01
Best overall pick
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Foothills Above Pasadena • Waterfall Canyon Hike • Crowd-Pleasing Classic
A popular, mostly gentle canyon walk that rewards you with a photogenic waterfall and a real escape from the valley floor.
From East San Gabriel, Eaton Canyon is one of the quickest ways to get onto a real dirt trail with running water and a destination. The path follows the creek up a wide, sun-exposed wash before tucking into a cooler, boulder‑hopping stretch as you near the falls. Go early on weekends for easier parking and lighter crowds, and expect to get your shoes a bit wet near the end.
02
Best summit workout
Jones Peak via Bailey Canyon
Sierra Madre Canyon Neighborhood • Steep Front-Range Climb • Big-View Fitness Hike
A stout climb from a quiet neighborhood park to a rocky summit with wide views over the San Gabriel Valley.
Starting from Bailey Canyon Park in Sierra Madre, this trail wastes no time gaining elevation as it switches up the canyon wall. The reward is a true summit experience without having to commit to a full-day mountain mission, plus sweeping views that reach well beyond East San Gabriel on clear days. Bring plenty of water and start early—shade is limited and the grades are no joke on the way up or down.
03
Best evening climb
Henninger Flats via Mt. Wilson Toll Road
Above East Pasadena • Historic Fire Road Hike • Sunset And City-Lights Favorite
A steady grind up an old toll road to a forested overlook dotted with campgrounds, exhibits, and big city views.
This route follows the historic Mt. Wilson Toll Road as it switchbacks above the neighborhoods, offering ever-expanding views of the valley and the San Gabriel skyline. Henninger Flats itself feels like a small mountain camp, with tall trees, picnic spots, and informational displays that make it a fun goal for newer hikers. It’s a great pick for late-afternoon starts—just pack a headlamp if you plan to linger for the sunset and city lights on the way back down.
04
Best shady escape
Sturtevant Falls via Chantry Flat
Santa Anita Canyon Above Arcadia • Lush Creek-And-Falls Walk • Cooler-Weather Family Outing
A classic San Gabriel Mountains canyon hike with cabins, creek crossings, and a tall waterfall framed by mossy rock walls.
From Chantry Flat, the trail drops quickly into a shaded canyon lined with historic cabins and tall trees, making it feel far removed from the streets below. The route to Sturtevant Falls is relatively moderate, though the climb back to the parking lot can feel longer at the end of a warm day. Arrive early on weekends, as the lot fills fast, and consider this one when you want a cooler, more sheltered hike than the exposed front‑range climbs.
05
Best history-meets-views hike
Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
Cobb Estate Trailhead In Altadena • Historic Railway-Grade Trail • Weekend Explorer’S Choice
A steadily graded trail to the ruins of an old mountaintop resort, with sweeping views and plenty of local history along the way.
The Sam Merrill Trail starts at the end of Lake Avenue and climbs a well-worn path to the old Echo Mountain resort site, where crumbling foundations and artifacts hint at the area’s early tourism days. The grade is consistent but not overly technical, making it a solid option for fit beginners looking to step up from shorter walks. Go on a clear day for excellent valley views, and bring layers—breezes at the top can feel surprisingly cool compared to East San Gabriel below.