Eaton Canyon Falls
in the San Gabriel Mountains
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The forty-foot tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills the amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. The waist-deep water is so refreshing, you are likely to see hikers in bathing suits on a warm day. The trail to Eaton Canyon Falls can be summed up this way: One mile of wide flat dirt trail that can feel uneventful, followed by half a mile of single-track up a narrow canyon that is adventurous and fun.
The trail starts in Eaton Canyon Nature Area, a place you might go to walk your dog or push around one of those BOB strollers with the big rubber wheels. The easy path draws many visitors to the park for just that purpose. Follow the trail along a typically dry creek bed. There are a few shady thickets and plenty of sun along the way.
After a mile, the trail to the falls crosses under a bridge and enters the San Gabriel Mountains. Atop the bridge is Mount Wilson Toll Road, a trail that is mostly closed due to a landslide. Once you pass beneath the bridge, the hike changes drastically. You are suddenly hiking up a canyon, crossing from bank to bank up a winding creek. Be especially careful on this section of the trail, which crosses rugged terrain. This enjoyable stretch is 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, ending at Eaton Canyon Falls. 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 trailhead: 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. Pull into the park, leave your vehicle in the lot by the nature center and start hiking north.
Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:
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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 in the San Gabriel Mountains This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon. |
 | Mount Waterman in the Angeles National Forest This 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. |
 | Rubio Canyon Trail This 1.3-mile round trip hike ventures into a rustic canyon to a double waterfall. |
 | 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. |
 | Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range. |
 | San Antonio Falls This 1.4-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mount Baldy. |
 | Escondido Falls This 3.8-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. |
 | More waterfalls around Los Angeles Explore other waterfalls in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. |
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[...] HikeSpeak.com [...]
would it be good to go here around the first week of oct?? or dangerous? any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I hiked this on a Saturday during the summer and it was incredibly packed. Although that was annoying, it was a testament to how beautiful the trail is. Also, bring a pair of shoes you can get wet, or a pair of sandals so you can ford the river fifteen times without a lot of waiting.