THE BEST Pasadena Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas in Pasadena
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
What travellers are saying
- Vanessa PParis, France265 contributionsReally enjoyed our walk to the falls today. Not really hard work, a free rivers to cross with a beautiful waterfall at the end. Peaceful and not hard. Definitely recommended!Written 28 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KenPa24Pasadena, CA32 contributionsIf you want a challenge and see beautiful views, hike up the canyon and take the fire road all the way to the flats. There is a small museum up there and if it’s clear the view is wonderful. i have gone several times, once I hiked through the fog to come out above the cloud and see the sun. It is a 6 mile round trip! Be prepared. Enjoy.Written 8 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Our Constant JourneySeattle, WA140 contributionsIn May I made the move from Seattle to Los Angeles and it didn’t take long for me to start itching to get outdoors and explore. Unfortunately it took me a couple weeks to settle in and finally make time to get out. I started doing some research on recommended places to camp near LA and Henniger Flats was at the top of almost everyone’s list that I could find online. A short hike, free camping and not far from where I live; sold. Especially for my first camping adventure since making the move to sunny California.
Henniger Flats is located in the San Gabriel Mountains near Altadena, California. Directions on getting there are pretty simple coming from downtown LA.
The trailhead to Henniger Flats is located off N Altadena Drive. It’s not easy to spot but if you’re familiar with the area, you’ll probably have no problem finding it. If you’re heading to Henniger Flats for the night, you’ll have to pay attention to where you park because there’s not a lot of overnight or long-term parking at the trailhead. I personally parked down the street on N Altadena in the neighborhood. Just keep an eye out for parking signs and you’ll probably be ok.
When you reach the trailhead you’ll see a sign that reads, “The Henniger Flats Project.” You have to hike up Mount Wilson Toll Road to get there. Initially it’s a little confusing to figure out which trail you need to be on to get there, at least it was for me. You’ll walk down the beginning of the trail and cross the white bridge. Once you cross the white bridge, stay to the left and head up until you reach Henniger Flats. It’s about a 3 mile hike and the incline gets steep at times. There are plenty of benches to rest at on the way up.
There’s no shade on the way up so it’s important to start your hike early if you intend on camping and have a heavy pack. Also bring an abundance of water. There is a visitor center and museum at Henniger Flats, but there’s no running water. Be prepared! I didn’t run into any wildlife and you probably won’t either since the trail is very popular and there seems to be a lot of foot traffic throughout the day. There are a few signs for rattlesnakes but I didn’t run into any.
After your 3 mile journey to the top, you’ve reached Henniger Flats. First thing’s first, you need to find the onsite LACFD Forester that’s on duty to check in. I read that you’ll be given a permit for camping and to use a stove, but I didn’t have to do that when I checked in for whatever reason. There was a cub scout clan doing some work at the campgrounds so I’m sure he was busy and distracted. After or even before you check in, you can check out the visitor center and museum to learn about Henniger Flats and the surrounding areas. It’s pretty neat.
Once you get checked in you’ll have to find your camping lot. There are 3 levels of camping at Henniger Flats. There’s a lower level campground near the visitor center and museum. It seemed pretty busy, so I walked to the upper and Fiji campgrounds. The forester actually recommended the Fiji campground area for a quieter environment and great place for setting up hammocks. He was absolutely right and if you’re looking for a quiet place to chillax, Fiji is the way to go.
Most larger camping lots have picnic tables and stoves to cook on. It’s worth noting there are about 15-20 camping lots in the upper and lower campgrounds. Fiji only has 3 camping lots, so you have to get there early to snag one. You can also call the forester head of time to get some insight on open camp lots. There’s plenty of shade once you get settled and the campgrounds are very well kept. There was no trash, the trails were well maintained and the views are phenomenal. There’s plenty of trails to check out after you get settled in.
Overall I had a great experience camping at Henniger Flats and I will certainly go again.Written 10 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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