Eaton Canyon Falls Trail | Los Angeles

hiking california los angeles hikespeak national park

Eaton Canyon Falls
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

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Eaton Falls Falls

The forty-foot Eaton Canyon Falls tumbles into a wide pool where there is plenty of room to sit around the water’s edge or wade in to the waist deep water. The pool is deep enough that you may even see a few people in bathing suits.

The trail to Eaton Canyon Falls can be summed up this way: One mile of wide flat dirt trail that is easy and slightly dull, followed by half a mile of track up a narrow canyon that is adventurous and fun.

The trail through the Eaton Canyon Nature Area looks like a place you would go to walk your dog or push around one of those BOB strollers with the big rubber wheels, and this is actually what draws many visitors to the park. The mild path goes along a mostly dry creek bed. There are a few shady thickets and trees and plenty of sun.

After a mile, the trail to the falls crosses under a bridge and heads up creek. Atop the bridge is the Mount Wilson Toll Road, a trail that is mostly closed due to a landslide. Once you pass under the bridge the trail changes drastically. You are suddenly hiking up a canyon, crossing from bank to bank up a winding creek. This section is really enjoyable, but over far too quickly as the falls are just half a mile past the bridge.

Eaton Canyon Falls

The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Along with a powerful waterfall, spring brings a bountiful bloom to the park. Fern Leaf Phacelia, Chia, and other flowers are everywhere. No fee or permit is required to visit Eaton Canyon Falls, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trialhead: Take the Altadena exit off the 210 freeway in Pasadena. Head north on Altadena Drive. The Eaton Canyon Nature Area is a couple miles up the road on the right past New York Drive. Park in the lot by the nature center and start hiking.

Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:

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Photos

These photos were taken in April of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Santa Anita Canyon Loop This 9.5-mile loop visits a two peaceful creeks, a 60 foot waterfall and plenty of beautiful wilderness
	Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon.
	Mount Waterman The 5.5-mile hike gradually ascends 1300 feet, passing through a pine forest to reach the round summit of Mt. Waterman.
	Cooper Canyon Falls This 3-mile hike leaves from Buckhorn Campground and visits a short waterfall in an enchanting glen of tall pines.
	Dawn Mine This 6-mile hike from Millard Campground leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine.
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

	Fish Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall.
	San Antonio Falls This 1.2-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mt. Baldy
	Escondido Falls This 4-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm.
	Paradise Falls This 40-foot waterfall is located within Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks and is reachable via several trails.