Explore Eaton Canyon in Los Angeles, CA

Lisa and I are spending a month in Los Angeles, California, vising my daughter and son-in-law in Pasadena and my brother and sister-in-law in Lake Balboa (the San Fernando Valley). We are trying to take in as many sites as possible (the Grammy Museum in LA, the Magic Castle for dinner on our anniversary, and the Getty Museum in Beverly Hills, just to name a few).

We are also trying to maintain our exercise programs, so Lisa did some research and found a great hiking location nearby: Eaton Canyon.

Eaton Canyon is in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains just above Pasadena. This is a 198-acre nature preserve with a nature center open to the public. The park offers hiking and equestrian trails, guided tours, and tours specifically for schools and childre

n. There is ample parking just off Altadena Drive with overflow parking areas available during busy events.

From the main parking area, it’s about a 2.8-mile roundtrip to the waterfall. I would consider the hike easy to moderate. The trails are well-defined and not very challenging.

We were a little concerned on the way up because the creek beds were dry, and we weren’t sure there would be any water at the termination but were happily surprised at the trickle of water coming down. After the rainy season, the waterfall is very active with a knee-deep pool at the bottom. On this day, the water was just ankle-deep, but the trail dogs were happy to splash around and get a cold drink.

Stop by the visitor center to learn about the animals and plants you’ll discover in the canyon, and the history (gold veins were discovered in the canyon back in the 1880-1890s). Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed. As always, take water with you and take plenty of pictures.

And don’t forget to pick up your trash. I picked up several empty water bottles, papers, and snack wrappers on the way back to the car. Don’t be that hiker. Clean up after yourself.