Love this place, we been going every month and every time it's a nice adventure !!! Nice place to…read moredo Hiking, camping and off roaring !!!! #hiking #offroad #camping #crystallakeasuza #crystallake

This out and back hike is about 17 miles with about 4100' gain (some of it on the return). It…read morestarts from the peaceful campground and continues onto Baden-Powell peak, the 4th highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop at several other peaks, such as Dawson, Hawkins, Throop, and Burnham. This would add several more miles to the total hike. The trail is single file with varying sizes of loose rock under foot. Most of the trail is a fairly tame ascension, but there are also multiple areas of decline, which of course means climbing up on the way back. You will follow signs to Windy Gap, Pacific Crest Trail, then Baden-Powell. At the summit, there are nice 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and cities far below. A dedicated monument and plaque stands, honoring and named after the founder of the Boy Scouts. parking - adventure pass required for the parking lot tip - this hike starts at about 5,000 feet, so it may be cooler than expected, depending on the season. In the summer heat, though, it's still quite warm.

Nonvemnous hike, I survived :)…read more Rattlesnake peak is known to be "Baby Iron Mountain" and it certainly lives up to that reputation. As who doesn't love babies? Right? Lol, I love, love babies! From the gate, it's about a mile hike on a flat dirt road to the trailhead ...then get ready for an awesome climb and a bit of rock scrambling at the top! Hiking the loop, my iwatch clocked in at 11 miles with an elevation gain of 3,984ft. The descent, after the summit, is so so very overgrown (bleh). Make sure to wear long sleeves, pants as I was pretty scratched up on my slightly exposed areas, from trekking through all the brush. So many sharp yucca plants here too. Descent is sandy with areas that are pretty slippery -I had no shame in using my microspikes then. During this hike, you're exposed to the elements most of the time (not much shade) - so best to do this hike during winter or colder weather. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunnies (sunglasses), hiking poles, water and I wear gloves (to protect myself from the cold, sun and brush). Don't forget to share here on Yelp, your "witch-jump," "broomstick stick jump," at the summit, lol. I had enough energy to muster up a couple jumps for this photo at the peak ...and I have confidence that you will too. Happy adventuring to you !!! Stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) out there :)

Me and my group did this on Saturday (1/8/22). This can be enjoyable if you go in knowing that it…read morewill test you and not enjoyable if you are just looking to be in nature and for great views...there are much easier hikes that can provide you with that ****Warning***** I have hiked hundreds of times and I found this hike to be very difficult so only do this hike if you are prepared for this. It is considered to be the 2nd hardest hike in the Angeles National Forest...only Iron Mountain being harder and this hike is often called Baby Iron or Iron Mountain's Little Brother...there are longer hikes but because of the incline, terrain, etc...it doesn't get much harder in the LA area; Location- north of Azusa, take HWY 39 and turn R on East Fork Rd...the same way as you would go for the Bridge to Nowhere hike...but you make a left on Shoemaker Rd about a mile or two before; the parking lot is pretty big and since this hike is difficult and not a lot of people do it the parking is not croweded; you need an Adventure Pass displayed Trail- you hike for about 1.5 miles on a pretty wide fire road that has gradual incline that is pretty easy...keep an eye out to the left for the small trail that you will want to take...if you get to the first of two tunnels you have gone too far...from all the reviews I have read it is better to do the out and back and not the loop that would include the tunnels since beyond the tunnels the trail is overgrown and not enjoyable; after you take the small trail to the left the next 3 miles will be very slow going with really steep rocky sections and some ups and downs where the dirt is loose and it is easy to slip and fall and this is especially true when coming back down. There will be some false summits and just some areas of up and down that will really slow the pace down. The trail is exposed and because it is so hard it would be wise to pick the right time of year and weather conditions and of course to start the hike at a good time (EARLY) Peak- the views at the peak are really good since you have views to the south looking toward the nearby cities, to the west and Mt. Wilson, to the east and Iron Mtn and Baldy and to the north and Baden-Powell; there was the metal 39 martker and a box with hiking stickers on it but no wooden sign when we were there Difficulty- extremely strenuous Distance- about 8.5 miles Elevation Gain- about 4,300 ft Peak Elevation- about 5,800 ft Duration- there are some people who breeze through this in 5 hrs but I think most people will need about 7-10 hrs depending on how many breaks you take and how long you spend at the peak Tips- wear shoes with good grips (hiking or trail running shoes); wear layers for different weather conditions but also to stay covered up for the bushes and plants that you may bump up against; bring lots of water(3-4L), and trekking poles

