The Southern California Trail With A Historic Mine, Swimming Holes, And Waterfalls You Just Can't Beat
By Natasha Kayes|Published August 02, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Hiking is about more than just physical activity. For us, it is quite often about discovering beautiful and interesting places that you can only get to on foot. With a historically significant gold mine, swimming holes, waterfalls, and more, this hiking trail near Pasadena in Southern California, is pretty unforgettable.
Just a short drive from Pasadena, the Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail Loop is a 5.5-mile, moderately challenging hike full of history and natural beauty. The Dawn Mine is a historical site located deep in Millard Canyon and this beautiful hike is popular for a reason (or rather, several!)
In the first mile, the trail crosses an old metal bridge then down into Millard Canyon where it winds in and out of and crosses the creek. (Be on the lookout for poison oak!)
During and just after wet months, a cascading waterfall flows over the rocks very close to the main trail at one point, and several others can be found along the way by venturing slightly off the trail. This may require navigating some overgrowth and tangled branches, and hikers are advised not go farther than they can confidently reach.
Especially after a good rainy season, the creek that flows into the canyon creates lots of mini-waterfalls, as well as lovely swimming holes and pools where you can cool off if you are hiking during warmer months.
As you hike through the canyon and begin the climb to Dawn Mine, you will see remnants of its mining history, including building foundations, cables, water pipes, cartwheels, and other equipment.
At one or two points on the way to the mine, the rugged trail may become hard to follow and will require a little easy boulder scrambling to continue up the path.
The entrance to the mine is found just past a large piece of mining equipment cemented into the wall of the canyon. The mineshaft itself has been sealed off to explorers but there is an exploratory tunnel and small caves that can be entered nearby.
The Dawn Mine was built in 1895 and was only minorly successful. As you continue up the steep incline up toward the old Mount Lowe Railway and Dawn Station, imagine the difficulty of hauling gold ore on a couple of burros to the top.
As you make the climb, you lose the shade of the canyon but are rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the rest of the canyon and well beyond.
It is hard to beat a hike with so much historical interest and natural beauty. Have you ever explored the Dawn Mine and Sunset Trail near Pasadena? Do you have a favorite historical trail? Share with us in the comments. If you love hiking, be sure you have all the essentials – take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List!
