This just in! Join us for this lovely hike in the newly declared San Gabriel Mountains National Monument with stream crossings and a surprising waterfall coming over a dam on the Arroyo Seco!
"Hiking to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall quickly transports you from suburban LA to a natural wonderland. You'll follow the Arroyo Seco, a lifeline watershed, into the Angeles National Forest, to the hidden waterfall at the abandoned Brown Mountain Dam. The shaded trail passes ruins, secluded picnic areas, and beautiful willows, oaks, and sycamores." - Hiking Guy website
Description: Moderate ~6-mile round trip hike, Total elevation gain: 820 ft. We hike downhill 1.2 miles to Gould Mesa campground where a pit toilet is available. Then we hike through the relatively flat, mostly shaded canyon along the Gabrielino Trail, with 6+ wet stream crossings of the Arroyo Seco. (The water is flowing, it's not "seco" (dry) right now!) We end at the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall to relax for lunch, and return the same way. The end is 1.2 miles uphill/550 ft. elevation back to the cars.
PARKING DIRECTIONS:
Gould Mesa trailhead is just above the City of La Cañada Flintridge, along Highway 2 right before it enters the Angeles National Forest/San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LNkktMDTj2wFG6eAA
The small trailhead turnout parking has 7-10 spaces. If it is full, go a little further up the highway, and park on the opposite side, very large turnout. (See image) Walk carefully back and cross the street at a safe location where drivers can see you, not at the curve! Keep all valuables out of sight.
Hike description on All Trails.
BRING: Lunch. Water, hat/sun protection/sunscreen. Hand sanitizer. Walking stick/ hiking poles if you want for stream crossings.
Shoes you don't mind getting wet, or water sandals. We will likely all get our shoes wet walking through the stream crossings - the water is not strong, but flows above shoe height. Perfect if you have water sandals. But fine to walk thru with whatever shoes. I hiked this trail 3 times last month. It was refreshing and great to see all the water flowing. Please see photos. More about shoes below.
If you just have shoes, you'll be fine walking thru the water. Definitely some grip is preferred, since wet rocks / surfaces can be slippery. Trail running shoes are great since light, grippy and the water runs out of them. Waterproof shoes are not great in this case because water will go in the tops and stay inside the shoe.
Ideal would be water sandals with some bottom grip. I (Bryan) bought mine at Big 5, maybe they have something similar at CostCo... “I prefer having toe protection vs. the open-toed Teva-styles. I wore regular trail running shoes up til the first stream crossing, then changed to these for the rest of the hike. See photos.
If you have Crocs those will probably be fine, just be careful to not slip because they're smooth. But best to switch to your regular shoes for the beginning and end of the hike.
Pets: Pets are welcome in the Angeles National Forest, but in consideration of other visitors and for your pet's safety and the protection of wildlife, all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length at all times and under the control of the owner. Please bring doggie bags and clean up any of their waste.
Poison oak: As with many trails, poison oak is growing along the edges. Learn to identify this itchy plant. "Leaves of three, let it be!" And don't let your pet near it.
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency.
Hike leader: Bryan Matsumoto, Cell: (626) 246-8634
Please register (free!) so we have a head count! Look forward to seeing you.
