On the Upper Mystic Canyon Trail

Mountains above Big Dalton Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Upper Mystic Canyon Trail (Big Dalton Canyon)

• Location: Big Dalton Canyon park in Glendora.  From L.A. and Pasadena, take I-210 to the Grand Ave. north exit.  Head north on Grand Ave. for 1.9 miles to Sierra Madre.  Take a right on Sierra Madre and go 2 miles to Glendora Mountain Road. Take a left and go 0.6 miles to Big Dalton Canyon Road.  Turn right, go 0.5 miles and park in the dirt turnout by the Wren Meacham trail and pick up the Mystic Canyon Trail across the street.  From the Inland Empire and points east, take the Lone Hill exit from I-210 and head north for one mile.  Turn left on Foothill, go 0.5 miles and take a right on Valley Center.  Go 0.8 miles and make a left on Sierra Madre, and immediately make a right on Glendora Mountain Road.  Take Glendora Mountain 0.6 miles and turn right on Big Dalton Canyon.
• Agency: City of Glendora
• Distance: 2 miles
• Elevation gain: 650 feet
• Difficulty Rating: PG
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Best season: October  - May
• USGS topo map:  Glendora
• More information: here; park map here; topo map here
• Rating: 6

I’m surprised that not many more hikers know of Big Dalton Canyon.  It’s very accessible to the San Gabriel Valley but still manages to have a pretty isolated feel.  The steep walls of the canyon make for some great hiking trails, such as Upper Mystic Canyon.

The trail ascends steeply right out of the chutes, and continues to switchback up the canyon’s north wall.  The grade mellow out somewhat, but still remains steady all the way up to the fire road.  Your efforts are rewarded with views of the San Gabriel Valley, the Puente Hills, the Santa Anas, and if you’re lucky, the ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Keep following the trail until you reach the Monroe Fire Road.  Here, you can relax and enjoy the views before heading down.  You can extend your trip by heading right on the fire road toward two higher peaks (known as Summit 2760 and Summit 3397).  By the way, if you think that the Mystic Canyon Trail was steep, look to your left at the Poop Out Trail (a fire break), which climbs a bigger distance (from Glendora Mountain Road) in 0.7 miles.