Arroyo Hiking
Arroyos are seasonal streams in San Gabriel Mountains, created by rain and snowmelt. They shape the landscape by carving out deep canyons and creating geological formations, and provide habitats for various plants and animals. The arroyos can transform from dry streambeds to rushing torrents during heavy rain.
Hike Details:
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
DISTANCE: ~ 9.3km / 5.8mi (out & back)
or
12.8km / 8mi (loop)
TIME: ~ 4 hours – 6 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 277m / 912ft
(a good level-up hike for beginner hikers)
Dogs Welcome🐕
Gabrielino trail
Western Trail head:
All Hikers Meet Here:
– Where Do We All Meet?
– In Google Maps:
-Look up “El Prieto Trail” in Altadena, or…
type in address:
2755 N. Windsor Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
Check the map below.
Look for the group up towards the trailhead
Facilities:
– No restrooms at this Trailhead.
Notes on Parking:
It’s a residential neighbourhood so read the signs carefully, they will ticket and tow illegally parked cars.
Parking lot fills up on the weekends.
If the parking area is full, there’s usually more parking on Ventura Street and Mountain View Street.
Check the map below
Watch for bikes.
This is a popular mountain bike trail.
Parking Directions Map
out & Back or Loop
Route Options:
The first mile in doesn’t feel like you’ve left the suburbs as the trail skirts the Hahamonga Watershed Natural Park, a water-collection basin which separates our trail from JPL across the way.
– From the map below, you can see the route follows an arroyo trail up the El Prieto Canyon until it meets Brown Mountain Road at about 4.6km (9.3mi)
You’ll know because we go from a single-track to a wide fire service road.
This is where we would turn back if were hiking an out & back.
This route is recommended in the summertime as it’s very exposed from here and beyond.
Out & Back
-If making a loop hike, simply turn left at the Brown Mountain service road and follow the road as it winds back to the Fern Truck Trail to re-join El Prieto trail.
(as seen on the map below)
Lollipop Loop
What to Bring
Gear List:
Footwear:
– Trail runners or lightweight hiking boots (Trail runners work well on this trail)
– (sneakers are ok for this trail too)
– Gators are ‘optional’… There’s not much loose gravel on this one.
Sun Protection:
– Hat (cap or wide brim hat)
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
– Chapstick or Carmex
– Buff / Bandanna
– Sunglasses
Pocket Calories:
– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt:
– Energy Gels
– Starburst
– Tic Tacs
Clothing:
– Sports shirt (moisture wicking) … it will get sweaty
– Shorts (or convertible hiking pants)
Trekking Poles:
– Optional
– Not a requirement, but they really help, especially on the downhill.
Pack List:
Capacity/Size:
– 10 liters to 25 liters will be fine. (Any larger will be overkill)
– A trail running vest also works if you want to go fast and light
Water:
– 1.5 liters
-There’s water flowing in the arroyo year round, but filtering is highly recommended if you want to drink from it.
– A 32oz bottle of gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs.
Food:
– Bring a snack like an apple or a granola bar
– Bring a small lunch item like a wrap or sandwich
– (optional extras) like trail mix or cookies, something with high calories …. but keep it small
– Pack extra emergency glucose, like gels, glucose tabs, or candy that won’t melt in the heat.
Layers:
not needed in the summer months
– Wind jacket (winter)
– Beanie (winter)
– Light gloves (winter)
– Mid-layer (winter)
Other Pack Essentials:
(Just to be safe… )
– Headlamp
– Batteries
– Knife
– Ibuprofen
– Camera
– TP
– Glucose meter + strips
– CGM backup
– Emergency insulin (in cooling pack like a frio) either pen or vial+syringe
At least 1 person in the party should carry:
– First Aid Kit (small)
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Charger+Cords
– GPS
– Satellite Communicator
– Map
– Emergency Blanket(s)
– Water Filter
– Emergency glucose
______________________________________________________________________________
Other Stuff:
LNT & Minimal Impact Practices:
We will be visitors in a protected natural ecosystem, so we will practice Minimal Impact Principles.
Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out.
Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for collecting litter.
Leave rocks, trees, wildlife undisturbed.
Just in Case:
At least 1 person in the party will carry:
– First Aid Kit
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Map
– Headlamps
– Emergency blanket
– Emergency glucose
For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com
