Best Trails near Altadena, California

this was a really nice hike but it's a fire Road most of the way but the views from Inspiration Point are something special and it was 8 miles round-trip and we saw a bobcat

Love it

If you want a adventures hike take the Castle Canyon trail up to inspiration point. It was challenging but a shaded trail with great views. We took the Sam Merrill trail down. It was a nice trail covered by trees at first but then it was switchbacks and full sun exposure until the end of the trail.

As soon as you hit the trail you’re climbing switchbacks all the way up until you hit Echo Mountain point. Beautiful views as your climbing and at the top of Echo Mountain. We went up to Inspiration Point thru Castle canyon trail, it’s a challenging trail with plenty of shade and great views. We came down the Sam Merrill Trail from inspiration point, at first it was nice, lovely tress and shade but then it was switchbacks all the way down with full sun exposure and no shade. As challenging as castle canyon trail is I Would definitely do this hike again.

Seen a bear less than 1/4 mile from inspiration point telescopes.. it was less than a foot from me and another hiker eating some left over trash someone should have carried out with them.. non the less the bear was small and easy to scare off... cool hike liked the feeling of being above the clouds once to the top.

Great trail, especially late-afternoon when I did it. It took me 2 1/2 hours and I was booking it, so I would definitely allow yourself 3 for sure. I combined the Dawn Mine Trail, which takes you down into a thickly wooded ravine with lots of boulders and a lovely stream, with the Mount Lowe Railway Trail, which is paved but still really nice, on the return. It took me about 1-1 1/4 hours to get to the Dawn Mine area, and then you can turn left and head up the hillside and then return along the ridge, which gives you great views of Altadena all the way to Downtown LA. Highly recommended. Only say about 10 people the whole time. Can't wait to go again!

It is a little unkept and wild, but it was remote and not crowded which was nice and really rare for Los Angeles area. I would do it again, maybe in hiking boots.

Really nice area but the gate was locked and couldn’t get in, they replaced the fence AND. got stuck in the mud right before the gate. Geez bad day I’ll tell ya what.....

Good hike. But the first part (Sam Merrill Trail) to get to inspiration Pt is very highly trafficked. Inspiration Pt trail is super steep but a good workout. It was overcast so couldn’t really see much. Lots of rocks going up and down. Overall good one.

Loved it. Worth the hike to the top.

Great trail and workout!

Did this trail earlier today and it was invigorating to say the least!!! I didn’t know I had a fear of heights until hiking this trail because the path really gets narrow and steep with loose rocks so you really need to watch your step. The views were amazing and the weather was beautiful. I was prepared and had lunch up top at the picnic area where the big house used to be. That view is a must see. Great for those that have some experience and aren’t afraid of heights. Will definitely be back to hike the other trails!

lots of logs, boulders and streams to jump through. my soon to be 4yr old had a blast!

This was a nice trail with lots of interesting plants and birds. It's steep but not overly difficult. The oak woods on the way up are lovely. No views as it was cloudy but I'd rather not see the city anyway. I skipped the short detour to Mt Disappointment. However I recorded it as over 7 miles, not the 5.5 in the description! Not sure what happened there...

Short but surprisingly hard hike that skirts that wildland-urban interface just above Altadena. Lots of ups and downs, so it's a nice workout. There is a nice memorial to Art Ruezga and Chris Herman, two firefighters who were killed fighting the Eaton fire in 1993. Thank you to all the firefighters, we appreciate and honor your hard work and sacrifice!

Love this little trail!

lush, densely covered, walk along stream to the gold mine. however, it is very buggy. bring spray or a net to cover your face.

going back up to the ridge the bugs go away and reveal nice city and natural views.

in terms of foot traffic, I ran into small groups every 30 minutes or so.

will go again.

Very scenic and enjoyable hike. Lots of bugs though, bring some repellent. Parts of the trail were very overgrown and I could swear I heard growling at one point (!). But I definitely recommend this hike. Lots of shade and different terrain, and seeing the mine at the end was exciting, even if it is closed.

UNA EXCELENTE AVENTURA UNA MANERA DE ECONTRARCE CON LA NATURALEZA ...

We did this trail on daylight. moderate hike to the dawn mine sign. if you go down to the right, you will see what it used to be the mine. The mine is now covered with steel but you can peak with a flashlight. We couldn't find a way to go in the mine. Even if there was, I didn't wonder around to much.
be aware of the bee hive on the tree on top to the left of the sign that says dawn mine. These bees will follow you and sting you.
p.s follow skyhighhiking on your I.g

Lots of shade. Nice creek. Took about 3.5 hrs.

Nice shady short hike.

It's fun, constantly changing, has a running river, lots of trees for shade and big rocks. Pretty dusty tho.

Took this trail downward coming from Chantry. Did a solid 24 mile hike. Reviewing this section because I wanted to give a shout out to the chap we bummed water from because we were at dangerous levels of dehydration. Lesson one, this whole area is very dry and has no water to speak of. Exiting from this location coming from Red Box, make sure you have tons of water during the summer.

Directions to trailhead put you in a neighborhood with no trail access. Eaton Canyon trail is nearby though so we went there

This is a great trail with some shaded creekside walking for the Arroyo Seco part. The Ken Burton Trail is a well maintained up (or down, depending on your direction) and the Brown Mountain Road is a gentle slope with some good views.

This is an extremely challenging trail, doable if you are game for trail blazing, rock climbing, consistent sliding on loose rocks, and scrambling. Must bring trekking poles! Do not bring beginners on this hike. Bring snacks. The length and elevation are not what is challenging, rather it is the unsafe trail conditions. Be warned!

Nice winding narrow cliff trail with great views. Not for those afraid of heights or children. Up top you will find the old mountain house ruins and history plaques making it my favorite hike thus far.

I love inspiration point I will return a million times more, I feel a divine inner peace

A beautiful shady loop with lots of points of interest among the way and breathtaking views from Inspiration Point. I question whether it’s 4.9 Miles as in the description. While the elevation gain is accurate, I think it’s more like 6-6.5 and others along the way agreed. Recommend doing the loop clockwise, as the descent down from Dawn Mine would be a bit more challenging.