The Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Spreading Grounds serve as a water storage/groundwater recharge facility that conserves approximately 150,000 acre-feet of local, imported, and reclaimed water annually. The Paseo del Rio at the Rio Hondo Coastal Basins Spreading Grounds consists of a bike and pedestrian trail around the perimeter of the spreading grounds, wrought iron fencing, landscaping and a shaded rest area. When fully completed, the Paseo will include 6 miles of trails. Educational programs, field trips and group visitors may also become a part of the project after its completion.
The current trail connects the existing County LARIO trail with the City’s bike lane along Mines Avenue. Access to the Paseo’s trail is provided at Mines Avenue and Paramount Boulevard. The project is being developed in conjunction with the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers Watershed and Open Space Plan in order to promote a regional river parkway that connects neighboring jurisdictions.
Public parking is available near the spreading grounds on residential streets. The LA County MTA and Montebello Bus Lines also provide fixed-route bus service near the spreading grounds along Paramount, Washington, Whittier and Rosemead Boulevards.
The spreading grounds are open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are accessible free of charge. Full and partial closure of the spreading grounds to the public will exist during the rainy season when the water level in the spreading basins poses a serious threat to public safety.
