El Cariso Regional Park
Rate this placeNearby: Lopez Canyon Park Sylmar Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
El Cariso Regional Park is located in the state of California and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The park covers an area of 132 acres and is known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities.
One good reason to visit El Cariso Regional Park is to enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings. The park is located in a mountainous region and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can also explore the park's hiking trails, which provide access to some of the most scenic spots in the area.
One of the main points of interest in El Cariso Regional Park is the El Cariso Nature Trail. This trail is a 1.2-mile loop that takes hikers through a variety of different habitats, including chaparral, oak woodlands, and riparian areas. Along the way, visitors can see a variety of native plants and animals, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
Another interesting feature of El Cariso Regional Park is its historic significance. The park was the site of a deadly wildfire in 1966, which claimed the lives of 12 firefighters. A memorial to these firefighters is located in the park, and visitors can pay their respects and learn about the history of firefighting in the area.
The best time of year to visit El Cariso Regional Park is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally pleasant. Summers can be quite hot, while winters can be chilly and rainy.
In conclusion, El Cariso Regional Park is a beautiful and historic destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. Whether you're a hiker, nature lover, or history buff, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic California park.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Group Campground 6
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Group Campground 5
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Group Campground 4
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Group Campground 3
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Group Campground 2
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Group Campground 1
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