Join the L.A. Times for an autumn adventure on the Gabrielino Trail. The event promises a fun and engaging experience for subscribers, scheduled for Saturday, October 19. You’ll have the chance to accompany outdoors reporter Jaclyn Cosgrove, who has a knack for uncovering the best trails, lakes, and campsites throughout Los Angeles County.
Jaclyn, who often explores with her enthusiastic trail companion Maggie May, invites you to tag along and discover if fall foliage truly makes an appearance in L.A. Only 30 subscribers will be welcomed on this leisurely hike, which will run from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This hike marks the second in an exclusive series of hiking events for L.A. Times subscribers, with more outdoor activities in the works for next year.
The hike kicks off from the lower parking lot of the Gabrielino Trail and covers an easy three-mile trek alongside the Arroyo Seco. This trail is a favorite for Jaclyn, featuring a river, ample shade, and vivid sights and sounds of nature. Participants will have the opportunity to spot local tree species including bigleaf maples and black walnut trees, known for their seasonal color changes. Feel free to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery for Instagram or iNaturalist.
The hike begins with a gentle incline on a paved road, quickly shifting to a mostly flat path that runs parallel to the river. After about half a mile, the trail transitions into a dirt path as it meanders northwest through the picturesque canyon. Maggie will be in attendance, as this is one of her preferred hikes, and you can bring your dogs along. Just a heads up, you might want to bring a towel for your furry friends since we expect to cross the river at least once.
After hiking a mile and a half, the group will turn back. For those who wish to continue their adventure, an additional two miles up to the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall is available, although it’s advisable to have a printed or digital map for navigation.
When planning to attend, remember to skip the small paved lot on Windsor Avenue. Instead, proceed north on Explorer Road to reach the spacious sandy lot, where parking is free and no permit is needed. Please park toward the northern end, and meet us near the bridge that provides access to a lesser-known entrance of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, which isn’t part of this hike.
Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Water bottles will be available, but feel free to bring your own as well. You must be at least 18 years old and sign a waiver before joining the group. Reserve your spot through eventbrite.com.
For more hiking insights, you can check out articles about fall road trips, local hiking trails impacted by recent wildfires, and beloved campsites in the area. Stay connected with Jaclyn Cosgrove for outdoor tips and adventures as she seeks the best of the Southern California landscape. Whether navigating the local trails with her dog or responding to your hiking ideas, she’s always eager to explore. If you can’t reach her by phone, she’s likely off enjoying the mountains.