A city-close hike in eastern
LA county under oaks and up onto exposed ridges. A convenient and beautiful
hike, but not suited for beginners. It's proximity to stables makes it a
popular equestrian trail.
Location: Marshall
Canyon Regional Park Region: San Gabriel Valley Distance: 5-mile loop Difficulty: Moderate with some heart-pounding climb When to go: October to July Hours: Sun up to sunset Phone: (626) 335-1251 Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Restrooms: Not at the trailhead, but at the picnic area 2.8 miles
into the hike. Parking: Free at the equestrian center
Trail Information
Full Review: La Verne, California. The name may not resonate with the
average Angeleno quite like Hollywood, Beverly Hills or even Burbank. But
this nondescript town at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains has something
the rest of LA should envy: the Marshall Canyon Trail. Walking distance from
many La Verne homes, it runs from shady creek-side groves to sunny, open
vistas of the distant metropolis. In the realm of urban jaunts, this one
ranks high.
Start your hike on the path leading down from the far end of the upper
stables. Right away it takes you into a cool patch of oaks. Turn left at the
first fork. Stay on the main trail until you climb up out of Marshall Canyon
to the outer perimeter of a nursery. Follow the fence around and down into
Live Oak Canyon. At the three-way junction, take the middle path and stay to
the left as it quickly splits again. At the next fork, go right. Soon after,
you'll reach another split: Take the horse path on the left, not the dirt
road that runs uphill. This will lead to a strenuous stretch of switchbacks
up 400 feet to a ridge.
At the top, turn left and walk 0.2 mile to a narrower trail on the left. A
sharp turn onto this path takes you back down into the canyon. At the
bottom, turn right for a half-mile climb to a fire road. Keep walking past
the picnic area until you see a path on the left leading down into the
shade. After a while, it meets up again with the road. Continue left.
When you pass a familiar intersection, keep right. Take the next path
leading down to the left away from the road, and then veer left to stay in
the canyon. You'll pass a concrete bridge just before the trail cuts up to
the right, climbing a steep hill past two water tanks. Pass the second one
on its right side and take the path down into Marshall Canyon and back
toward the parking lot.
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