Family hike and cookout on El Encanto Trail in Azusa in San Gabriel Mountains

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How well do you know your wild backyard? Not the one where your kids play, but the big one in the San Gabriel Mountains that has rivers and forests to explore -- and it’s oh-so-close to L.A. too.

Anyone who wants to learn about this breathtaking ecosystem is invited to come on a hike April 24 to see why the San Gabriels are so special and why it’s important that underserved communities receive greater access to this recreational resource.

Meet 8:30 a.m. at the visitor center/ranger station parking lot on Highway 39, about a half mile south of the Encanto Trail. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks. The hike is free and open to all. Interested? Contact Roberto Morales, (213) 387-6528 x213 or (818) 400-6340, roberto.morales@sierraclub.org

Families with children are welcome to participate on this easy hike along the El Encanto Trail in Azusa that’s about a mile and a half each way. You can join us for a little barbecue at the end with hotdogs and vegetarian options too.

Sierra Club and San Gabriel Mountains Forever scored a major achievement when President Obama created the San Gabriel Mountains Monument in 2014, but more work needs to be done to protect the land.