Arroyo Seco

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This out and back is pretty flat and pretty fun. After a bit more than 4 miles and a number of stream crossings, you reach the Brown Mountain Barrier Dam, which often has a waterfall running down it. Head back the way you came and enjoy the gentle downhill.

Many creek crossing that get a bit tricky after rain, but not dangerous.

Park in the parking lot on Windsor Avenue, on the east side of JPL. The trail will start out paved but after about a mile, the tread becomes dirt. Eventually the way becomes rocky, with many stream crossings.

After about 4 miles the trail ends at a debris dam which often has a decent waterfall. This makes an excellent place to stop for a break, and enjoy the scenery! The trail used to continue on the east side of the canyon past the dam and went up to Switzer Falls, but there is a section that is now closed. Recently the trail closed sign has been removed and the trail may be open up to the junction with the Ken Burton trail.

Overall, there's not too much elevation gain and the trail feels fairly remote.