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Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead

Pasadena, California

4.2/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

3.54 miles

Elevation Gain

528 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mariya Dondonyan

Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead is a great local canyon descent near Pasadena, CA leading to a waterfall and a small pool with great photo opportunities.

The hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluctuate between seasons.

The trail to Eaton Canyon starts with a 1.1-mile trail of an easy flat, dirt trail, then proceeds down 0.65 miles on a single, narrow canyon.

Pass beneath the white bridge where the trail changes drastically. You will find yourself hiking up a canyon, crossing from bank to bank up a winding creek, and hopping over rocks through the small stream. Be especially careful on this section of the trail, as you cross rugged terrain. This enjoyable stretch is over far too quickly as the falls are just 0.6 miles past the bridge.

After an hour of hiking and you have made your way past the bridge point at 375 ft of elevation gain, there's a clear trail that takes you straight to the waterfall where you can enjoy the waterfall views and dip your feet in the small pool.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Groups
Lake
River
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead Reviews

Have fun hike when you’re with kids. I went with my niece and nephew, and had fun pointing things out along the trail. It can get pretty busy at times, so be prepared to see lots of people, dogs, and even horses sometimes.

Omgosh I love the fact that we were able to see the falls!! Especially when people kept telling me it's not always there. Such a rewarding hike...truly our best one yet 😊

The waterfall is surprisingly awesome . Tucked deep in the canyon it's very secluded and bigger than I expected. Sadly there's a lot of litter and graffiti throughout the entire hike. I hiked in at dusk and out at night and it was pretty easy , lots of fun river crossings! Please carry out what you bring in.

Loved this hike with my 11 and 12 year old daughters and labby. So many options, you can take different paths of varying challenge. It was beautiful. Recent rains have made it green and lush as well as a beautiful rushing small river running thru it. The parking is a bit odd seeing as there isn't a designated parking area, it's neighborhood parking. But other than that, this is going to be a favorite spot for a while.

Back when I lived in California and was going to college this was a great workout and a way to get some quality time with nature before my hectic days. Love Eaton Canyon!

Such a good trail. First mile or so can get very hot. Gets really fresh when you hit the creek. Water fall was very nice.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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