Welcome to Rio de Los Angeles State Park State Recreation Area. It is a vibrant 247-acre urban escape. It is nestled along the Los Angeles River in Glassell Park, Los Angeles. Born from a reclaimed railroad yard, this green sanctuary invites city dwellers and explorers alike to soak in its restored wetlands, sports fields, and riverside trails.
What Makes This Park Unique
The landscape used to be part of the Taylor Yard freight switching hub. It has been transformed into one of the few remaining riparian spaces in central Los Angeles. Native plants and wildlife now flourish in wetlands once blanketed in concrete. Sports fields, playgrounds, and a recreation building mingle with natural trails, creating a rare blend of urban recreation and ecological revival.
Top Activities & Amenities
Picnic Areas, Playground & Sports Facilities
Bring the family and spread out under shade or sunny clearings with well-placed picnic tables. The expansive playground, basketball and baseball fields, and soccer turf offer active play for all ages. There’s even a skate-park zone for added fun and local flair.
Hiking Trails & Riverfront Recreation
Simple but scenic trails trace the riverbank and wetlands, connecting to the broader Glendale Narrows bike path network. These gently winding paths bring you into a rejuvenated riverside ecosystem rich with native grasses and birds—an invitation to quiet exploration in the heart of L.A.
Fishing, Boating & Water Activities
Thanks to soft-bottomed stretches of the L.A. River, urban anglers find peaceful spots to cast lines, while paddlers enjoy a gentle glide along the riparian corridor. Canoeing and kayaking opportunities exist, though bring your gear and check local river conditions.
Interpretive Exhibits & Visitor Center
The park showcases interpretive installations on wetlands restoration and Taylor Yard’s railroad legacy. Although modest in scale, these educational elements help connect visitors to the area’s layered history and ecological significance.
Restrooms, Drinking Water & Parking
Visitors enjoy essential amenities including flush restrooms, drinking fountains, and a decent parking lot. It’s a rare amenity-rich space in a dense urban setting where comfort and convenience are key.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Open daily from 9 am to 10:30 pm—great for early walks or evening unwind sessions.
- No online reservations needed; just drive in and enjoy.
- Pets are welcome on leash—please clean up after them to protect the wetland habitat.
- Pack binoculars and a camera—wildlife like birds, pollinators, and occasional small mammals can be delightful to watch.
- Use caution near the river—depth and currents vary; supervise children near water.
- Combine your visit with a stroll across the nearby Taylor Yard Pedestrian & Bike Bridge to deepen your river corridor exploration.
- Spring and autumn bring mild weather and blooming native flora—prime time for a visit.
- Look out for monthly volunteer habitat restoration workdays—great ways to give back and learn.
Local Insight
For a truly serene experience, visit on a spring weekday. The wetlands come alive with butterflies and songbirds. The fields glow under the soft sun. Arrive at twilight to catch dusk over the river—magical light filters through willows, and the city hums quietly beyond the green edge. For an added perspective, cross the nearby Taylor Yard bridge to explore the evolving greenway—your own quiet adventure in the heart of L.A.
Rio de Los Angeles State Park is more than an urban park. It’s a statement of renewal, community, and nature. It threads its way through city landscapes. Whether you’re shooting hoops, casting a line, paddling slowly, or just watching the water, this park invites discovery at every turn.