"Another team-building day with my roommates, but the sun is scorching this week. So, I wanted to choose a short trail that would provide some shade. We decided to have an early dinner and head home, so we picked the Eaton Canyon Trail near Pasadena. I heard that the trail is surrounded by lush greenery and even has a small waterfall at the end.
🔍 Searching for Eaton Canyon Nature Center, we found Overflow Parking nearby. We didn't have to worry about finding a parking spot or walking too far.
☀️ This trail is approximately 4.2 miles long, and it takes about 2 hours to complete, including some time spent enjoying the waterfall. The first mile is a slightly sloping dirt road that doesn't feel like a difficult climb, but it also doesn't have much shade.
☀️ As we entered the shaded area, the sound of flowing water and the cool breeze greeted us, wiping away the fatigue caused by the scorching heat. In the woods, we saw a foreign girl sitting on a rock, engrossed in a book while the sunlight filtered through the leaves. It felt incredibly peaceful. Since the trail follows the riverbed, we had to cross several small streams by stepping on rocks, but our shoes didn't get wet. The final stretch before reaching the waterfall doesn't have much shade, and there were a few dry riverbeds to traverse, including climbing over some rocks and small hills.
☀️ The waterfall at the end was truly remarkable – even though it was quite small, there were so many people there! The pool below the waterfall was packed with adults, children, and dogs. Every rock we saw was occupied by people sitting or lying down. We stayed for a short while and then decided to leave.
☀️ Overall, this trail is very easy and suitable for all fitness levels, so it was crowded with people. As for the scenery, don't expect too much from the waterfall, and you will enjoy your time. After all, it's rare to find such a shaded and watery trail in Southern California, and the route itself is quite interesting. We were delighted to see children and dogs along the way. We encountered super cute dogs, including a big Golden Retriever that refused to move, a regal Bichon Frise that turned into a little dirt dog, a Husky that made its owner carry it while drooling, and dogs jumping and splashing in the water. It was a day conquered by these four-legged companions.
Finally, with the hot weather, it's vital to apply ample sunscreen‼️"