Eaton Canyon Trail Head image

Eaton Canyon Trail Head

Park

👍👍 It was my first visit to Eaton Canyon last Sunday and it did not disappoint. Recent rain has the creek rushing with water. Being from Seattle (now living in Pasadena) I miss rain and flowing water. We actually went to the canyon with our camping chairs to sit by the creek and enjoy the atmosphere.... People often mention hike, time, trail, water, people, hiking, Great, creek, small, waterfall,


Address

1999 Veranada Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107

Website

www.ecnca.org

Contact

(626) 398-5420

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (705 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 7:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hike (19) time (13) trail (12) water (11) people (11) hiking (8) Great (8) creek (7) small (7) waterfall (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mitch W. 2 years ago on Google
    It was my first visit to Eaton Canyon last Sunday and it did not disappoint. Recent rain has the creek rushing with water. Being from Seattle (now living in Pasadena) I miss rain and flowing water. We actually went to the canyon with our camping chairs to sit by the creek and enjoy the atmosphere. We enjoyed the all natural setting and unexpectedly, the people watching. It was late afternoon so there was a steady stream of people coming back from their hikes. As you can see in my photos someone improvised a small bridge using logs which were only somewhat stabilized by boulders in the rushing creek. Lots of people with little dogs or small children just got their feet wet and forded the creek bed. Almost all the adults and big kids tried their hand at crossing on the small slippery log bridge. Folks with hiking poles had it much easier than those without. Thankfully, only one person completely fell in face first. It happened to be a slightly older woman, the moment it happened the onlookers gasped, but within a couple of seconds a man on the shore jumped in and helped her up. She was laughing with embarrassment and physically unhurt so we all had a little laugh about it. We were the only people in chairs so quite a few people passing by on the trail stopped to chat with us. Everything from jokes about us just being there to watch people fall in the creek, to lifetime locals taking the time to answer our questions about the creek. Such a friendly and safe atmosphere. Lots of kids and pets having a great time. So, do yourself a favor and give this place a visit soon while the creek is still flowing.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 10 months ago on Google
    BEAUTIFUL trail and hike. Overall gentle incline and wide path. Felt totally immersed in nature. Vibrant running stream right now too! Plus free parking and a Nature Center with a gift shop and bathrooms!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zan L. 2 years ago on Google
    An extremely easy but very pleasant hike. Took us just over an hour so this was more of a nature walk than a hike. Other reviewers are accurate in that it is extremely crowded so go early and on a weekday if possible. Luckily we were able to get a few minutes alone at the falls but that did not last long. Parking in the neighborhood is fairly easy although it is in 2 hour maximum increments. There is pretty much no elevation gain nor any rock climbing needed. Also the stream crossings were very minor and your feet do not have to get wet at all. No gear is required, just some good shoes. My favorite part was the waterfall at the end or the guard tower structure at the beginning. We climbed into and up the small tower to have our lunch; it only sits 2 people inside it at the top so it can be extra fun with the right company. Overall a great hike, but not sure I will return due to the short length, ease, and popularity of the trail, but it really beautiful and something worth seeing at least once.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Janet Z. 10 months ago on Google
    First time visiting here in Nature...and it's soo magical. Great walk to the waterfall,,, Great hike, great experience hiking being in nature, soo calm the water soo fresh and just soo relaxing to be out there in Nature.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Saul C. 9 months ago on Google
    Great small hike, beautiful scenery, the waterfall at the end is a nice spot to relax. This is a VERY popular spot. First time I hiked this trail I arrived at the parking lot by 9am and there was already a sea of people. I couldn’t walk 20ft without someone next to me. By the time I arrived at the waterfall, it was so packed I couldn’t even make my way to the water. The second time I hiked this trail, I got there early, around 6:20am. The parking lot wasn’t open so I parked on the side street and made my way. By that time there were people already hiking but it wasn’t a crowd. I definitely had a way better time. When I got to the water fall there were only around four people there. I took a quick dip and by the time I started heading back everyone was arriving. This is a great small hike, it’s not hard at all. You will have to cross some streams so you’re going to get a little wet. Just make sure you get there early, before the parking lot opens.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abe A. 2 years ago on Google
    A tough hike up to Henniger Flats. Super exposed trail with little shade bring plenty if water and sunblock. Busy up to the Falls. Past the Flats up Mt Wilson shaded and less crowded much more pleasant. Just remember you have to hike back the Canyon in full heat.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ash 1 year ago on Google
    Do you like polar plunges? Well, then this is the hike for you! With the recent rain, there are ~7 knee-deep crossings of flowing snowmelt— it’s very cold and you will get soaked from knee to toe. Some of the crossings do a have a fair amount of current— there was a lot of handholding and human chains. Definitely do not recommend for small dogs and babies right now. Otherwise, it was an absolutely incredible adventure, and the falls were such an incredible sight at the end. Overall a lot of fun. Took us about 3.5 hours to complete the out and back 4.4 miles.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eklavya B. 1 year ago on Google
    The trail head is an easy hike with crossing through the waterfall stream. The crossings can be tricky. People carry long wood sticks/logs to support to go through trails. Hiking shoes or waterproof shoes are advisable in case you want to save your sneakers. Overall a good place to visit.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ignacio Lopez (. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the most popular hiking trail in Los Aneles California, is in the Angeles National Forest also known as the San Gabriel Mountains. On January 2023 I went hiking to this beautiful place and made a video about it, with lots of information and tips. Im going to post a few clips so you get an idea, but I strongly recommend you to watch the full video on my Youtube channel @lopezexplora
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew W. 5 months ago on Google
    Great Shortish Hike! Parking is free and fills up quick so get there early. Parking before the preserve opens is on the street. No permit required. Dogs are allowed. Porta Potties are available before the trail starts
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Areyana L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hike! Pretty easy overall. We waited until it had been raining a bunch so the creeks current was pretty strong so it was a bit harder to cross than usual. You do have to cross it a lot. Other than that, easy hike. Beautiful and dog friendly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heidi De L. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely love this hike!! My 8 year old was so happy he was able to make it to the waterfall! We will for sure be doing this one again. I’d wear actual hiking shoes on this hike cause there is some climbing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron M. 1 year ago on Google
    My family and I have been going to this hike for decades. They recently opened better overflow parking that is great. Expect to get wet, or wear your water shoes. Lot's of water right now after all of the storms make the water fall beautiful.

