Frequently Asked Questions

  • Safety First: Why the Canyon Is Still Hazardous

    In January 2025, the Eaton Fire swept through the canyon, burning at high intensity across steep slopes and densely vegetated areas. The wildfire stripped away stabilizing vegetation, leaving the soil exposed and hydrophobic —soils that repel water rather than absorb it. 

    Just weeks later, a series of atmospheric river storms slammed into the burn scar, triggering powerful debris flows, flash flooding, and landslides. These back-to-back disasters dramatically altered the terrain. What were once well-used trails and scenic overlooks are now areas of active hazard—highly unstable, unpredictable, and dangerous to enter.

    Visitors today may encounter a range of serious safety risks, including:

    • Collapsed or eroded trails: Many trails were destroyed or dramatically altered by fire and flood. Some are visibly washed out or buried, while others appear intact but are structurally unstable—undermined by water and prone to sudden collapse under weight. Navigation is unreliable, and familiar routes may lead into dangerous terrain.
    • Unstable slopes and loose soils: Burned slopes no longer have the root structures needed to hold soil in place. Even slight pressure or rainfall can trigger slope failure, landslides, or rock sloughing. This is especially dangerous on narrow trails and ridgelines, where there’s no room for error.
    • Falling rocks and dead trees: Fire-killed trees are still standing but are structurally weakened and prone to dropping limbs or toppling entirely without warning. Similarly, canyon walls destabilized by fire and flood are actively shedding rocks and boulders, especially during windy conditions or after rain.
    • Damaged bridges and infrastructure: Key bridges and trail fencing were partially destroyed or buried in sediment. Some structures appear usable but have internal damage or undermined foundations, making them unsafe to cross. Informal use could accelerate deterioration or result in collapse.
    • Hidden debris and chemical hazards: Floodwaters carried sharp metal, broken glass, melted plastic, and potentially toxic residues from destroyed structures and burned household materials. These hazards are often buried beneath just a few inches of mud, leaf litter, or regrowing plants—making them hard to spot until stepped on.
    • Exposure risk from future flooding: Even a small storm can now cause dangerous runoff and flash flooding in the canyon due to the loss of vegetation and altered drainage channels. Narrow corridors like the Waterfall Access Trail act as natural funnels for intense flows of water, mud, and debris, with little time to react or escape.

     

    Even experienced hikers and first responders face significant challenges navigating this post-fire terrain. Until these hazards can be fully assessed and mitigated, public access remains too risky—for visitors and for those who would need to assist them in an emergency.
     

    Nature's Comeback: A Delicate and Ongoing Process

    Eaton Canyon is showing signs of life again, but this recovery remains fragile. While many native plants have moved beyond the seedling stage, others are only now emerging—especially in shaded or cooler microhabitats where fire intensity and soil conditions varied.

    Staggered Growth Across the Landscape. Native species like bush poppy, deerweed, chia, and golden yarrow are blooming in patches where soil conditions and moisture supported earlier germination. In other areas, particularly on steep or shaded slopes, germination is just beginning. This staggered recovery is normal for Southern California ecosystems and reflects the incredible diversity of microclimates and seedbank conditions in the canyon. While the vegetation may appear “greener,” much of the growth is still vulnerable to trampling, erosion, or soil compaction—especially along informal trails or fire-scarred slopes. 

    Wildlife is Returning—Cautiously. Insects, birds, and small mammals are gradually returning to forage and nest among the recovering vegetation. Chaparral birds like wrentits and California towhees have been observed reestablishing territories, while deer tracks mark renewed movement through the canyon. Many of these species rely on low shrubs and early successional plants for cover. Disturbance now, especially off-trail, can disrupt foraging, nesting, and recolonization patterns.

    Invasive Species Are Gaining Ground. Non-native species such as shortpod mustard, red brome, and wild oats are spreading aggressively in some areas. These fast-growing annuals can form dense mats, crowding out native forbs and grasses and significantly increasing future fire risk. Managing invasive species is an uphill battle even in ideal conditions—public pressure on the landscape makes it harder. Shoes, dogs, and equipment can unintentionally carry and spread seeds, especially along disturbed edges.

