"The internet has found us!" Once quiet, secret trails are now boisterous, popular routes for the masses searching for something beyond the boulevards of Los Angeles. I recently heard a man who lives at a trail-head at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains lament that the internet has found them and hundreds of hikers pass by every week nowadays.
Lost now found secret walks of Los Angeles
A few of my favorite spots are places I have been exploring for nearly 20 years, I have personally witnessed the deserted paths become teeming fairways for the curious. Alright by me. More the merry as long as folks pack their trash and leave the area as good or better than they found it.
1. Millard Falls
Only a half mile trek through a narrow canyon to Millard Falls makes for an easy, peaceful excursion.
Photo: Hike Speak http://hikespeak.com
To get to the trailhead: Take the 210 Freeway to Pasadena. Exit Lake Avenue and head north. After 3.5 miles, turn left at the T onto Loma Alta Drive. After one mile, make a right on Chaney Trail. The 1.5 mile road winds up to Sunset Ridge and down to the parking lot for Millard Campground and the trail to Millard Falls.
Trailhead address: Chaney Trail, Angeles National Forest, Altadena, CA 91001
2. Eaton Canyon
I see a pattern forming, I love waterfalls. A hike feels like an accomplishment when you reach waterfalls. The falls create a significant milestone along the path for either a restful picnic before continuing on or a satisfying finale before turning back toward home. There is so much to explore in Eaton Canyon such that sometimes I stay in the creek bed the entire time and never enter the canyon. Of course, the canyon hike up to the waterfall is the main attraction.
Photo: Candace Saik
Photo: Alfredo Morales
Eaton Canyon Trail is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pasadena, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and trail running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/eaton-canyon-trail
3. Echo Mountain
I especially like the Echo Mountain hike for the many ruins along the way. There was once a railroad to the top of the mountain where a grand hotel and resort once stood. "As you climb the trail, your route will parallel some of the old Mount Lowe Railway route, which was the only electric mountain railway ever built in the USA. At the time it was built in 1893, it was considered a modern marvel and had over 3 million visitors during its lifetime. (Cris Hazzard, hikinguy,com)" The hotel and resort encountered a series of tragedies involving fire and floods. There are remnants of the train tracks, hotel structure walls and foundations, and ruins of the Charles Cobb estate home.
Photo: Justin Rimon
The Echo Mountain hike packs a lot of bang for the buck. You’ll hike up the Sam Merrill Trail, which follows the old Mt Lowe railway route up to Echo Mountain, where you can see the old ruins of the Echo Mountain mountain resort. USA Today included the Echo Mountain hike as one of the “10 Great North American Hikes” and Sunset Magazine called it one of the top 45 hikes in the west. The hike is easy to follow, has an interesting history, offers great views, is a good workout, and is close to LA. Overall it’s a win.
Source: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/echo-mountain-hike-on-the-sam-merrill-trail/
Happy hiking!
Hidden Trails
http://santamonicapress.com/secret-walks-a-walking-guide-to-the-hidden-trails-of-los-angeles/
Secret Stairs of Los Angeles
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/discover-the-hidden-stairs-of-los-angeles