Nice beginner destination for a backpacking trip…read more Likes: + Great view of Altadena/Pasadena and the LA county. Maybe you can spot Catalina or the Disney fireworks at night in the distance. + Pleasant getaway from town. Quiet, peaceful nature ambience. + A couple firepits for roasting your food with friends. + Great Mt Wilson with access to the giant 60-inch and the 100-inch Hooker telescopes. A hike you can do in a day. A camping/backpacking trip you can do in day & night. + Trails are wide and well defined. Non-likes: - The water spigot here runs extremely slow. I recommend packing your own extra water. - Restrooms running low on toilet paper. - Cosmic Cafe only open Apr-Sept 10am-5pm, and 10-4pm late Sept-Nov. If you walk farther uphill about 1-2 min, you'll find the white lavatory. Restroom stalls are more spacious than the auburn one. The water fountain and the water spigot there run fine and strong.

What goes up, must come down…read more This hike was a moderate 3 mile hike up and around the San Gabriel Mountains, but so much easier to trek back down. Although we did an extra mile after missing the turn and ended up hiking a total of 7 miles; it wasn't too bad. I only hike about once a month, so I took a few breaks along the way up so it took us about 3 hours roundtrip. The hike starts at the Eaton Canyon Nature Reserve after parking on the street along Altadena. There's parking in a lot as well but I find it easier to park on the street than finding a spot during peak hours. We started the hike by following the Eaton Canyon Falls trail, then veered onto the Walnut Canyon trail, and then followed the Old Mount Wilson Toll Road the rest of the way to the campground. There's some shade on the hike but not much so I wouldn't hike this during the Summer. We did this on 12/2/18 in 64 degree weather and it was perfect. We saw some people that did a one night backpacking trip so it's an ideal spot to practice for longer trips. There are bathrooms but they were locked when we were there and there is no water. There are also lots of tables available so pack a picnic and enjoy the view. Directions I used. If you see a white bridge on your way back, you missed the turn like I did and just did an extra mile. https://modernhiker.com/hike/henninger-flats/

Day after Christmas, a hiking buddy of mine figured the recent rainfall over the weekend was good…read morereason to visit Ice House Canyon. During the winter season, there is the added element of snow and icy roads. For some peace of mind, I brought a pair of crampons and gaiters. The hike started around 7:45am with a cool and crisp breeze. Best to keep cozy and layer up. First three or so miles were pretty similar to what you would expect during the summer, terrain-wise. The trail was fairly clean and clear with a few spots to climb up boulders or take a break near the river. One moment you pass through a cluster of trees surrounded by freshly fallen pinecones, and the next you are met with what seems strikingly like the same scree as the last. At a certain point though, the trail became icy and the air slightly chillier. Upon reaching the end of the saddle, there were a number of folks sipping from their thermos and playing with their pooch. After eating our packed lunch, we ventured further up towards Timber Mountain. It was here where patches of snow gradually became blankets as far as the eyes could see. With that said, crampons were unnecessary. The trail was no longer visible since we could not see the ground, so we kept heading up towards the trees till the sign "TIMBER MTN. ELEV. 8303" was within sight. We were greeted with a stunning view of snow-covered hills. There was also a little box of guestbooks to sign. We decided to take the Chapman trail back down. Whereas Ice House was more spread out, Chapman was more narrowly defined with more ups and downs. A few more areas looked like boulders worth a climb. Most of the manzanitas along the way were healthy and bushy with many of them bearing fruit. If you have the time, Chapman is easily the more scenic of the two and worth the extra mile and a half. In total, we hiked around 11 miles and enjoyed it immensely.

Great trail, great work out. This trail is not for…read morebeginners. Pack enough water! 2,700 ft elevation climb to saddle. Very steep so get ready for that lactic acid build up in the quads. Took me 3.5 hours to get up to saddle and 1.5 hours to get down. Make sure you fill out the free permit form in the brown box at the start of the trail (very important, in case something happens to you on the trail, ie, you get hurt or lost, etc).