    This Is a Critical Window. Revegetation is happening—but it’s not stable yet. The next several months will determine whether native species gain a foothold or if invasive plants dominate and degrade the habitat. By staying off trails and respecting the closure, the public helps ensure that Eaton Canyon can continue its comeback as a biodiverse, fire-adapted landscape.

     

  • There is currently no set reopening date. Eaton Canyon will reopen when:

    • Public safety hazards are addressed
    • Ecological recovery is stable enough to accommodate foot traffic
    • Trails, bridges, and infrastructure are evaluated and repaired


    Updates will be shared as soon as timelines become clearer.

  • The closure includes the entire Eaton Canyon Natural Area, including:

    • Main entrance on Altadena Drive
    • Waterfall access
    • Mt. Wilson Toll Road Bridge and forest access
    • Equestrian Area / Overflow parking lot on New York Drive
    • Access points from Pinecrest, Midwick, Cobb Estate, Rubio Canyon, and Tanoble Drive

    Beyond Eaton Canyon Natural Area, surrounding areas that include the Altadena Crest Trail and portions of the Angeles National Forest are closed as well. Please see closure alert HERE. 

    All trails and internal paths are off-limits, regardless of access point. This closure is enforceable under County and Forest Service authority.

  • It’s not. Public access is currently prohibited. However, some individuals seen in the canyon may be authorized personnel conducting official work. These individuals are working under strict permits and safety guidelines to support fire recovery, ecological monitoring, and restoration planning. They include:

    • County Parks staff
    • U.S. Forest Service and Fire personnel
    • Certified researchers and restoration contractors
    • Infrastructure inspectors and maintenance crew


    If you witness unauthorized access (e.g., casual hikers, groups bypassing closure signage), please do not confront them. Instead report the activity to the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

    Agency patrols are active and increasing at known entry points to discourage trespassing and educate visitors.

  • A collaborative restoration effort is already underway involving:

    • Erosion control and slope stabilization using wattles, barriers, and seeding
    • Trail assessment and repair by park operations and trail crews
    • Vegetation recovery monitoring in coordination with researchers
    • Invasive species control to protect native plant regrowth
    • Wildlife surveys and habitat assessments as species return


    This work is ongoing and heavily dependent on undisturbed conditions. Public cooperation is critical to its success.

  • Many other scenic and safe trails remain open. Use the LA County Trails App or AllTrails to check current conditions and trailhead locations.

    Nearby options may include:

    • Santa Anita Canyon and Chantry Flat 
    • Gabrieleno Trail and Switzer Falls Trail
    • Bailey Canyon Park
    • Deukmejian Wilderness Park
    • Hahamongna Watershed Park

     

    Conditions may change, so always check agency updates before heading out.

  • Many trails within Eaton Canyon are no longer visible or structurally intact. Even if they appear passable:

    • Subsurface erosion can cause sudden collapses
    • Trail edges may give way under pressure
    • Mudslides have obscured or rerouted key trail segments
    • Unintentional off-trail impacts may still occur, especially when trails are poorly defined

     

    Respecting the closure ensures both personal safety and ecosystem recovery.

  • We’re so glad you asked. There are meaningful ways to help now—and more opportunities coming as the site recovers.

    Right now: help by staying out

    The single most important thing you can do is to respect the closure. Eaton Canyon has undergone dramatic landscape changes, and the trails you remember may no longer exist. Slopes are unstable, sensitive plants are just beginning to regrow, and wildlife is cautiously returning. By staying out, you’re giving nature the time and space it needs to recover safely.

