This trailhead is easy to miss because it’s right next to a house. Rubio Canyon-trailhead is steep and rugged 3.4 mile hike (out and back) with elevation change of 1,410 feet. This trail is unmaintained, however, offers a great view of the canyon mountain. Moreover, the trail is very rocky with narrow path and rated difficult (see photos). Trail is for experienced hikers only. Be very careful not to slide/trip and fall over the sharp rocky ravine below as you ascend. There is no clear trail path once you’ve reached the gigantic wall of sedimentary rocks; you have to climb over it which can be treacherous. Furthermore, this trailhead has multiple zigzags which was challenging. I wouldn’t recommend this trailhead, if you want to go to Mt Lowe Railway. Ample of free street parking. Great upper middle class neighborhood. Overall, I had a challenging and heart pounding hike.

Steep inclines but great trails

Not the most maintained of trails but a fast way down from Echo Mountain. Very lush and wet at times. Quiet and peaceful.

Great hike. Provides a smooth, easy hike towards Rubi Canyon Trail, or, an arduous hike up to echo mountain. Be sure to gear up if using this trail as an alternate path to Echo Mountain. It tends to be overgrown (especially after rainfall) and rocky!

Due to Covid this Trailhead is most like closed, while the Altadena Nature Center entry is only open by reservation and the Middle entrance to Eaton Canyon at Midwick and the Pinecrest Entrance is closed by the bridge.

A very nice trail that is relatively private. When the trail turns back up the mountain, make sure not to continue forward towards the creek (photos not representative of this point).

Very good. Quiet and natural.

Great trail. So much hiking to do

One star because its still closed

Fun hike and could be challenging for the inexperienced. Some tight spots!

Is good to hiking but sometimes many people dont pick the pupu in the trash.

Adventurous short hike. Best hiking time is 4pm- dusk in summer, or early morning. I wouldnt say the hike was easy. Requires good legs, some climbing on rocks, and definitely balancing acts!Bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long pants. The trail is very narrow and youll probably get kissed by branches or sharp succulent leafs.First half is dirt roads (going up) and then a path of rocky river bed (going down).Keep to your left on the first intersection! (if not, youll be heading down)The trail is very green and pretty, as youll be able to see succulents, some unidentified trees, wild flowers, etc.

Great adventure

Another trail w/easy access from residential area and many paths to choose along a stream. Three waterfalls to see (especially after heavy rain) along the way w/increasing difficulty to reach. Saw some repellers on trail-apparently thats possible too Steep, rocky, narrow, brush obscured spots but worth getting to there to view. Part of Mt. Lowe tram ruins. Lots of history! Not a pic taker. Go see for yourself

If you’re looking for an after-meal walk, then it might be a right place. Otherwise, you might want to choose other trails.I found this trail isn’t well maintained, and it’s hard to follow. On the google map it shows that it leads to the white city ruins, but in fact I ended up with a dead end in the middle of no where.

Its a pretty narrow hike. We kept hitting bushes throughout the hike. Our poor dog had it the worst lol. It was not crowded and parking was easy. All in all, it was fun.

A great hike! Must go often.

Went for canyoneering down the waterfalls. The falls we a little dry, but it was an amazing experience.

Nice but not for kids to dangerous, so be careful.

Great area quite and peaceful

Very nice set of trails, the upper ones are a little more rugged. Overall a very solid place to hike.

BETTA NOT BRING YO KIDS! to say this trail is unkept is an understatement! we started out by cobb estate and took sam merrill up and everything was fine- but to go backdown we wanted to do the loop per say down Mt Lowe Railway trail, worst decision EVER!! pathways are so narrow youre literally hugging the mountainside so as to not fall off a cliff! I dont mind the steepness, but when theres loose gravel everywhere you find yourself sliding down a mountain and cant even distinguish switchbacks on a trail that doesnt even exist anymore its easy to get lost and STRANDED! we ALMOST DIED and had to call search and rescue because there was no way we could make it back down.. Going up from rubio canyon trailhead is okay until you get to some ruins is as far as you can go up because after that there is no trail; coming down is a death sentence, the City of Altadena and Los Angeles Forrest Rangers should be HELD LIABLE for major NEGLECT of this specific trail-- i mean you dont have to rebuild the mountain but a SIGN or some kind of DISCLOSURE warning against the PERIL and DANGERS of this route! shouldnt be to hard with the Billions they receive, i guess TRUMP WAS RIGHT!!! major mismanagement of funds and not even practicing common sense controlled fires and letting wildlife grow uncontrollably leads to the degradation that almost costs us our lives!!

Easy to access. Great to find it on Google maps.

Beautiful scenery! The waterfall is a challenge to reach - scaling rocks, etc.

Great hiking trail,great if hiking is done in the morning before noon since it does get a bit sunny

Great trail, grand views all the way to the top

Fun hike!

Very intense hike.must go early and take water.you can hike for miles but becareful

Trailhead is in residential. The bit to get into the canyon is well maintained.

The Rubio Canyon Trailhead provides access to several different trails in and around Rubio Canyon. It provides access to the main Rubio Canyon trail which goes up the canyon and is mild and relatively flat until you get to the first waterfall. After that it is relatively steep, and is a favorite of Canyoneers.The trailhead also provides access to the Altadena Crest Trail, and to trails leading to Echo mountain to the West and Eaton Canyon to the East

No water in the creek and surprisingly challenging for a short hike. Had a good time!

Definitely not for kids

Incredible!

Looks dry but nice view just

Ok

Good times.

Hairy trail

Great hike

This is where you go in the middle of the night with your buddies when you want to see a view and smoke a blunt without having to hike very far.

Wow what a Sunset here

Rough and steep trail.

Nice view at night

Beautiful views

Get your walk in early!!!