The Drucker Hiking Club did this hike on 9/2/2010. You have to park at the RV park and pay a $2…read morefee but the people there are VERY nice and obliging. The hike is downhill most of the way which makes for a very steep way back, not the way I normally like to hike, but VERY nice. It got very hike but we did leave at about 9 AM. We stopped at a waterfall on the way back on the left of the trail (left of the trail on the way back, right if you are still on the way down) which was very nice and cool.

I have hiked this hike a numerous amount of times and it is a moderate hike. I decided to go for…read morethe first time January 19,2026 to start the hike you have to climb the side rock and go over and down a rope The water crossing is only twice and there is rope to help you get across. First one not too too bad, it's the second one that you need help with someone holding the rope tight. There is a big while that will take you under. We were the only 50+ year olds on this hike and we did it. The trails are pretty much gone. Your climbing over and under ditched the rain took out. There are steep hills to go down and up. Also something like quick sand. Mountains of trees also to get over. You can miss markings on where to go up out down so be super watchful. Non stop, it took 7.10 hrs to bridge and back including 20 min lunch and helping others cross the river "stream" Hard challenging but we did

Seldom do i ever give a 5 star rating. and this is just based off the 1/2 of the entire length of…read morethe trail. I ran in 3.5 miles and still needed another 2...to get to the bridge....my total was only 6 miles and the actual trail is 10 to 11. The scenery! Amazing. The trail is medium to difficult. For walker hikers and runners. Be prepared, take extra socks shoes and clothing. Plus snacks. DO NOT TRASH THE AREA! PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF. The river crossings have been amazing...right after the rains and melting snow..the water level is great. The trails are twisty and rough, laden with jagged rocks and fallen trees... get there early, or during the week. In groups, take walkie talkies if need be. This trail is for those who are fit ready and determined... it's long and challenging. A pass might be needed, and please park in designated areas, as I saw highway patrol taking photos of license plates for cars who are not parked correctly. Have fun and enjoy.

I have been there as a scoutmaster with my scout troop in the 1990s the camp is a great camp for…read morefirst time scouts the hiking is not to hard a good training hike have a great time ! .

I've fancied myself an outdoorsman since I was a kid--fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking,…read moreorienteering... heck, all I needed was an Eagle Project to finish the whole BSA thing, but instead, I got a girlfriend... oh well, I was THAT close... But all that as prologue to a couple of weeks ago, when I went with my son, another dad, and a slew of Boy Scouts on a two-night backpacking trip into the San Gabriels. I've completed the Sturtevant Falls hike more times than I can count, and I've hiked and re-hiked all sorts of trails in this area. But I can't say that prior to this trip, I had taken the path to Spruce Grove Campground... it just never came up I guess. I'm glad to have experienced this nice little spot just a few miles from the parking lot at Chantry Flats. The campground is little more than a marginally flat area between the trail and the creek. Plenty of shade trees in the riparian spot makes for a tranquil camping place, despite the steady flow of hiking and trail biking traffic just feet from your tent. Each campsite features a fire pit, and there is a rather unique toilet with a conveyor belt "flushing" system. Kudos to the engineers for not only a waterless set-up, but also the clear plexiglass roof offers light and a nicer view of the laurel and sycamore trees. Just a few minutes from Sturtevant Camp, this simple little camp site is first come, first served, and free to use. No bear boxes here, so bring a good bear can/hard-sided bear container. Unless you're really good at it and know what you're doing, don't bother trying to hang a bear bag. Really, you're doing it wrong. Pack out what you pack in, trash wise, too. If you're camping here, it's probably during the "absolutely no fires.... seriously, what were you thinking even bringing a lighter?" season. So there's that, too. Four stars for being a cool, free, close, and relatively pretty campsite in a high traffic area. The consistent parade of people in their REI-inspired plumage was definitely a few steps higher on the food chain than the Eaton Canyon waterfall people, but still distracting.

