Fun Beginer Hike - Gabrieleno Trail to Brown Mountain Dam - Out and Back

Meetup Time: 9:00 A.M. (We hit the trail at 9:15)

DISTANCE: 8 miles – out and back.

GAIN: 652 ft

RATED: Beginner hike with some wet stream crossings.

HIKE DURATION: About 3 1/2 to 4 hours (including a 20-minute snacky time!)

DESCRIPTION: Brown Mountain Dam Trail, is nestled in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, offering picturesque views of the surrounding nature. This is close to an 8 -miles out-and-back trail near La Canada Flintridge, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 to 4 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, mountain biking, walking and even horseback riding so watch your step!

We will be starting at the JPL Riparian Zone Parking locations to make our way up the Arroyo Seco to the Paul Little Picnic area where the Brown Mountain Dam is located. Buckel up kids because this is a hike, you’re going to get your feet wet on, so dress accordingly. We will also stop by Gould Campground and check and see if we can see some some Steel head Trout in the Arroyo.

BRING: Shoes you do not mind getting wet for the water crossings, as well as a dry pair to put on for the trip home. Poles will be useful for some the technical areas.; snacks; a hat; !!sunscreen!!, bug spray / bug net (in case). 3 liters of liquids (2L water/ 1-liter electrolytes, i.e., Gatorade).

Safety Note: If it’s warm potential of pesky bugs, always Poison Oak, and stream crossings , can be up to a foot deep in some places.

ADVENTURE PASS: No

MEET AT: (GPS Coordinates: 34.20164674080225, -118.16575472479771)
It’s a big parking lots so look for the group somewhere close to the GPS location.

Bathrooms: None available at the trail head, there is a Jack in the Box right off the freeway. On the trail however there is a pit toilet (2 miles or so from the trial head) at the Gould Campground on the way to the Dam, however they were out of order when I pre-hiked the trail Aug 2.

Dogs: OK, if well behaved around other dogs/ people with hiking poles and on a leash, also note this is a popular trail and there will most likely be a lot of other K-9's on the trail.

IMPORTANT NOTES: We’ll hike at a brisk pace and ask everyone to stay with the group for a friendly and safe outing. Hiking may be hazardous due to uneven footing, stream crossings, exposures, snakes, bugs, poison oak, etc. Please be aware of your abilities and their limits. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being. This event may be cancelled due to any inclement weather or other conditions.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: Hiking boots and poles. Clothing layers recommended. Snacks and 2+ liters of water and electrolytes or salt tablets. Hat and sunscreen.

The Ten Essentials of Hiking (link)

THIS HIKE RANKING: Level 2, Beginner/Intermediate (see chart below).
Please only sign up to attend hikes that are consistent with your ability. Based on your hiking during the last 90 days, how would you score on the CHC Hike rating scale of one to five assuming a brisk pace?

CHC HIKE RANKING SCALE:
1. Beginner: 1-3 miles, less than 500 feet elevation gain.
2. Beginner/Intermediate: 1-7 miles, less than 700 feet elevation gain.
3. Intermediate: 5-10 miles, 1000-2000 feet elevation gain.
4. Intermediate/Advanced: 7-12 miles, up to 3000 feet elevation gain.
5. Advanced: 10-17 miles, 3000 feet or more elevation gain.

Leaders: Paul and Gary