Los Angeles
Usal Hike Club - Brown Mountain Dam
A trek through one of the San Gabriels' most storied canyons.
The trail follows the Gabrielino Trail up through Pasadena’s Arroyo Seco all the way to Brown Mtn Dam. Along the way we will pass through rich riparian zones that hold all sorts of animals and life you may not see on the hot and dusty trails above. Small trout, salamanders, and even bobcats are common in and along the canyon.
Halfway through our out and back hike we will encounter the Brown Mtn dam built by the US Forest Service in the 1940’s. This is the perfect spot to stop to eat a snack or light dinner and take pictures of the waterfall making its way over the dam before heading back to the trailhead.
Chances of seeing or hearing owls on the way back are excellent so don’t forget your headlamp!
Ticket Type
When
08/23
Time
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Intensity
Details
The Gabrielino trail to Brown Mtn Dam is a medium length, moderate canyon hike.
The hike itself is not too difficult but there is a slight incline all the way to the dam. There are also a number of water crossings that can be uneven but don’t expect too much water this late in the season. The dam almost always has a waterfall but the creek may be dry in some areas.
- Length: Approx. 7.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: Approx. 700–900 ft
- Route Type: Out & Back
Estimated Total Hiking Time
- Fast pace: ~3 hours
- Average pace: ~4-5 hours
- Slower pace hangout/snacks: ~5+ hours
About Guide
Matt Redondo is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a deep connection to the Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains. His passion for the outdoors has led him on countless adventures, including completing the John Muir Trail and summiting most of California’s 14,000-foot peaks. With over 12 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Matt has built a career centered around helping others connect with nature while sharing his knowledge of gear, wilderness travel, and backcountry safety as a nationally certified EMT. When he's not exploring mountain peaks, Matt can be found hiking and running with his two dogs, Oko and Strider.