Near Arroyo Seco
Intersection of Gabrielleno Trail (straight) and Fern Truck Trail/El Prieto (right).
Near Arroyo Seco
It's all about balance...
Near Arroyo Seco
Lots of water after the rain!
Near Arroyo Seco
Beautiful canopy on the Gabrielino Trail heading towards the Arroyo.
Near Arroyo Seco
Arroyo Seco

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Hike Route

Arroyo Seco

4.3 (20 Ratings)
A scenic, shady trail following Arroyo Seco to the Brown Mountain Barrier Dam.
8
mi
Distance
533
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedRiver/CreekWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.99mi
Distance
533ft
Elevation Gain
533ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
1,656ft
High Point
1,149ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Park in the parking lot on Windsor Avenue, on the east side of JPL. The trail will start out paved but after about a mile, the tread becomes dirt. Eventually the way becomes rocky, with many stream crossings. After about 4 miles the trail ends at a debris dam which often has a decent waterfall. This makes an excellent place to stop for a break, and enjoy the scenery! The trail used to continue on the east side of the canyon past the dam and went up to Switzer Falls, but there is a section that is now closed. Recently the trail closed sign has been removed and the trail may be open up to the junction with the Ken Burton trail.Overall, there's not too much elevation gain and the trail feels fairly remote.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Justin Jasper