Make no mistake: unless you are an experienced hiker or a triathlete, or a trail-running…read moremarathoner, or maybe a Jack Russell Terrier who just had an espresso shot, this is a challenging hike... but mile for mile, it is a great way to spend a day exploring several different ecosystems within the San Gabriel mountains. Starting in Eaton Canyon, there are at least three different entry points-- two of them along Altadena Drive that runs adjacent to the canyon, and the highest entry off Pinecrest Dr.--to begin your journey. Eaton Canyon has a well-travelled dirt trail through the lower scrub of yucca, buckwheat, and sage in the mostly dry boulder field of the canyon bottom. If you enter at Pinecrest, you will bypass this, cut about a mile off the trip, and use the bridge to access the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. The Toll Road is an historic pathway dating back to the 1890s. Today, the "toll" portion of the title is a misnomer, as the trail is free for pedestrians, cyclists, and horses. The Toll Road is a steady uphill climb and mostly unshaded for about 2.5 miles to Henninger Flats. At last Check, there was no potable water at Henninger (or anywhere else in this hike) so plan your hydration according to weather and your needs. Henninger features a nature center (seasonally open), picnic and overnight camping facilities, and a tree farm. Continuing up the toll road about a mile past Henninger, the main toll road makes a switchback turn to the right... and easy-to-miss the first time on the LEFT your path continues to Idlehour Camp, beginning with a small wooden bridge. You'll notice the trail narrows significantly from here on to Inspiration Point. The trail climbs a little, then you start your descent into upper Eaton Canyon. As you go, you'll notice fewer signs of humanity, except maybe the erosion controls on the trail, as well as some pretty views of Mt. Wilson, Mt. Baden Powell, and some of the decomposed granite rock formations above Eaton Canyon. Be careful of overhanging poison oak in this area. This is also likely the buggiest part of the trip, with plenty of black flies to keep you company. If you have a head net... now's the time. Towards the bottom, you'll discover a very different Eaton Canyon: you are now a couple of miles above the lower waterfall where weekend canyon visitors bring lawn chairs, ice chests, and loud Bluetooth speakers. Instead of yucca and prickly pear cactus on a dry creek bed, you'll likely find flowing water under a canopy of oaks and bay trees. In season, wildflowers are abundant... but watch your step, as there is a lot of poison oak here, too. Some primitive campsites here feel like they're hundreds of miles from civilization, when really, you're only about 5. Stop here, sit, and enjoy what Eaton Canyon is SUPPOSED to be. Have a drink of water. Heading essentially north from Idlehour camp, more or less parallel to the creek, the hiking trail is slightly broken in places but pretty easy to recover. The trail will continue up the west canyon wall of Upper Eaton, climbing through chaparral, into and through oak scrub, a pine forest, and mature stands of manzanita. As you climb, the trail softens a bit underfoot in the forest duff, and if you're an old trail runner like me, you will love this part the best. Depending on seasonal winter rains, April or May can be exquisite for wildflower viewing in this area. Approaching Inspiration Point, you will pass through an area that burned relatively recently. The narrow single track will join a wider trail called Mt. Lowe Rd. and there is a small sign listing Mt. Lowe and other spots up the way. If you continue more or less straight, you're on the Sam Merrill trail... and going the wrong way. When you hit the crossroads, make a strong left on Mt. Lowe Rd. and walk up the last stretch of wide dirt road to Inspiration Point. You've made it! Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the view. Return the way you came, or you can take the Castle Canyon trail to the left of the interpretive center at the top (rocky and steep in places, but very pretty and sometimes shaded) or the Sam Merrill Trail (a little more forgiving, but a little slippery in places if you have bad shoes) to Echo Mountain, then down to the top of Lake Avenue, and walk streets through northern Altadena back to your car at Eaton Canyon (which will add a couple of miles to your trip on the loop...making it something like an 18 mile loop!) This is one of my favorite hikes in Southern California, and it will provide most of us with a great challenge. Try it in different seasons for different experiences. As a reminder, always file a "hiking plan" with someone back home... just send someone a text with your route and times so that if something unexpected happens, responders will know where to look. Be safe, take extra water, leave only footprints (don't litter), and have fun out there!

Great hiking place. It is a bit challenging but totally worth it. I have done this trail multiple…read moretimes already and I don't get tired of the view once you get to the top.