Eaton Canyon Natural Area

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Eaton Canyon Natural Area

Photo: JingKe888 · CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

🥾 Hike · Pasadena

2.5 hours · Free · No reservation needed

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 2.0
1–3 yrs
★ 3.0
3–5 yrs
★ 3.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 15 min drive
    From Arcadia · Parking: Free lot at the Altadena Dr entrance, very full after 9am on weekends; street parking on Altadena Dr
  • 🎒
    Carrier recommended
    Terrain isn't stroller-friendly; a carrier is easier
  • 🌳
    Little shade
    Good on cool days · Great on sunny days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2.5 hours
    Best seasons: Winter · Spring

The classic family waterfall hike at the foot of the San Gabriels: about 3.5 miles round trip on a sandy trail up the canyon, hopping rocks across the creek a few times, ending at a 40-foot waterfall; when winter and spring flows are high, kids can stand right in the mist.

💡 Tips
The January 2025 Eaton Fire destroyed the nature center and the preserve is reopening in phases, so check the website before you go to confirm what is open. There is almost no shade on the trail; start before 9am, wear shoes that can get wet, and use a carrier for kids under 3.

What this place offers

✓waterfall
✓creek
✓creek crossings
✓dirt trail
✓carrier
✓restrooms
✓free

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Pasadena

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☀️
Sat 10/17
Sunny · 74–88°F · 1% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 74–86°F · 0% rain

Location

Pasadena, California

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