  • 5/5 Daryell Claude C. 2 years ago on Google
    Did only a thirty five minute walk of the Eaton Canyon Trail with my dog Benji Magoo. Heat and coyote notices curtailed going any further.

  • 4/5 Wayne C. 10 months ago on Google
    First time here. Avery nice trail. Didn't get to the waterfall. Maybe next time. Portable restrooms. Dirty!

  • 5/5 Jose A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place and relaxing hike for friends and family just make sure to stay hydrated

  • 4/5 Julia S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hike. Not so hard. Gets crowded so go early.

  • 5/5 Anh N. 9 months ago on Google
    Great hiking trail for family. Pet friendly. I think best time at this place is March, Apr, May, when the weather not too hot and stream still have water. Update june 26, 2023. This trail became so popular. You will see many people and families on the way. Sence still gorgeous. Love this place.

  • 5/5 Andrew K. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this place last year. We love to travel with family and this place was one of our stops. beautiful scenery. We had a great time. I think we will come again in the near future. Would recommend a visit. You won't regret it.

  • 4/5 Sean S. 8 months ago on Google
    Eaton Canyon Trail is an easy and scenic hike located in Pasadena, California. Bring water and waterproof hiking shoes recommended. 2 hours round-trip at a moderate pace and a couple of short scenic stops.


Call (626) 398-5420 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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