Living at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains means world-class hiking is never more than a 15-minute drive from your front door. Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and the surrounding foothills communities sit at the gateway to the Angeles National Forest, where you can chase waterfalls, climb to panoramic viewpoints, and explore old gold mines all within a morning. This guide covers the 10 best trails in the area with verified distances, elevation data, trailhead directions, and current closure updates following the January 2025 Eaton Fire.
2026 Fire Closure Notice
The January 2025 Eaton Fire resulted in significant closures across the Altadena and Pasadena foothills. Eaton Canyon Natural Area and all trails within it are closed until at least December 31, 2027. Chaney Trail Road is closed to vehicular traffic until spring 2026. The Bridge Fire closure extends through December 31, 2026. Always check the Angeles National Forest alerts page and LA County trails website before heading out.
In This Guide
1. Eaton Canyon Falls (Currently Closed)
The Most Popular Trail in Pasadena
Eaton Canyon was the most hiked trail in the Pasadena area, drawing thousands of visitors per week to its 40-foot waterfall at the end of a gentle, family-friendly path. The January 2025 Eaton Fire swept through the entire canyon, stripping away vegetation and triggering debris flows during subsequent atmospheric river events. The Nature Center was destroyed. The entire Eaton Canyon Natural Area is closed until at least December 31, 2027, to allow the ecosystem to recover and to protect the public from unstable terrain and landslide risk.
2. Sturtevant Falls
The Best Waterfall Hike Still Open
With Eaton Canyon closed, Sturtevant Falls has become the go-to waterfall hike near Pasadena. The trail drops into lush Santa Anita Canyon, winding past historic cabin sites and shaded creekside stretches before arriving at an impressive 50-foot cascade. The descent to the falls is steady but not punishing, and the return climb is where you will feel the elevation gain. The Chantry Flat trailhead fills early on weekends, sometimes by 7:00 AM, so plan to arrive before sunrise on Saturdays. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking.
3. Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
History and Views at 3,200 Feet
The Sam Merrill Trail climbs from the Cobb Estate gate at the north end of Lake Avenue in Altadena up to Echo Mountain, where the ruins of the historic White City resort sit at 3,200 feet elevation. Built in 1893, the resort was once served by a steep incline railway that carried guests from Altadena to the mountaintop. Today, you can still see the concrete foundations, the old bullwheel, and interpretive signs explaining what stood where. The views from the top are the real reward: on clear days, you can see downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and Catalina Island. The trail is well-maintained with steady switchbacks.
4. Henninger Flats
The Fire Road Classic
Henninger Flats sits on a tree-studded plateau roughly 2,600 feet above sea level, reached via the Mt Wilson Toll Road, a wide fire road that climbs steadily from Altadena. The grade is consistent and the footing is solid, making this a favorite for runners and hikers who want a solid cardio workout without technical trail challenges. At the top, picnic tables and a visitor center (weekends only) offer a rest stop with sweeping views of the San Gabriel Valley. Some sections of this area were affected by the Eaton Fire, so check the LA County trails website for the latest access information before heading out.
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5. Switzer Falls
The Shaded Canyon Waterfall
The Gabrielino Trail descends from the Switzer Picnic Area into a wooded canyon, following a babbling creek for much of the route before reaching the 50-foot Switzer Falls. The trail is shaded by oaks and alders, making it one of the cooler hikes in the area during summer months. The final approach to the falls involves some rock-hopping along the creek bed. From the 210 Freeway in La Canada Flintridge, take Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) northwest for about 10 miles to the Switzer Picnic Area. Dogs and bikes are allowed. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required.
6. Mt Wilson Trail
The Big Climb
The Mt Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre is the most demanding day hike near Pasadena, climbing over 4,000 feet across nearly 14 miles round trip to the 5,710-foot summit. Along the way, you pass through chaparral, oak woodland, and pine forest. The trail was originally built in 1864 and is the oldest trail in the San Gabriel Mountains. First Water, about 2.5 miles in, is a popular turnaround point for hikers who want a shorter outing. Orchard Camp at 3.5 miles offers another stopping point with picnic tables and a seasonal stream. The full push to Mt Wilson Observatory rewards you with sweeping views and a small visitor center. Free street parking is available at the trailhead on Mira Monte Ave.
7. Monrovia Canyon Falls
The Easiest Waterfall Hike in the Area
At just 1.6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, Monrovia Canyon Falls is the most accessible waterfall hike in the San Gabriel Valley. The trail begins behind the Nature Center and follows a gentle path through oak-shaded canyon to a 30-foot waterfall. The park is well-maintained with restrooms, picnic areas, and a small playground near the parking area. Bears are regularly spotted in the area, so keep food secured. The park is open Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays. A $5 vehicle entry fee applies. No dogs are allowed on the trail.
8. Rubio Canyon
The Hidden Double Waterfall
Rubio Canyon is one of the lesser-known hikes near Pasadena, which is part of its charm. The first half-mile follows a decent trail to the old Rubio Pavilion site, where a resort operated from 1893 to 1936 as the lower station for the steep incline railway up to Echo Mountain. Beyond the pavilion, the trail becomes unmaintained and requires about a tenth of a mile of rock-hopping up the creek to reach a double waterfall: Ribbon Rock Falls on the bottom and Moss Grotto Falls on top. The scramble is short but requires sure footing and is not suitable for young children. Limited street parking is available in the residential neighborhood.
9. Dawn Mine
The Gold Mine Adventure
The Dawn Mine hike takes you up a beautiful canyon past Millard Falls (a waterfall worth a stop in its own right) to an old gold mine that operated in the early 1900s. The trail starts from the Millard Campground parking area at the bottom of Chaney Trail Road. The first half-mile up the canyon to Millard Falls is an easy walk. Beyond the falls, the trail narrows and gains elevation through oak and alder groves. The mine itself is little more than a collapsed tunnel, but the journey through the canyon is the real draw. Note that Chaney Trail Road is currently closed to vehicular traffic until spring 2026, which means the trailhead is not accessible by car at this time.
10. Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill Trail
The Extended Echo Mountain Push
If Echo Mountain leaves you wanting more, continue past the ruins on the old Mount Lowe Railway grade to Inspiration Point at approximately 3,600 feet. The trail follows the historic railway bed, passing through several tunnels and along exposed ridgelines with views that stretch from the San Gabriel Valley to the Pacific. The grade beyond Echo Mountain is gentler than the initial climb on the Sam Merrill Trail, but the added mileage makes this a full-day effort. The same trailhead at the Cobb Estate gate on Lake Avenue in Altadena serves as the starting point. Bring plenty of water and start early, especially in warmer months.
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Justin Borges
Team Lead, The Borges Real Estate Team
DRE #01940318
With over 13 years in Southern California real estate, Justin specializes in probate sales, trust properties, and character homes. His expertise in 1031 exchanges and historic preservation has helped hundreds of clients navigate complex real estate transactions.
