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Cherry Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in La Cañada Flintridge, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cherry Canyon Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cherry Canyon Trail
“The skyline was beautiful and we were able to see the Descanso Gardens lights from the top.”
“The trail starts off shady, through an oak woodland, and up some gnarly steep switchbacks.”
The hike was amazing. This was the first evening hike I participated in. Cherry Canyon is located in a peaceful residential area next to Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge The hike began about 4 pm and we climbed up to the water tower. I was amazed at how exciting it was. The view is great all the way up.
Also known as "Descanso Trail", this is a rough multi-purpose trail that offers a moderate challenge for hikers, and can be difficult for bikes and horses, given the steep grade at times. It can be dusty, and hot in the summer, but wooded areas offer a canopy in some sections.
The hike was beautiful itself but, there was a lot of dog dookie everywhere.There's so much we call it Mt.DOOKIE. Also, including the dog dookie in bags dropped around everywhere.There's a steep section at the beginning, but the rest of it is an easy hike.Very beautiful too.
A lovely hike! From Descanso, it’s a shaded lush trail but very quickly has no coverage. There are several inclines so I’d recommend good shoes because there is some loose dirt that makes you slip. Very quiet hike, didn’t come across any cyclists.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike was beautiful itself but, there was a lot of dog dookie everywhere.”
“The trail starts off shady, through an oak woodland, and up some gnarly steep switchbacks.”
“The trail starts off shady, through an oak woodland, and up some gnarly steep switchbacks.”
“You can make a long loop, using Owl Canyon, or a short loop, with the Sister Cities Path.”
Plan your run at Cherry Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
Running trails near La Cañada Flintridge
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cherry Canyon MTB Trail Start Point-Gate
4.7 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
Mountainous park with wide paths for hiking, plus single-track routes for mountain bikers.
Cherry Canyon Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Park featuring interconnected hiking, biking, and running trails that lead to mountain views.
Flint Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 99 reviews
Shaded trails and paths offering up hiking, biking and horseback riding, among other activities.
