01
Best overall climb
Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
Above Lake Avenue Trailhead • Steady Mountain Climb With Historic Ruins And Big Views • Classic Altadena Workout Hike
A stout but rewarding climb from Altadena’s edge to sweeping San Gabriel views and remnants of the old Mount Lowe Railway.
Starting at the top of Lake Avenue, this trail wastes no time gaining elevation as it switchbacks up the old railway grade toward Echo Mountain. The payoff is a broad vista over Altadena and the basin, plus concrete foundations and artifacts from the area’s resort heyday. Go early on weekends for cooler temps and easier parking, and expect a mix of locals training and visitors stopping often for photos.
02
Most family-friendly
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Eaton Canyon Natural Area, South Of Altadena • Canyon Walk To A Seasonal Waterfall • Best For Casual Hikers And Families
A mostly gentle canyon trail that follows the creek to a popular waterfall, close enough for an easy outing from Altadena.
Just down the hill from Altadena, Eaton Canyon offers a straightforward path along the wash before tightening into a rocky, shaded gorge. The creek crossings and boulder-hopping near the end keep things fun without being technical for most hikers. Expect crowds on temperate weekends, and bring shoes that can handle getting wet if flows are up near the falls.
03
Best in-town ridge ramble
Altadena Crest Trail
Foothill Neighborhoods Along The Base Of The San Gabriels • Rolling Ridgeline Traverse Above Residential Streets • Scenic Local Favorite For Regulars
A linked route that meanders along the foothill edge, offering neighborhood access to open views without a huge elevation gain.
The Altadena Crest Trail strings together segments above backyards and side streets, giving you that close-to-home wilderness feel. Views swing from the San Gabriels looming overhead to wide open looks over Pasadena and the basin. It’s a great option for sunset walks, dog-friendly mileage, or building a custom loop by dropping down to local streets when you’re ready to call it a day.
04
Shadiest summer option
Millard Canyon and Millard Falls
Millard Canyon Above Lincoln Avenue • Short Forested Canyon Hike With Creek And Waterfall • Best For A Quick, Cool Escape
A tucked-away canyon with a short approach to a waterfall, offering a surprisingly lush feel just minutes from Altadena neighborhoods.
Millard Canyon narrows quickly, with high cliffs and tree cover that make it a welcome retreat on warmer days. The route follows the creek to a small but photogenic falls, with side paths and higher routes available if you want to extend the outing. Parking is limited and canyon conditions can change after storms, so arrive early and be ready for a bit of rougher footing than the more urban-adjacent trails.
05
Best half-day adventure
Brown Mountain / El Prieto Loop
San Gabriel Foothills North Of Altadena • Longer Loop Mixing Fire Road Ridges And Singletrack Canyon • Top Pick For Experienced Local Hikers
A satisfyingly varied loop that combines sunny ridge lines with a shaded creek canyon, starting from the Altadena foothills.
This loop typically heads up the Brown Mountain fire road for big open views, then drops into the El Prieto singletrack, where oaks and a year-round trickle of water cool things down. The distance and elevation make it more of a committed outing, but the changing terrain keeps it engaging the whole way. It’s popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, so keep your ears open around blind corners and enjoy the sense of being deep in the front range without a long drive.