⊗ Eaton Canyon (Technical) ♦

October 12, 2017 tarannosaurus

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Los Angeles Area → ⊗ Eaton Canyon (Technical)

⊗ Technical Route ⊗
♦ Intrepid Top Pick!

Warning: Do Not Attempt Without Proper Training – click here for details

Location: San Gabriels front range, Northeast of Los Angeles

Distance: 7.5 miles total, 2.0 miles technical

Elevation Ascent/Descent: 1800 feet/1800 feet

Time Required: 6-10 hours

Rappels: 5-9, lengths up to 80 feet

Red Tape/Notes: No permit currently required, but you should check online for Forest Service closures – there was a closure in effect from 2015 to early 2017 and you were required to get a special permit to run the canyon. The closure is not currently in place and therefore permits are not required as of the time of this post, but the closure could be renewed at any point due to the large number of fatalities and rescues which occur in the canyon from ill-prepared would-be adventurers. Eaton Canyon can become a Class C canyon after heavy rains; check recent trip reports for conditions and water depth reports to aid in preparation. Excellent beta can be found on BluuGnome and ropewiki.

What’s Nearby?: The Huntington, Allison Mine Loop, Eaton Canyon (Hike), Little Santa Anita Canyon, Bailey Canyon, Rubio Canyon, Mt. Lowe Railway, Millard Canyon/Dawn Mine Loop

This canyon is pure delight. It’s almost like the granite was made on purpose for sliding. Yeah, there are some cool rappels in waterfalls, and there are some fun jumps (be careful and at least L-sit the jumps if you think the depth might be questionable), but it’s the slides that get me. It’s like a waterpark in the woods, and you have it all to yourself. The approach is pretty straightforward, and after you reach the water you’re in the good stuff right away. Definitely recommend a wetsuit if you’re here in the spring (and that’s really the best time to go), and be prepared for spectators at the last rappel, since you come out at the most popular hiking destination in the LA area. The pictures I have from the route aren’t nearly as good as the video Tom made.