Home › California › Pasadena › Eaton Canyon Trail Head
Eaton Canyon Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 743 Google reviews · Running trail in Pasadena, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Eaton Canyon Trail Head'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.
Easy, lush trail with waterfalls, shade, picnic areas and stream crossings.
What runners say about Eaton Canyon Trail Head
“Overall a great hike, but not sure I will return due to the short length, ease, and popularity of the trail, but it really beautiful and something worth seeing at least once.”
“And it’s both child and dog friendly with lots of outdoor places to stop for shade along the pathways.”
“Great walk to the waterfall,,, Great hike, great experience hiking being in nature, soo calm the water soo fresh and just soo relaxing to be out there in Nature.”
An extremely easy but very pleasant hike. Took us just over an hour so this was more of a nature walk than a hike. Other reviewers are accurate in that it is extremely crowded so go early and on a weekday if possible. Luckily we were able to get a few minutes alone at the falls but that did not last long.
It was my first visit to Eaton Canyon last Sunday and it did not disappoint. Recent rain has the creek rushing with water. Being from Seattle (now living in Pasadena) I miss rain and flowing water. We actually went to the canyon with our camping chairs to sit by the creek and enjoy the atmosphere.
BEAUTIFUL trail and hike. Overall gentle incline and wide path. Felt totally immersed in nature. Vibrant running stream right now too! Plus free parking and a Nature Center with a gift shop and bathrooms!
Great small hike, beautiful scenery, the waterfall at the end is a nice spot to relax. This is a VERY popular spot. First time I hiked this trail I arrived at the parking lot by 9am and there was already a sea of people. I couldn’t walk 20ft without someone next to me.
Trail conditions & character
“With the lush greenery rustling gently in the breeze as hikers make their way along the picturesque trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and breathtaking vistas.”
“Eaton Canyon is a wonderful relaxed walk with convenient access to vehicle parking and picnic areas for a pleasant outdoor experience.”
“And it’s both child and dog friendly with lots of outdoor places to stop for shade along the pathways.”
“And it’s both child and dog friendly with lots of outdoor places to stop for shade along the pathways.”
“It was relatively quiet for a weekend, although again it was during COVID and a holiday.”
“The route back to the waterfall is not the most strenuous, but be prepared for rocky terrain.”
“Plus free parking and a Nature Center with a gift shop and bathrooms!”
Plan your run at Eaton Canyon Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteecnca.org
- Phone+1 626-398-5420
- Social Facebook
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