01
Best waterfall hike
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
Foothills North Of Pasadena • Shaded Canyon And Waterfall Walk • Local Favorite
A close-to-town canyon hike that finishes at a photogenic waterfall and feels surprisingly wild for how close it is to Temple City.
If you only have time for one classic San Gabriel foothills hike, Eaton Canyon is the easy choice. The lower trail follows a wide, mostly flat path before tightening into a rockier streamside route that ends at a small but dramatic waterfall. Go early on weekends for easier parking and cooler temperatures, and expect to get your shoes a little wet near the falls.
02
Best views of the city
Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain
Altadena Foothills • Historic Railway-Grade Mountain Climb • Best For Big Views And History
A steady climb from the edge of the suburbs to old railway ruins and sweeping views over the entire San Gabriel Valley.
Starting at the old Cobb Estate gate in Altadena, the Sam Merrill Trail switchbacks up the front range with almost continuous views. At the top, the ruins of the Echo Mountain Resort and scattered foundations give the area a ghost-town feel that pairs nicely with the city skyline below. It is a workout, so bring plenty of water and plan for a slow, steady pace on hot days.
03
Best challenge close to town
Jones Peak via Bailey Canyon Park
Sierra Madre Foothills • Steep Summit Hike On Rugged Singletrack • For Experienced Hikers
A tougher climb from a quiet neighborhood park to a sharp little summit with front-row views of the San Gabriels.
Bailey Canyon Park feels tucked away even though it is just up the road from Temple City, and the trail wastes no time heading uphill. After a shaded start near the canyon bottom, the route opens onto exposed slopes and increasingly wide views as you approach Jones Peak. It is a great choice when you want something more demanding than a casual stroll but do not have time to drive deep into the mountains.
04
Best rolling-hills loop
Turnbull Canyon Loop
Puente Hills Near Whittier • Open Ridgeline And Chaparral Loop • Sunset And Skyline Pick
A rolling loop through the Puente Hills with a mix of canyon cuts and open ridges looking back toward the San Gabriel Valley and downtown Los Angeles.
Turnbull Canyon offers a different feel from the steeper San Gabriel front range, trading rocky peaks for broad, rounded hills and big-sky views. The main loop links fire roads and singletrack, with enough up-and-down to feel like a real hike without being punishing. On clear evenings you can watch the sun drop behind the LA skyline while the San Gabriels glow to the north, making this a favorite post-work outing from Temple City.
05
Best easy-going option
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area Trails
Near Irwindale • Reservoir-Side Paths And Riverbed Tracks • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
Flat, open trails circling a broad reservoir and riverbed, ideal for relaxed walks, bird-watching, and catching sunrise or sunset light on the mountains.
Just east of Temple City, Santa Fe Dam is where many locals go when they want fresh air without a big climb. You can mix paved paths with dirt service roads to create short loops that suit kids, strollers, and casual walkers while still enjoying wide views of the San Gabriels. It is also a good spot to build fitness before tackling steeper canyon hikes, with plenty of room to stretch your legs at your own pace.