WEEK 324: Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, Angeles National Forest Foothills, Glendora

July 20, 2025

 AllTrails: Big Dalton Canyon Trail, 2.86 miles out and back.


Barbara and I wanted a good summer hike in the mountains with plenty of shade, not too long, not too steep or deep or dangerous. It was a bit of a drive from the SFV (37 miles east on the 210) but we found what we both agreed was a perfect mountain hike in the foothills of Angeles National Forest in Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park. I couldn't find a lot of history on this slice of wilderness—the park area offers hiking, camping, bridges (we like bridges). The trails are clean, wide enough, and well kept. This particular hike parallels a stream that parallels Dalton Canyon Road for a mile up to the entrance to the Big Dalton Dam, a 2.5-ish out-and-back trek. The trail is flat for the most part, with gentle elevation, three bridges to cross, two stream hops, a small waterfall stop, and a mystery at the turnaround at the top—all in the shade of sycamores and wild southern oaks. NOTE: remember this shady hike for one of our summer scorcher weekends. The stream originates from the 1929 Big Dalton Dam, one of the first multiple arch dams, and flows south. Hikers and bicyclists not allowed inside the gates leading up to the dam, and visitors have to check in, so it's a no-go to investigate the spaceship-like structure sitting at the top of the hill above the hike's turnaround point. From what I read it could be part of Rubel Castle or could be part of Big Dalton Dam (opening day photo of the multi-arch dam below) but since we couldn't get there, the mystery remains a mystery for another day. The Big Dalton Wilderness Area, a public park in the foothills, covers 563 acres that include 14 hiking trails. With its amphitheater, rest room on the trail, and campgrounds, this hike felt like a fun centerpiece for a beginners camping weekend in the San Gabriels. At your own risk, of course. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

   





   


   



 
  













You Might Also Like

0 comments

Popular Posts

Total Pageviews