El Prieto Canyon - Altadena, CA
El Prieto Canyon Dog-Friendly Hiking in Altadena, CA
Discover the beauty of El Prieto Canyon, a renowned dog-friendly trail nestled in Altadena, California. Popular among local hikers, mountain bikers, and dog owners, this scenic area offers pet-friendly trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore with their four-legged companions. Enjoy a lush, green escape with occasional water streams, shaded stretches, and stunning natural beauty.
El Prieto Canyon stands out as one of the best spots for hiking with your dog near Pasadena and Altadena. With moderate and loop trail options, it’s ideal for both short adventures and longer walks. While it’s not a traditional fenced dog park, leashed dogs are welcome throughout the trails. Early morning visits are recommended for a cooler, more serene experience—you and your pup will love the bird songs and the refreshing shade along various trail segments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at El Prieto Canyon?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed.
- Is there shade available on the trail?
- Yes, there are several shady spots along the hike, especially along the El Prieto trail.
- Where is the best place to park?
- Plenty of street parking is available on El Prieto Rd and surrounding areas. No fee or permit required.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park?
- Yes, El Prieto Canyon is known for its loop trails and connections to other local hiking paths.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible?
- No, the trails are not wheelchair accessible due to their natural terrain.
- Is the area good for kids?
- Yes, the trails are family-friendly and suitable for children, with various options to adjust hike length and difficulty.
Reviews
This is saying El Prieto I know it as Brown Mountain Dam. Easy hike it just takes a long time to get there 🤷♀️🤣 It’s worth it! So much beauty on the way there. I’d suggest you go early it gets hot. Bring plenty of water for you and your fur baby. Mama Keira Loved it 🥰😍
Very pretty hike with several shady spots! Lot to see.
Just be watchful for mountain bikers.
We started hiking on Fern Truck/Arroyo trail and merged into El Prieto trail. We hiked a full loop and ended up to the Windsor parking. This trail was beautiful and serene. The plants and flowers looked gorgeous. A very green scenic view. The Fern Truck/Arroyo trail was a very moderate hike. You are pretty much going up hill. El Prieto was easy to walk down. It took us 8.3 miles to complete the loop. A beautiful trail to bring your friends and family.
Great small hike!
The hike is not long and the hiking roads are clean and clear. Even though the main hike is short you can take other little trails along the way to make it longer.
The trail is popular with bike riders so be alert! Don’t be blasting your headphones or speaker so that you can hear them coming. Besides, why would you want to listen to music when you have the birds and water streams to enjoy.
Talking about water streams, there are a good amount of them that you’ll have to cross. They aren’t big but you might get wet and bit (where there’s water, there’s mosquitoes).
Plenty of street parking. I couldn’t find any street signs so I don’t know when the sweeper comes in. I went on a Tuesday morning and cars were on both sides of the street. I parked on El Prieto Rd and I made my way up the street.
There are two spots where there are benches, at the Owen Brown grave site and at the bottom of the mountain. Both are great spots to relax and enjoy the day. There’s even a Little Free Library box on the street so you can pick a book to take on the hike!!!
My recommendation, this is a beautiful hike that you’ll enjoy. I recommend starting by going up the street, that way you’ll start up the mountains early on your hike before the sun gets hot since you’ll have no shade. By the time the sun is fully up you’ll be at the bottom of the mountains where you’ll have plenty of shade and water streams to keep you cool.
Nice surprise. Great hike along the Arroyo Seco. The stream was quite full. I took the Gabrielino trail towards Gould Mesa campsite. It had a foresty feel, shaded, pretty fall colors, pretty walk. Not too crowded. Easy hike. Had to cross the stream a couple times, which was not too difficult, going over the rocks. It’s a pretty long hike. I think it keeps going more past the Gould Mesa campsite, but don’t know how long.
The other trail that veers off from the Gabrielino trail is the El Prieto Canyon trail that goes towards Millard falls. Want to try that next time…