Hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains
Below is a collection of trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. These hikes are listed from west to east, but the table may also be sorted alphabetically or by distance to help you pick your next hike. There is also a search feature, which can be used to quickly isolate the hike you are looking for. Each trail links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these treks. An interactive map is also included.
Highlights of the San Gabriel Mountains
Hiking the San Gabriel Mountains
The Angeles National Forest protects 1,000 square miles of a vast mountain range running west to east across Los Angeles County through an area north of cities like Glendale, Pasadena, Arcadia, Azusa, and Claremont. The highest point in the range is Mount Baldy, at 10,064 feet.
An adventure pass is required to visit all trails beginning within the national forest. This pass can be purchased for $5 per day or $30 per year. The passes are valid at other national forests in Southern California as well. Passes may be purchased within the park, at various local retailers, and online. Those without a pass may still enjoy several free entry points that are located outside the national forest boundary. An “America the Beautiful” National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass can also be used in lieu of an adventure pass.
The Station Fire burned a large area of the Angeles National Forest in the summer of 2009. Much of the affected area has reopened, but several trails are still off limits.
| Trail | Description | Distance | Latitude, Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Trail Canyon Falls CLOSED. This out and back hike visits a 40-foot beauty on the east side of the San Gabriel Mountains. | 4 miles 700 feet | 34.312575, -118.253946 |
 | Switzer Falls This out and back hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall. | 4.5 miles | 34.259387, -118.155069 |
 | San Gabriel Peak from Mt. Disappointment Road This peak offers great views of the San Gabriels. Summit Mt. Disappointment for an extra half mile. | 4 - 4.5 miles 1,400 feet | 34.246506, -118.104828 |
 | San Gabriel Peak from Mt. Lowe Fire Road This peak offers great views of the San Gabriels. Summit Mt. Disappointment for an extra half mile. | 3.2 - 3.7 miles 1,000 feet | 34.246506, -118.104828 |
 | Millard Falls CLOSED. This out and back hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range. | 1 mile | 34.219936, -118.140135 |
 | Dawn Mine CLOSED. This out and back hike leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine. | 6 miles | 34.228736, -118.130178 |
 | Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail This out and back hike visits a historic railway and ruins from a century old resort overlooking Pasadena. | 5.8 miles 1,400 feet | 34.203811, -118.130507 |
 | Rubio Canyon Trail This out and back hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall. | 1.3 miles 350 feet | 34.203038, -118.122354 |
 | Eaton Falls This out and back hike visits a 40-footer. | 3 miles | 34.198642, -118.103571 |
 | Hoegees Camp This out and back hike follows Lower Winter Creek Trail through a beautiful wooded canyon to a backcountry campground with fourteen first-come first-serve sites. | 4.25 miles 700 feet | 34.209857, -118.03113 |
 | Upper Winter Creek Trail This 2.75-mile long trail can be used to extend Santa Anita Canyon Loop or create a loop with Lower Winter Creek Trail. | 4.85 miles 1,000 feet | 34.196194, -118.02265 |
 | Sturtevant Falls This out and back hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon. | 3.25 miles | 34.209857, -118.03113 |
 | Spruce Grove Camp This out and back hike follows the canyon above Sturtevant Falls to a backcountry campground with seven first-come first-serve sites. | 8 miles | 34.209857, -118.03113 |
 | Santa Anita Canyon Loop This loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness | 9.5 miles | 34.209857, -118.03113 |
 | Hermit Falls This out and back hike heads down canyon away from Sturtevant Falls toward a 30-foot waterfall. The lush canyon and the babbling creek are quite calming. | 2.6 miles 600 feet | 34.209857, -118.03113 |
 | Fish Canyon Falls This out and back hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall. | 4 miles | 34.182951, -117.911224 |
 | Mount Waterman This out and back hike takes a gradual ascent through a pine forest to reach the round summit. | 5.5 miles 1,300 feet | 34.337848, -117.938712 |
 | Cooper Canyon Falls This out and back hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines. | 3 miles 700 feet | 34.337848, -117.938712 |
 | Crystal Lake This short paved hike visits the only naturally occurring lake in the San Gabriel Mountains. | 1.33 miles 150 feet | 34.32087, -117.842642 |
 | Smith Mountain This out and back hike follows a gradual trail to a steep scramble to a 5,111 foot summit with panoramic views over the San Gabriel Mountains. | 7 miles 1,800 feet | 34.287381, -117.842672 |
 | Bridge to Nowhere This adventurous out and back hike requires several river crossings to reach an out-of-place bridge with a unique history. | 10 miles 900 feet | 34.23696, -117.765119 |
 | San Antonio Falls This out and back hike on a paved road visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mt. Baldy. | 1.4 miles 300 feet | 34.27717, -117.633805 |
 | Baldy Bowl – Ski Hut This out and back hike offers a steep but scenic ascent up the south side of Mt. Baldy. | 9 miles 3,900 feet | 34.27717, -117.633805 |
 | Devil’s Backbone This ridge-top trail between Baldy Notch and the summit of Mt. Baldy offers incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains. | 6.6 - 13.6 miles | 34.27717, -117.633805 |
 | Mount Baldy Loop This hike incorporates Devil’s Backbone and Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop. | 11.3 miles 3,900 feet | 34.27717 -117.633805 |
 | Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle This out and back hike travels through a picturesque canyon to a saddle with panoramic views and extended hiking opportunities. | 7.2 miles 2,600 feet | 34.237819, -117.596312 |
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