Joatngna Trails

 

In late November 2020, our family decided to head off to the Joatngna Trailhead. I did my research on alltrails.com and the website described it as an easy loop hike that would be good for the family. The cooler weather during November through April makes it great for going on fun nature walks. So early Saturday morning, we loaded the children into the van and headed out to Uplands California.

The Joatgnga Trails has a length of only 0.6 miles with chaparral hillsides and is good for all skill levels. The area was formerly covered by Eucalyptus trees, that were burned in the 2003 Padua fires. Our destination will be to view the lookout of Mount San Antonio which stands at an impressive 10,064 feet. 

If you plan to park at the designated parking lot, then you will need to purchase an Adventure pass or have an annual pass on hand. Portable Restrooms and trash receptacles are conveniently on site. The area surrounding the Joatgnga trails is popular for biking enthusiasts, so you may want to considering packing one just in case.

Eucalyptus branches were scattered near the parking lot and my oldest decided to use one as a hiking stick. The children were excited to explore the area and we just hung around taking our time without a care in the world. 

About a few hundred yards from the parking lot, the boys found a tunnel made out of the branches of an overgrown bush. The tunnel lead us toward a babbling brook, and in some parts was shallow enough to step into. With boulders abound, Dylan practiced his parkour moves.

Right next to the stream there is a bridge you can walk under where many unsavory characters left their ugly looking graffiti art. In fact, there was trash and graffiti strewn throughout the 0.6 miles, which is a common problem in the Angeles National Forest. Regardless, our family were able to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit, and just relax.

I guess we had too much fun, because before you know it we had walked for about an hour. Unable to reach the lookout destination, Mount San Antonio could still be seen from where we were standing. It was close to lunch time so it was time to call it a day and walk back to the car.

Would we come to the Joatnga Trails again? I believe we would, as there aren't too many hikes that are this short and easy for a family of five. Having young children, we really look out for outdoor spaces that isn't too difficult but still gives us the experience of being outdoors. If anyone reading knows of any other family friendly hikes near the Los Angeles Area, please leave that in the comments below.