Eaton Canyon Falls, Pasadena CA
• 4-star hike
• 3.4 to 4.2 mile options
• Easy/Medium difficulty | Gain 420 to 790 feet
• Pasadena, CA | Los Angeles Region
• Driving directions: Trailhead
Enjoying the cooling waterfall spray at canyon's end.
Much to some people's surprise Southern California can boast of having several great waterfalls on their doorstep, and the waterfall at the end of the Eaton Canyon Falls trail is no exception.
Highlights on this trail include the scramble along river rocks inside the winding and shady canyon, and the waterfall that plunges forty feet into a crystal clear pool. Enjoy the shade and the views, or take a wade into the waters to cool off on a hot day.
The trail begins at a visitor center and large free parking lot. Due to the trail's popularity expect parking to fill quickly, particularly weekends and holidays.
Falls Trail,
Falls Trail & Wilson Rd Eaton Canyon Falls 4★3.4 mi, Out & back, Easy, Gain 420ft
The trail to the waterfall begins as a long, flat dusty trail with greenery all around. As you admire the San Gabriel Mountains that rise in front of you, you'll hardly notice the modest elevation gain. Around two-thirds of the distance you'll bear left and continue under a canyon-spanning concrete bridge and into Eaton Canyon itself. For the remaining half-mile the ground underfoot is mostly rocky with several creek crossings, but the difficulty is still pretty easy scrambling. Trail definition goes awry at times so just pick your own preferred route - you can't get lost in this narrowing gorge.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Falls Trail & Wilson Road 4★4.2 miles, Part-loop, Medium, Gain 790ft
This route combines the canyon trail with a hilside walk up the dirt Mount Wilson Toll Road, and provides some spectacular views over the Los Angeles Basin. Be prepared for lots of sunshine - there's no shade on this mountain detour.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
A tale of two trails. Flat & easy until you enter the canyon.
Switchbacks on the descent from the Mt Wilson Road detour.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
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