Trailhead: Gabrieleno Trail (JPL) Trailhead

Trail: Gabrieleno Trail to Oakwilde Campground (in ruin) and the Debris Dam at the end of Paul Little Picnic Area

Description: From the trailhead at the corner of N. Windsor Avenue and Ventura Street in Altadena, follow the paved road (which is part of the Gabrieleno Trail) down to turn that leads to JPL. At the turn, continue going straight (heading north) until you reach a junction with Lower Brown Mountain Road. Veer left and continue heading north along the Arroyo Seco. The Gabrieleno Trail will follow the Arroyo Seco with numerous stream crossing as you pass Gould Mesa Campground, Nino Campground and arrive at Paul Little Picnic Area. There is a large sign which also marks a split in the trail. Turn right to continue following the Gabrieleno Trail to Oakwilde Campground (now in ruins). Along the way, there are several stream crossings and the trail becomes defined more by the width of the gorge itself following the wash of the Arroyo Seco upstream. Although the way forward is obvious, it is easy to miss noticing the ruins of Oakwilde Campground which are located at the confluence of the Arroyo Seco and a creek flowing out of Dark Canyon. For reference, the Ken Burton Trail is past Oakwilde and across the Arroyo Seco from it. Return to Paul Little the same way. At Paul Little, walk through the picnic area to reach the Brown Canyon Debris Dam. Follow the Gabrieleno Trail back to the trailhead.

Stats: 11.4 miles, 1,325′ of gain and loss.

Last Hiked: 2-11-2019.