If you’ve spent some time in Southern California, then you know that late spring and early summer are often overcast and bleak. While May gray and June gloom put a damper on beach days, they make for perfect hiking weather, especially if you can get above the clouds. Which is exactly what we did when we hiked the Earl Canyon Motorway Trail. While this is an enjoyable hike year-round, if you can, save it for a cloudy morning for a truly special experience.
While there isn’t a dedicated parking lot, there’s plenty of street parking. We had no issue parking on Solliden Lane, a short walk from the trailhead for the Earl Canyon Motorway. You’ll also want to take care of everything beforehand since there aren’t any nearby facilities. Head past the yellow gate to begin your hike.
The Hall Beckley Canyon Recreation Area sign at the start of your hike.
You’ll quickly pass a sign that reads Hall Beckley Canyon Recreation Area. As you hike, you’ll notice some homes to your right – soon these will look like small dots. Also, soak in this shaded section, because the rest of the hike gives no respite from the sun.
After 0.2 miles you’ll reach a switchback and start slowly ascending on a large fire road. While the incline is gradual, it’s smart to pace yourself as you’ll be climbing all the way to the top. The Earl Canyon Motorway trail is also very exposed and can get hot when the sun is out. Luckily, it was a cool, foggy June morning when we started our trek, which made for ideal hiking conditions.
You’ll follow a fire road for the first two miles of this hike.
The foggy morning gave the trail a moody, reflective feel.
As you work your way higher and deeper into the San Gabriel Mountains, pay attention to the transition from city to nature. The mountain views become much more prominent as the homes below continue to shrink. Audibly, the honking horns and buzzing cars give way to the sounds of insects and birds. I also saw several notable plant species, including California cudweed, Deerweed, Spanish broom, California Prickly Phlox, and on rare occasions, Poison Oak.
Spanish broom.
Continue to put one foot in front of the other as you climb higher. So far, you’ve been hiking with the mountainside to your right; it switches to your left at mile 1.2 when you cross a notch. It was also around here when we were fully immersed in the clouds from a welcome marine layer. The air became noticeably cool and damp, which felt refreshing as we’d been working up a sweat for most of the hike. Our visibility also dropped to about 30 feet. Luckily the trail was easy to follow, and we weren’t ever worried about taking a wrong step.
Walking through the clouds.
At two miles, you’ll reach a junction. Head right and onto a single-track trail. While you’ll still have to climb, this welcome change helps break up the monotony of the hike.
Switching to a single-track trail was a welcome change of pace.
A blooming yucca.
The trail here is a little overgrown but easily navigable. I had no issues wearing shorts. It is also more rugged than the fire road and has several steep drop-offs, so pay attention to where you step. While I never felt unsafe, it was a little thrilling hike along the edge of the mountainside. I was also surprised with how lush the foliage was, especially in June. On both sides of the trail, flowers were blooming, and plants were still green and verdant. Finally, at mile 3.5 we emerged from clouds and reached Mount Lukens Road, marking both the end of our climb and our turnaround point.
Finally above the clouds, we enjoyed the warmth of the midday sun.
At the intersection of this trail and Mount Lukens Road sits Mount Pickens, which you can summit via an off-trail adventure.
From here, you can continue to any number of notable peaks, including Mount Pickens and Mount Lukens. Or, follow what we did and simply cross Mount Lukens road to a large concrete cistern. We sat atop the cylinder and pulled out our snacks while we took in the sights. From our vantage point, we had breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountain front range, including Strawberry Peak and Josephine Peak. And while on a clear day, you can see past downtown Los Angeles, we were content simply sitting and watching the clouds roll up the mountainside.
It was neat to enjoy the views above the clouds.
The clouds rolling up the side of the mountains.
When you’re ready, head back the way you came to complete your hike. And by now, the cloud cover has hopefully burned off so you can enjoy expansive views on your way down.
Be sure to keep an eye out for snakes and other wildlife. After a cloudy morning, we stumbled upon this critter enjoying the sun in the middle of the trail.
Tags: Angeles National Forest, fire road, La Canada, Leg-burner, multi-use trail, San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains Front Range
