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Best hiking trails near La Cañada Flintridge

hiker woman with trekking sticks climbs steep on mountain trail

If you’re looking to live in a city that embraces active living, look no further than La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Situated in the Crescenta Valley, La Cañada Flintridge is nestled between the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest to the north, and the San Rafael Hills to the south. Its elevation varies from around 970 feet just below Devil’s Gate Dam in the Arroyo Seco to around 2,400 feet along Pickens Canyon.

With hills and mountains all around, it’s not surprising to find a good number of great hiking trails to explore in La Cañada Flintridge. This city is the perfect place for going back to nature and savoring the majesty of the Great Outdoors.

For those who desire both an active lifestyle and a sense of adventure, come and see what the best hiking trails near La Cañada Flintridge can offer.

Gould Mesa

Length: 4.1 miles
Requirement: Adventure pass from the USDA Forest Service

This trail is one of the most popular spots for hiking, trail running, biking, and walking in the area, especially since the route is pretty much straightforward – out and back. This means that it gets a lot of foot traffic. Best to come here on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Gould Mesa is considered a moderately challenging route but experienced hikers consider it easy to navigate.

Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp

Length: 8.5 miles
Requirement: Adventure pass from the USDA Forest Service

Another out and back trail located near La Cañada Flintridge, Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon Camp is also highly popular and moderately challenging. You’ll be treated with colorful spreads of wildflowers, as well as some water crossings. A waterfall is part of the trail’s nice surprises.

The trail, which can be completed in a little more than 4 hours, is open year-round. But for the most scenic views and best weather conditions, visit it between March and October.

Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall

Length: 8.4 miles
Requirement: Adventure pass from the USDA Forest Service

If you’re looking for a relatively flat route with minimal obstacles and great views, try the Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall trail. You can even bring your canine companion with you on your hike, provided that your good boy has a leash on.

Since the trail is considered an easy route, completing it could take almost 4 hours. Some of the paths are paved while other sections require crossing some streams and hopping over rocks to get across.

Gabrielino Trail to El Prieto Trail Loop

Length: 13.7 miles
Requirement: none specified

Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise on it, you’ll be up for a challenge when you traverse the Gabrielino Trail to El Prieto Trail Loop. Located near Hahamongna Watershed Park, this trail is considered one of the more challenging routes in the area and takes around 7 hours to complete. Some parts of the trails are quite narrow and may prove to be difficult to pass through especially when competing for space with bikers.

If you have a furry companion, you’ll be pleased to know that this trail loop is dog-friendly and has areas where they can be taken off their leash.

If you want to live the active and outdoorsy lifestyle in La Cañada Flintridge, you can start your home search by reaching out to me – your local real estate expert here and in other Los Angeles County communities, Kathy Seuylemezian. Contact me today at 818.949.5205 or send me an email at kathy(at)imuragent(dotted)com.

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