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Echo Sunset Prieto Trail Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 179 Google reviews · Running trail in Altadena, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Echo Sunset Prieto Trail Loop'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.
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails and opportunities for mountain biking.
What runners say about Echo Sunset Prieto Trail Loop
I find this rating unfair since I didn't finish the hike. I wasn't prepared because I didn't know where I was going. Anyways, the parking lot is too far from the actual hike (reasons for 4 stars)! The hike is 4 miles and add another mile to get to and from your car.
This trail can go on and on. Know your limits, terrain changes,... narrows and expands. Try to plan an endpoint or a return point but can be challenging if it's your first time. Can always plan for a second trip after getting to know the landmarks.
This is a great trail with a couple of variations for a more challenging ride if you like. At the ranger housing you can head to the right and ride up Brown MTN, and either take the Brown MTN road or the El Prieto trail. If you stay left it's a really fun ride up the Arroyo.
El Prieto loop is about 9 miles, 1400 feet of vert. You can make it shorter by starting at the trailhead on El Prieto Road, but parking is easier here. Nice little loop in the foothills, if you are hiking with a dog, watch out for mountain bikers. They are courteous, but there are a lot of them.
Trail conditions & character
“You can make it shorter by starting at the trailhead on El Prieto Road, but parking is easier here.”
“Climb is a little long and tough but not too techy.”
“El Prieto loop is about 9 miles, 1400 feet of vert.”
Plan your run at Echo Sunset Prieto Trail Loop
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Running trails near Altadena
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gabrielino Trail Western Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 154 reviews
Hiking area with a well-maintained trail, canyon views, and some water crossings.
Hahamongna Watershed Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 584 reviews
Protected area with mature trees serving as a drainage area & offering disc golf & picnic tables.
El Prieto Canyon
4.7 ★★★★★ 266 reviews
Popular hiking area with multiple trails and benches, plus wildlife and water crossings.
Arroyo North Loop
4.7 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Park offering trails that are good for running and walking, plus kid-friendly hiking.
