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A scenic, shady trail following Arroyo Seco to the Brown Mountain Barrier Dam.


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Map Key

8.3

Miles

13.3

KM

Out and Back

1,657' 505 m

High

1,156' 352 m

Low

541' 165 m

Up

542' 165 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This out and back is pretty flat and pretty fun. After a bit more than 4 miles and a number of stream crossings, you reach the Brown Mountain Barrier Dam, which often has a waterfall running down it. Head back the way you came and enjoy the gentle downhill.

Need to Know

Many creek crossing that get a bit tricky after rain, but not dangerous.

Description

Park in the parking lot on Windsor Avenue, on the east side of JPL. The trail will start out paved but after about a mile, the tread becomes dirt. Eventually the way becomes rocky, with many stream crossings.

After about 4 miles the trail ends at a debris dam which often has a decent waterfall. This makes an excellent place to stop for a break, and enjoy the scenery! The trail used to continue on the east side of the canyon past the dam and went up to Switzer Falls, but there is a section that is now closed. Recently the trail closed sign has been removed and the trail may be open up to the junction with the Ken Burton trail.

Overall, there's not too much elevation gain and the trail feels fairly remote.

Contacts

Shared By:

Justin Jasper with improvements by Rob P

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 19 votes

#2

in Altadena

#900

Overall
  4.3 from 19 votes
5 Star
32%
4 Star
63%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Altadena

#147

in California

#900

Overall
159 Views Last Month
16,547 Since Dec 15, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

It's all about balance...
Mar 13, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
Lots of water after the rain!
Mar 13, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
Arroyo Seco
Mar 13, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
Beautiful canopy on the Gabrielino Trail heading towards the Arroyo.
Mar 13, 2019 near La Caña…, CA
Intersection of Gabrielleno Trail (straight) and Fern Truck Trail/El Prieto (right).
Dec 18, 2015 near La Caña…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 85 days ago
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Check-Ins

Apr 22, 2023
Rochelle Haas
More water than usual. Take your time on water crossings. some fallen trees. 5.7mi
Mar 26, 2022
kenny zhang
Jan 16, 2022
T Connor
with Amruta and Greg 8.3mi — 3h 40m
Dec 21, 2021
Rochelle Haas
Stopped to relax by the stream. 3.1mi
Nov 11, 2021
Rochelle Haas
Hiked from Angeles Crest to Gould Mesa to Brown Dam with the doggo. We had a great time. 5.8mi
Oct 23, 2021
Rochelle Haas
Altadena Crest to Gould Mesa. Owen played in the stream. 2.3mi
Sep 6, 2021
Elizabeth Rios
It's closed due to extreme risk of fire
Jun 24, 2021
Adrian Alarcon
8.3mi
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