Eaton Canyon
Eaton Canyon is a popular hiking trail in Pasadena. The hike to a 40-foot waterfall is a relatively easy hike on a well marked trail with beautiful views. This is a nice beginning hike to test both you and your dog’s abilities. We went during the perfect time of year, April. With so much rain this winter, the wildflowers were in full bloom. The water level of Eaton Creek was higher than normal but still at a safe level.
Location
1750 North Altadena Drive
Pasadena, CA 91001
Details
The trail is about 3.5 miles round trip, depending on where you park. We parked on North Altadena Drive, outside the Nature Center’s crowded parking lots.
Be warned, this is very popular on the weekends. The earlier you arrive the better. Because this is such a popular hike, you will cross paths constantly with fellow hikers, families with young children, trail runners, and dogs. Even though dogs are required to be on-leash, during our hike more than half the dogs we met were off-leash.
The first mile of the hike is along a wide canyon with very little shade with one easy water crossing. Because this is in the foothills of Pasadena, I would not recommend this hike during the middle of a hot day or in most summer months. Early mornings or evenings are best.
Once you get to a trail marker for the waterfall near a concrete bridge, head down. The trail narrows as does the canyon. It’s well shaded, more rocky, and there are numerous water crossings. The water level is quite low so most dogs should have no problems unless they really hate water.
Baxter was a pro. He crossed right through several times to cool off and take a drink. Or he hopped from rock to rock often showing human hikers how to cross without getting wet. One young boy declared Baxter the coolest wiener dog ever!
The waterfall at the end was beautiful, but the small area was so packed we didn’t stay long before heading back.
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Baxter’s Rating
- Alyse