    Avoid creating “user trails”

    When official trails disappear, people sometimes try to recreate them by forging their own paths. These informal “user created trails” may seem harmless, but they:

    • Crush young native plants and set back revegetation
    • Carve out erosion ruts on unstable slopes
    • Spread invasive plant seeds deeper into the canyon
    • Disturb sensitive wildlife trying to reestablish habitat
    • Complicate and delay future restoration and trail planning

    Even once the canyon reopens, sticking to designated trails is one of the most powerful ways to protect the landscape.

    Support the recovery: with your time, your wallet, or your voice

    Once conditions are safe, LA County Parks and its partners will launch organized volunteer opportunities, including:

    • Habitat restoration and native planting
    • Invasive species removal
    • Trail repair and erosion control
    • Wildlife and vegetation monitoring
    • Public outreach and community science

          

          Volunteer announcements will be shared at:

     

    Can’t volunteer in person? You can support restoration and stewardship efforts by donating to the Eaton Fire Recovery — Los Angeles County Parks Foundation. Contributions help fund trail rebuilding, habitat recovery, signage, and educational programming.

    You can also stay informed and help spread awareness by following @EatonCanyonNaturalArea on Instagram. They regularly share updates on recovery, species returns, and upcoming opportunities to get involved.

    Be part of the recovery

    Your patience now helps ensure that Eaton Canyon can reopen stronger, safer, and more ecologically resilient. Whether you're donating, volunteering, or simply waiting respectfully, you're playing a vital role in protecting this special place for the future.

  • Stay connected for updates via:

     

    News releases and community events will also signal when Eaton Canyon is ready to welcome visitors again.

  • Entering closed areas within the Eaton Canyon Natural Area or adjacent sections of the Angeles National Forest is not just dangerous, it’s also illegal.

    NOTE: People entering closed areas, sites, or trails in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area and the adjacent Angeles National Forest are subject to citations and/or fines.

    On Angeles National Forest lands, a violation of these prohibitions is punishable by:

    • A fine of up to $5,000 for individuals
    • A fine of up to $10,000 for organizations
    • And/or imprisonment for up to six months

    On LA County Parks-managed trails, unauthorized entry into a closed area may be prosecuted under:

    • Los Angeles County Code Title 17 (17.12.360 – Park Closures), which prohibits entry into closed park areas without permission
    • California Penal Code § 602.8, which governs trespass on closed public lands
    • California Health & Safety Code § 120295, which allows enforcement when closures are tied to public health or safety risks

    County-issued citations typically involve fines, the amount of which may vary depending on the nature and frequency of the offense. Fines can exceed $1,000, especially if tied to safety violations or repeat offenses. Final amounts will be updated once confirmed with County Counsel.

    Trespassing during a closure puts both visitors and first responders at risk and can delay the reopening of the canyon. These closures are in place to protect public safety and fragile ecosystems. Unauthorized entries not only endanger you, but it also jeopardizes recovery efforts and the safety of those working to restore the area. We ask for your cooperation in safeguarding this landscape for the future.

  • The landscape of Eaton Canyon has been significantly, and in some cases permanently, altered by the 2025 fire and subsequent storms. This is not just a temporary closure while cleanup happens; it’s the beginning of a long-term recovery and adaptation process.

    Physical changes to the landscape

    Many trails have been erased entirely—either buried under feet of sediment, washed down canyon channels, or rerouted by floodwaters. As the rainy season continues in future years, the potential for additional slope failures, debris slides, or rockfalls remains high, especially in steep or previously burned areas. Channels that were once stable can shift suddenly, turning previously safe areas into high-risk zones. Even with modest rainfall, water can funnel through new erosion gullies, undercut trail edges, or create drop-offs where none existed before.

    Storms may also expose previously buried debris, such as rebar, broken infrastructure, or burnt material, creating new hazards. Repeated storm cycles can undo or delay restoration work, particularly where young vegetation is just beginning to stabilize soil.

