The north end of Eaton Canyon. (Logra/Shutterstock)
Back in March, when the world shut down, and we found ourselves with nowhere to go, we thought that nearby hiking trails might provide a respite from being locked up in the house all day.
So did hundreds of readers. Such that Eaton Canyon was shut down for a few days after being overrun with restless hikers and walkers.
Things might be cool again, as the world slowly but surely begins to reopen. With a warm and sunny weather forecast for the weekend, there are a number of easily accessible trails in and around Pasadena and Northeast LA, you might have previously shied away from.
There is always, of course, the popular Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park, a 190-acre nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, above Altadena. The trail offers a hike through oak forests and riparian woodlands. Docent-guided tours are also provided from Eaton Canyon Nature Center.
As we alluded to earlier, reservations are now required for access to the trails within the Eaton Canyon Natural Area. Timed entry reservations are free, however, and available online at https://reservations.lacounty.gov.
The Altadena Crest Trail explores a number of different environments, including rural roadways and chaparral hillsides, and is accessible from a number of different streets. The trail provides great views from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, and is adjacent to the Angeles National Forest — which offers a number of additional hiking opportunities. Due to a fair amount of steep slopes, this trail is recommended for seasoned hikers.
The 1.74 mile Chaney Trail, in the northern part of unincorporated Altadena, connects to the Altadena Crest Trail. Note: While it starts out relatively flat, most of the trail is pitched on steep, exposed chaparral slopes.
Gould Canyon Trail is a 2.5-mile trail through an urban developed area, beginning in the residential developments of the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, with a direct connection to the La Canada Open Space Trail. In the flatlands, the trail follows a flood control corridor. The trail rises for a terrific view over Foothill Boulevard and the City of La Canada Flintridge.
The two-mile-long Flint Wash Trail meanders through a beautiful residential area in the urban developed areas of La Canada Flintridge and shaded by many oak and sycamore trees.
The trail can be accessed from Hahamongna Watershed Park to the east, Cherry Canyon Park to the west, or from one of the numerous residential streets that cross the trail.
Just south of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where the Arroyo Seco channel begins to meander toward Highland Park and Downtown Los Angeles, you’ll find the Lower Arroyo Seco trails, just below Arroyo Boulevard. The 3-mile trail loop runs along the banks of the channel, with impressive views of the Colorado Street bridge overhead, along with the 134 Freeway overpass. It’s an often-busy 3-mile loop trail good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
While the archery range appears to be in regular use, the casting pond is closed for now. The City of Pasadena website notes that “Due to the COVID-19 public health concern, the City of Pasadena has closed all of its facilities where the public congregates and has canceled facility and park reservation requests.
Parks are open for recreational use. Basketball and volleyball courts, splash pad, lawn bowling, and the skate park are closed. Sports fields – permit required for organized groups. We ask that park users remember to practice social distancing and avoid groups. Park restrooms are open.”
As always, wear a mask and keep the appropriate distances. See you on the trail.
