Viz Whizz Off Leash Hike, July 2025 #2

full details with reference pictures here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMJPtO8BJ27/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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📅 Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025

⏰ Time: 8:30AM-12:30AM

📍 Location (will take you to the free parking lot pictured — link will be in bio days leading up to the hike):

• Google words/link: Riparian Zone, JPL Bridge, Explorer Rd, Altadena, CA 91001 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VNVfcdQwKMQch3k29)
• Google coordinates: - 34.202461220102016, -118.16579655823301 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hi4V2boEBWunZ4Zx5)

🅿️ Parking: Riparian Zone. If heading north on Explorer Rd, drive to the end of the lot and park on the right for no parking fee. Please refer to picture and links for the exact location. If you are unable to click the link via the IG app, please DM me and I’ll send it directly!

🧭 Description: Brown Mountain Dam Waterfall Trail takes you from LA suburbia to natural trail wonders filled with ample tree coverage and multiple river crossings. This hike is on the easier side with a 640 ft elevation where the length of the trail is probably the more challenging part of this adventure.

We will meet in the Riparian Zone parking lot, cross Explorer Rd, and then head to a dirt path called Gabrielino Parallel Trail. Go straight down the trial, avoiding those side quests trails — you should be hiking between the stream and the road. After 370 ft, Gabrielino Parallel Trail will eventually dump us right on to the Gabrielino Trail/Road. Andy and Hermes will lead us the rest of the way, but if you want a sneak peek, feel free to check out the AllTrails link in bio.

Leashes will be required from the parking lot to 1-1.5 miles into the hike to ensure safety for everyone. This is an out and back trial, totaling about 7.5 miles, but feel free to head back home when you’re ready — there’s no pressure to stay. We will also gauge how everyone is feeling and adjust accordingly. The halfway point is Gould Mesa Campground for reference. On our way back from the hike, we will again stay leashed for the remaining mile per Viz Whizz guidelines. Please bring the essentials like water/electrolytes, snacks for you and your pup, bug/tick spray, and sunscreen.

Hiking Guy trail info/history of the dam: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/los-angeles-hikes/hike-brown-mountain-dam-arroyo-seco/
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/us/california/brown-mountain-dam-waterfall

⚠️Caution:

• wild animals including deer and rattlesnakes (it’s snake season!)
• mountain bikers

🚽 Amenities:

• there are no restrooms on site; the nearest public restrooms located 5 minutes (driving) at Hahamongna Watershed Park
• wheelchair accessible parking lot and some accessibility on the Gabrielino Trail Fireroad