Patch Blog: How to Hike the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail

Our neighborhood is named after the giant stone formation dubbed Eagle Rock by the Tongva natives who were here well before any residents who spoke a language any of us might understand.

We talk about it, reference it, drive by it, admire it—but have you ever actually hiked the Eagle Rock Canyon Trail, a four-and-a-half-acre open space adjacent to the Eagle Rock? 

That we can do so is because of the heroic efforts by many community activists, nature lovers and elected officials who worked together to save the land around the rock from developers and created the Eagle Rock Historic Park. There are still private residential properties—and a large apartment complex exclusively for renters—by The Rock.

This blog is about hiking the trail, but first credit must be given to Kaye Beckham and Shirley Minser, who led efforts to preserve the roughly four acres of land. 

Props as well to local community group Collaborative Eagle Rock Beautiful and its late founder John Stillion, who teamed with CERB Co-Chair Esther Monk to start the “Save The Rock” campaign. 

Peter Schaller eventually designed the trail. It is due to the tireless and dedicated work of these individuals and many more that we Eagle Rockers are able to enjoy this last piece of open space between Eagle Rock and Pasadena.

Again, this is a capsule history—if you have more historical facts and anecdotes (and kudos), please feel free to contribute them in the comments section below.

Cut to present day and the decision by this blogger to get a workout and hike The Rock.

I took the easiest route to the Eagle Rock: 

1.  Drive east on Colorado Boulevard toward Pasadena.

2.  After Figueroa, take a left on Patrician Way.

3.  After you cross the bridge over the 134 freeway, take an immediate left on Eagle Rock View Drive.

4.  Park in the cul de sac and start your walk at the trail entrance to the left of the private driveway where Eagle Rock View Drive ends.

The hike is just under a mile—and relatively easy. I hiked the trail in my worn-out Shaq high tops and did fine, although I would have been more at ease in my hiking boots. Bring water (which I didn’t) and maybe some trail mix to enjoy at the top of the trail when you take in the view (again, I did not).  And remember—trash in, trash out! (There’s a trash bin at the beginning of the trail.)

I did, however, bring along my trusty flip cam, so enjoy the short video and appreciate nature from the comfort of your laptop.

Happy Trails!