⊗ Rubio Canyon

October 12, 2017 tarannosaurus

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Los Angeles Area → ⊗ Rubio Canyon

⊗ Technical Route ⊗

Warning: Do Not Attempt Without Proper Training – click here for details

Location: San Gabriels front range, Northeast of Los Angeles

Distance: 2.0 miles total, 0.2 miles technical (this is for the Leontine Extension; the Shortcut Approach reduces this slightly)

Elevation Ascent/Descent: 1010 feet/1010 feet (this is for the Leontine Extension; the Shortcut Approach reduces the elevation gain/loss by 300 feet)

Time Required: 3-6 hours

Rappels: 6-14 depending on the approach (the Shortcut Approach involves 6-9 rappels, and the Leontine Approach adds 4 0r 5 more); rappel lengths up to 100 feet

Red Tape/Notes: No permits or permission required unless you’re planning to exit (or run the entire route) at night – the area is closed from sunup to sundown, but permission can be received for access after dark – see the red tape section of the ropewiki page for Rubio Canyon. Ropewiki is also your best bet for reliable beta for both the Shortcut and Leontine options, although Chris Brennen’s summary, which uses the Echo Mountain Approach, provides the best historical reference information for the area.

What’s Nearby?: The Huntington, Allison Mine Loop, Eaton Canyon (Hike), Eaton Canyon (Technical), Little Santa Anita Canyon, Bailey Canyon, Mt. Lowe Railway, Millard Canyon/Dawn Mine Loop

Rubio is a great half-day outing – particularly if you take the Leontine Extension, as we did. The route travels through an area with an interesting history – the same history as the Mount Lowe Railway, which is a fun hike on its own. You’ll run across the only major remnants of the Mount Lowe era fairly early in the approach hike, where you’ll pass the foundations and some pillars associated with the Rubio Pavilion, just before dropping down into the canyon. The pavilion was originally built as the terminus for a tramway extension from Pasadena, and was the starting point of a cable railway that ran to the top of Echo Mountain, where a resort was built called The White City (you’ll visit the remnants of the White City if you hike the Mount Lowe Railway). The pavilion was a tourist destination in itself, however, and featured wooden walkways and staircases that ascended the canyon and allowed tourists to visit several of the waterfalls you’ll be rappelling down (keep an eye out for anchors in the rock, which is where the walkways were once affixed). The walkways ended at 100 foot Thalehaha falls, which is approximately the 7th rappel from the Leontine Extension. The Leontine Extension adds several nice rappels to the Shortcut Approach, including the two stage rappel down Leontine Falls (140 feet total), and the circular pool known as Diana’s Baths. Conveniently, your final rappel puts you right back on the trail you came in on, making for an easy exit.