Join the Los Angeles Times for an autumn adventure on the picturesque Gabrielino Trail. Our second exclusive hike is set for Saturday, October 19, and we’d love to have you join Times outdoors writer Jaclyn Cosgrove for this exciting outdoor experience.
Hey there! I’m Jaclyn Cosgrove, your go-to outdoors reporter here at the L.A. Times. My beat encompasses the most stunning trails, serene lakes, delightful campgrounds, and everything you should explore around Los Angeles County. I also pen The Wild, our weekly newsletter dedicated to outdoor happenings. Often, you’ll find me hitting the trails with my loyal companion, Maggie May, whether it’s part of work or simply for leisure. As the fall foliage starts to make an appearance, I’m eager to meet you on the trail to see if it truly lives up to the hype in L.A.
We are inviting 30 subscribers to hike with us from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on October 19. We’ll kick off this event at the lower parking lot of the Gabrielino Trail. This hike is part of our subscriber-exclusive hiking series, and I assure you, it promises to be a delightful experience. We’re already buzzing with plans for a range of outdoor activities in 2025.
This trail is a personal favorite of mine, featuring a lovely three-mile journey along the Arroyo Seco. The route offers a mix of a river, shaded paths, and plenty of nature to admire. Throughout our hike, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for native species like bigleaf maples and black walnut trees that change with the season. And, of course, feel free to snap photos for your social media or nature journals.
The hike begins with a short, steep incline on a paved road before leveling off. We’ll stroll along a paved path next to the river, which transitions to a dirt trail after about half a mile. This charming path will lead us northwest through the canyon. I’ll have Maggie with me, as she loves this trail just as much. You’re welcome to bring your leashed dogs along as well; just a heads up, you might want to pack a towel for your furry friend, as we’ll likely cross the river at least once.
After hiking about one and a half miles in, we’ll turn back, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to continue, you can trek the additional two miles (a total of four miles round trip) to reach the Brown Mountain Dam waterfall on your own, just be sure to have a downloaded or paper map with you.
For parking, instead of the smaller paved lot off Windsor Avenue, it’s best to continue north on Explorer Road until you reach a spacious sandy parking area. There’s no fee to park, and you don’t need a pass. Please direct your car toward the northern end of the lot. We’ll gather near the short bridge leading to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s back entrance, which is not part of our hike but occasionally offers public tours.
Please come dressed appropriately with sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Water bottles will be provided, but you can also bring your own. Participants must be 18 or older and will need to sign a waiver before joining. Secure your spot by signing up at eventbrite.com.
For more outdoor fun, we’ve lined up road trips to California mountain towns, lists of hiking trails affected by wildfires, and a guide to top campsites near L.A. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the beautiful Southern California landscape this fall!