The main trail is very well maintained and the first mile of the trail is a moderate hike. There are a few spots with slight inclines, but the trail is wide and very well marked. You first cross a dry creek bed, which I'm sure has water in it during the rainy months. A little farther into the trail, you will find a few oak groves too.
If you want to stay on the main trail, it starts to climb very steeply at the 1 mile mark and winds up the mountain. We decided to take the waterfall trail.
From this sign, it is 1/2 mile up to the 40 foot waterfall, and is a pretty vigorous hike up and down the hillside, climbing over boulders and you must cross the creek many times before you reach the waterfall.
Then...our first glimpse of the falls.
Our total hike was 3 miles and was very enjoyable. This hike is a good one and I recommend it to anyone who lives in the area. There is a Nature Center with exhibits and a gift shop. It's best to hike this canyon on a week-day as it becomes very crowded on week-ends.
Eaton Canyon Natural Area, supervised and maintained by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological wonderland situated at the base of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. With its hiking trails, wildlife, rocks and minerals, and plants, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is also the gateway to Heninger Flats, Idle Hour Campground, and Mount Wilson. Visit the Nature Center, where you'll find information, displays, a gift shop, and offices. There is no admission to the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset daily. We ask only that you leave it the way you find it, and take nothing away but photos and pleasant memories.
Directions: Eaton Canyon Natural Area is located at 1750 North Altadena Drive, one block north of New York Drive in Pasadena, California. There is a sign on the east side of the street which clearly marks the entrance to the Park. From the 210 Freeway eastbound, exit at Sierra Madre Boulevard/Altadena Drive. Turn left (north) at the first light (Altadena Drive) and go 1.6 miles to the park entrance. From the 210 Freeway westbound, exit at San Gabriel Boulevard/San Marino. Turn right (north) at the second light (Altadena Drive) and go 1.5 miles to the park entrance.
Address: 1750 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena
Phone: (626) 398-5420
Phone: (626) 398-5420
That looks a beautiful park and hiking trail. The scenery is great and I loved the video providing sound of the waterfall and a glimpse of "Hiker"
ReplyDeleteYour my hero, Kay. I never would have made it very far, that's a very steep climb.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the beauty.
hugs,
Pam
I'm excited to find your blog! I am going to turn into a old lady hiker myself. (not that you're old!)Anyway, I am getting a dog also, she's just a baby puppy right now, but around February I should be able to bring her home. She'll be my hiking and walking pal. So...hopefully it all turns out for me. I think it's great that you hike. It's awesome and your blog is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, Kay! I just moved up here 4 months ago and have been a short way up many of those trails. I'd wondered if there was a real waterfall, or if by "waterfall" was meant the little wall over which water flows about a 1/4 mi. up that trail. It's great to see that there's a real one, and that will be my next hike . . . with camera, of course. :-D
ReplyDelete