    Human-caused damage: user-created trails and compounding impacts

    When trails disappear, people often try to recreate them or “bushwhack” through what appear to be open areas. These informal paths, or “user trails,” may seem harmless at first—but over time, they can:

    • Carve deep erosion channels into slopes, especially where soil is loose and vegetative cover hasn’t returned
    • Crush young native plants, setting back regrowth for seasons or years
    • Disrupt wildlife movement or nesting, especially for species sensitive to human presence
    • Spread invasive plant seeds, especially from footwear, clothing, and dogs
    • Multiply the number of degraded areas, making future restoration efforts far more complex and expensive

    In short, if visitors return before the area is ready, or if they stray from restored or rerouted trails in the future, it can trigger a cycle of damage that the canyon may not recover from.

    Long-term planning and stewardship

    Trail designers, biologists, ecologists, and park planners will need to reassess the trail network from the ground up, considering new topography, unstable areas, fire-adapted vegetation, and future climate impacts. This will take time, resources, and community cooperation.

    By staying out during this recovery phase and committing ourselves to using only authorized trails when the canyon reopens, we give the landscape its best chance to heal and help ensure future access that is both safe and sustainable.

  • Users can contact our Parks Facilities Call Center at 877-601-4850 to report any trail related issue. The Center is set up to receive request/concerns for service and then create a work order that is quickly dispatched to alert our maintenance staff of the need. Users can also download a free app (iPhone or Android) to report and track services at http://dpw.lacounty.gov/theWorks. The department’s new "The Works" app offers a point-and-shoot approach to cleaning up quality of life nuisances in County territory, including illegal dumping, graffiti, overgrown brush and trees, and other trail related issues. Once the free app is downloaded, users can use the camera on their phone to send our Call Center an instant image of the problem, get a ticket number and keep tabs on how the issue is resolved. (It’s also possible to send a message about the problem anonymously and without including a photo.) 

  • Yes. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks & Recreation promotes volunteer participation in trail stewardship programs and support all stakeholder organizations that promote good trail stewardship, such as Adopt-a-Trail programs, Mounted Assistance Unit patrols, and assistance from natural areas volunteer docents. For more information, check out our volunteer page: https://trails.lacounty.gov/Volunteer

  • The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation initiated the development of a Trails Manual in July 2010 and was soon adopted by the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on May 17, 2011. This Trails Manual provides a process and guidelines to ensure quality planning and design that recognizes the opportunities and constraints represented by diverse topography and the physical environment; provides construction guidelines to ensure proper drainage and minimizes erosion; and specifies maintenance procedures to ensure the protection of natural resources.

  • The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation manages the recreation system with funding provided by the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of recreation facilities and programs. A successful County wide trails program requires continual, broad-based and expanding sources of funding that are regularly available in order to establish and maintain a balanced program for planning, acquisition, development, maintenance, and management of trails. Through leveraging available state and federal grant programs and the use of matching grant opportunities makes it possible to fund deferred maintenance, relocation and rehabilitation of old trails and to address increasing trail use.

  • A multi-use trail accommodates hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians on the same path. When trail conditions require a right of way for safe passage, equestrian users have the primary right of way, hikers next and then cyclists. When trail conditions allow and when there is width to safely pass, common courtesy should prevail for all users. Stand to one side of the trail and allow them to pass. Ask for permission to pass. Mountain bikes and OHV yield to all trail users. Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. When in a group, avoid blocking the trail. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

  • Please consider the weather. The weather will influence the style of clothing you should wear. You want to stay comfortable and protected while on the trails. A great tip is to wear layered clothing, which is essentially layers of clothing, this way you can change your clothes quickly and simply and allow for maximum comfort. You might also want to consider length and wear something breathable and long on a hot day. This will help protect your skin from sunburn, being scratched, or bitten, thus keeping you safe and cool. As for headgear, it is always recommended to wear a hat to protect from sunburn or to act as protection from rain. Sunglasses with a high UV protection are also recommended.

  • Visit the individual trail page on this website to read about the trail you plan to explore and view the vital trail information such as trail surface types, elevation gain, and the current weather and to view photos of the trail. If applicable, you will see any current alerts for the trail. If you want to read about what others trail users think of the trails, read the user reviews for a particular trail. The information provide on these pages should help you determine if the trail is appropriate for you.

