🥾 Ready for a Challenge? Hike Crystal Lake with HFS and Amigos

Fresh Air, Mountain Views, and Great Company!

Join Hearts For Sight and Amigos de Los Rios

on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a mountain adventure at Crystal Lake Recreation Area, nearly 6,000 feet above sea level!

Our partner, Amigos de Los Rios, works to protect the environment and expand access to nature through its “Emerald Necklace” network of parks, trails, and green spaces throughout the Los Angeles Basin. We’re excited to join them again for a day of outdoor exploration and community connection!

⛰️ The Trail: Beautiful Views and a Worthwhile Challenge

This outing is categorized as a TOUGH HIKE and is best suited for experienced hikers who are blind or visually impaired and comfortable with narrow trails, uneven footing, and sustained physical effort.

Much of the route is single-track, requiring us to hike single file using hand-on-pack guiding. The trail is mostly smooth with some rocky sections, and the main climb covers approximately 1¼ miles with 700 feet of elevation gain—roughly equivalent to climbing 70 stories.

We’ll allow plenty of time for breaks as we work toward a shaded vista point on Islip Ridge with tall trees and scenic views. After descending,

we may walk around the small lake, bringing the total distance to approximately 3½ miles. Lunch and time to relax will follow.

From left to right, Yvette, Hermilo, and Will wear hiking clothes and day packs on a trail beneath tall pines. Behind them, Crystal Lakeâ€™s still blue-green water reflects a wooded mountain ridge and clear blue sky.

Here’s what to expect:

Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles, including the lake visit.
Elevation gain: Approximately 700 feet.
Estimated hiking time: About 2½ hours, depending on the group’s pace.
Trail conditions: Mostly single-track—a narrow trail where hikers generally walk single file—with a few rough or uneven sections.
Sun exposure: Much of the route has limited shade.

Although the trail is generally well maintained and the climb is gradual, the narrow path, uneven spots, distance, and mountain elevation make this a challenging outing. Please consider your comfort and hiking experience before signing up.

After the hike, we’ll gather near the parking area for lunch, conversation, and time to relax. Bring your portable chair so you can settle in comfortably!

🚍 Ride with Us from Temple City

We’ll travel by chartered bus, with one pickup location at Live Oak Park in Temple City.

Arrive no later than 7:45 AM.
The bus departs at 8:00 AM sharp.
Bus capacity is 28 people total, including participants and sighted volunteers.

The exact pickup address and additional trip details will be provided after your RSVP is received.

Driving directly? Please arrive at Crystal Lake Campground / Recreation Area by 9:30 AM. Let us know when you RSVP so we can share the exact meeting location.

🎒 What to Bring

A portable folding, beach, or camping chair that is not too bulky.
At least 34 ounces—approximately 1 liter—of water in a refillable bottle.
Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction.
A hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for changing mountain temperatures.
Your usual cane or trekking pole, if you use one.

🤝 Sighted Guides: Come Share the Adventure!

We’re looking for volunteers to help our blind and visually impaired participants navigate the trail and enjoy the day with confidence.

No guiding experience is required—we’ll provide a brief orientation. Volunteers should be comfortable completing this tough hike while providing guiding support.

Our goal is to provide one sighted guide per visually impaired participant.

First-time guides: Please contact Racquel Decipeda at 818-457-1482 to arrange your orientation.

✉️ Reserve Your Spot

Email hearts4sight@gmail.com with:

Your full name, phone number, and email address.
Whether you are attending as a blind or visually impaired participant or a sighted volunteer.
Let us know if you will need a dedicated sighted guide.
Whether you will ride the bus from Live Oak Park or meet us at Crystal Lake.
If bringing a guest, their full name, phone number, email address, participant or volunteer status, and transportation choice.

Racquel will send a confirmation with full trip details. If you do not hear back within two days, please call 818-457-1482.

🍂 Take on the Trail with Us!

Ready for a rewarding challenge? Lace up your hiking shoes and join HFS and Amigos de Los Rios for mountain views, fresh air, and the encouragement of a supportive hiking community. We look forward to sharing the trail with you!