Azusa River Wilderness Park

The Watershed Conservation Authority (WCA) has proposed creation of Azusa River Wilderness Park for use as parkland and watershed protection. The site is along Highway 39 in San Gabriel Canyon near the northern boundary of the City of Azusa. Figure 1 is an aerial view/map of the area. Figure 2 shows the study (or planning) area and the properties located within the study area.

Figure 1, Aerial View of Azusa RiverWilderness Park
Click to view an interactive version of this map.

Figure 2, Azusa River Wilderness Park Study (Planning) Area

In February 2006 the WCA in collaboration with the City of Azusa purchased the former El Encanto Restaurant site. This 40-acre property is located at 100 Old San Gabriel Canyon Road, Azusa, CA 91702. The WCA has prepared a Master Plan for this site. The Master Plan includes Site Programming, Site Planning and overall Site Concept Development. The Nature Experience Plan is the adopted concept; the over-riding theme is to provide a place where the visitor can experience nature. A 2-page brochure which provides a succinct look at the Master Plan has also been created. Download the Master Plan (253 page, 16.3 mb PDF file) or the brochure (2 page 1 mb PDF file).

The WCA is finalizing the acquisition of the 26 acre International Theological Seminary property from the Trust for Public Land. The site is also known as the CanyonInn/CoolSprings property and is where the Canyon Inn once stood. This acquisition will protect open space and add river riparian habitat to the Wilderness Park. The property has a 5 acre meadow along with a pond that one day will be the site of river education programs.

The Taylor, Rainbow Ranch Equestrian Facility, and the Private Parcel are potential future acquisitions.

For more information, contact

Deborah Enos
626-815-1019, ext. 112
denos@rmc.ca.gov
Watershed Conservation Authority
 "El Encanto"
100 Old San Gabriel Canyon Road
Azusa, CA 91702