Eaton Saddle Trailhead - Altadena, CA
Eaton Saddle Trailhead – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Altadena, CA
Discover the gateway to breathtaking pet-friendly trails at Eaton Saddle Trailhead, located in the scenic foothills of Altadena, CA. Known for its immediate access to several of the San Gabriel Mountains’ most popular peaks, this trailhead offers dog owners a unique blend of adventure, panoramic views, and natural beauty. Start your journey near the iconic Mueller tunnel and choose from hikes to Mount Lowe, Mount Disappointment, San Gabriel Peak, and more—all welcoming to leashed dogs.
With no fenced or off-leash dog park areas, Eaton Saddle Trailhead caters primarily to hikers seeking challenging out-and-back trails that are great for both experienced and casual hikers with their four-legged companions. The trails are sunny and exposed in sections, so be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your pup. Although amenities are minimal, the trailhead’s charm stems from its natural setting and direct access to expansive trails, making it one of the best choices for a dog-friendly hike in Altadena. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed on the trails? Yes, dogs are allowed on all hiking trails but must be kept on-leash.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the entrance and parking lot are not wheelchair accessible.
- Are there hiking or walking trails connected to the park? Yes, the trailhead connects to multiple hiking trails, including routes to Mount Lowe, Mount Disappointment, and San Gabriel Peak.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Some sections of the trails have natural shade from trees and large rocks, but much of the area is exposed; bring sun protection and water.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead, but spots are limited and fill up early, especially on weekends. An Adventure Pass is required for parking.
- Is this trailhead good for kids? Yes, many of the connecting hikes are kid-friendly, but note that some areas have steep drop-offs.
Reviews
Enjoyed passing thru Mueller tunnel. We took the loop hike up to Mt Lowe. Thank goodness for the trees, bushes, big rocks.. as they gave us some shade and area to rest. Be sure to bring lots of water with you.
Perfect starting point to nab several +5K peaks in the front range of the San Gabriel’s. Kicks off immediately with breathtaking views, and a really cool tunnel, leads to a fork from which point are relatively short hikes to San Gabriel Peak, Mt Disappointment, Mt Lowe & Mt Markham.
Hiked 10/27 Saturday. We arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 am, not too much parking left. Adventure Pass required. We hiked to Mount disappointment then San Gabriel Peak then back to the main trail and to Mount Lowe and then before heading back to the main trail we went to mount Markham which I found the most difficult out of all four. But very fun great views and a great workout
Parking lot that serves as a center to lots of trails around Mt Wilson. There are limited number of parking spots so get there early. From the parking lot it is 1/2 a mile to Eaton saddle via the Mueller tunnel. And from there there are a couple of ways to get to Tom Sloan saddle which again is a connection point to multiple trails. Top part is Sunny and exposed so bring plenty of water. You get great views of surrounding mountains and in a clear day as far as Catalina Island.
This a beautiful trail, especially right now because there were a lot of flowers and it wasn’t too hot. Not a strenuous hike, but some steep drop offs. I recommend going the Mt Lowe trail which takes you on a higher trail parallel to the main trail but still flat.