  • A GPS is not needed to have a safe and pleasurable trail experience, but if you have one, there are some major advantages. A GPS device can serve as your primary mode of navigation and help you stay on the trail. Additionally, nowadays most smartphones have full GPS capability onboard, the only problem might be that in the mountains or canyons the coverage might be very patchy.

  • Yes, on each individual trail page you will find a downloadable and printable QuickGuide which includes a map of the trail with vital information such as a description of the trail, trail length, allowed uses, trail surface type, an elevation profile and photos of the trails to help you plan your outing.

  • The department has several Nature Centers.

    FIND A NATURE CENTER

  • We are proud to announce that we are close to the completion of the first Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation dog park at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park which is located at 3901 Dunsmore Avenue in La Crescenta, CA 91214.  Please contact the park at (818) 249-5940 for more information on the opening date of the park.

    PARK INFO

  • If you reside in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, please contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works at (626)458-5100 or click on the button below. If you are within an incorporated city, please call your city business office to see which department takes care of roadside trees.

    CONTACT

  • The Department’s policy on drones is the same as the County’s policy on traditional powered model vehicles – e.g. model airplanes and helicopters – referenced in County Code sections 17.04.630, 17.12.425, and 12.08.290. There are, however, two designated locations to fly drones located at Santa Fe Dam State Recreation Area and Whittier Narrows Community Regional Park. Please call the parks for more information:

    Santa Fe Dam: 626.334.1065

    Whittier Narrows: 626.575.5526

  • Organized firework shows are sometimes scheduled in County parks. No other fireworks are permitted.

  • The department has many beautiful parks which would be great venues for your wedding. These include the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia, Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge and South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Please contact the park directly for additional information or stop by. Please note, these parks do have an entrance fee. Some people have also had lovely weddings in our community Buildings at local parks. Also, many of our golf courses have beautiful banquet rooms which are frequently used for weddings and receptions.

    FIND A PARK LISTED

  • If you would like to apply for a job please the button below.

    CLICK HERE

  • In many parks, you may reserve a group picnic area or other area of the facility for your special event. Please locate the park of your choice in this website and call the reservation office for more information.

    FIND A PARK

  • Yes, camping is allowed at some of our parks.

    WHERE TO CAMP

  • The department has several wildlife and wildflower sanctuaries located in the Antelope Valley.

    FIND A SANCTUARY

  • The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation proudly owns 177 parks including 4 Arboreta and Botanic Gardens; 92 local parks, 22 Community Regional parks, 16 Regional parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 8 Nature Centers, 19 Golf Courses and the beautiful John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and Hollywood Bowl.

  • Yes, dogs are permitted in County parks and on trails as long as the dog is on a leash, no longer than 6 feet in length and under the full control of the owner.  Additionally, there is a Dog Park at Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park.

    Dogs are not permitted in our Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, Golf Courses, John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and Hollywood Bowl.

    FIND A DOG PARK

  • Yes, the department has several lakes where fishing is permitted: Castaic Lake in Castaic; Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas; Legg Lake in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area; Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale; Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Baldwin Hills; Apollo Park in Lancaster; Alondra Park in Lawndale; Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park in Willowbrook; Cerritos Park in Cerritos; La Mirada Park in La Mirada; Peck Road Water Conservation Park in Arcadia and Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles.  For fishing license and equipment information, please contact the park directly.

    WHERE TO FISH

  • The department has two lakes which allow personal watercraft, such as jet skis, on the lake; Castaic Lake State Recreation Area in Castaic and Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas.  Please check with the park directly for more information on special requirements on the lake, dates and times jet skis are permitted, safety requirements and regulations, etc.

    FIND A LAKE

  • Swimming is permitted at our swim beaches at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park  and Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area.  Each swim beach has specific opening and closing times.  Please contact your favorite lake for more information.

    FIND WHERE TO SWIM