Henninger Flats Campground

This is a great hike up to the campgrounds. A little over two miles, but mostly uphill the whole time and a bit challenging. There are outhouses that are somewhat maintained and a neat nature center with a soda machine– make sure to bring change. There is no running water up there, at least right now, so be sure to pack enough water for the entire hike.

With this hiking trail, free, easily accessible to anyone in LA County — WHO NEEDS A GYM MEMEBRSHIP!
I’ve been hiking this trail for many many times already, its just that this was the only time i have got the chance to pen down my review.
amazing trail, absolutely challenging, especially is you run it to the top (You might need to go to a masseurs though after), and picturesque. way tooooooooo hot because its too out-​in-​the-​open though, but who cares! smother yourself with an SPF 1000

This is a hidden gem. Most people are to lazy to walk up that fire road, but if you do it’s well worth it. Spent the night at the upper campground and the view was spectacular.

Awesome campground. They don’t allow open fire but they have fire boxes campers can use. My wife and I camped at the upper campground and we were the only ones there. On a weekend! Also, a big plus that firewood is free!

The listed information is wrong. The address is actually 2260 Pinecrest Dr. Altadena, CA 91 001 and the phone number is wrong too. The actual number for Henninger Flats is (626) 794‑0675. The information given above is for Eaton Canyon Nature Center which does not have a campground or a second waterfall!!! So do not call the number shown because they will tell you what you just read, and refer you to the number I just listed above.
What confuses most people is the fact that you must start at Eaton Canyon and follow the designated fire road trail to hike to Henninger Flats and the Campground. But be informed you cannot leave your vehicles overnight at Eaton Canyon Parking lot or will be cited. You must also follow the guidelines set by each natural area.

It’s a nice good fat burning hike just make sure to bring some water. And once you make it to the top on a good day you can even see the coast lol.

Just came back from an overnight at Henninger Flats Campground. The boyfriend and I packed our day packs up with our gear and traversed the 3mi hike to get to camp to join some friends. It was my first time backpacking and although the inclines aren’t too challenging, the 15+ lbs packs we had made a difference. We were also carrying a gallon of water which made it all the more challenging.
Some tips:
** Pack water — there is no longer running water up there, I’m guessing it’s because of the drought
** Layer up — at 2000+ elevation, it gets mighty cold at night
** The camp provides wood for fires, and each site has an oven where you can cook/​table to prepare your meal.
** Be prepared for very basic (not so clean) restrooms — hey, can’t always be spoiled with running water/​spotless restrooms when camping, right?
** Park a block or so from the trailhead. Don’t make the same mistake we did and park downhill from the trailhead vs. uphill from it.
The hike was completely worth it. We were lucky enough to snag the campsite that was right by the view of the SGV/​Greater Los Angeles Area. We were lucky enough to come when it was overcast/​cold, so we didn’t have a problem with bugs or rattlesnakes, though we did see a couple of frogs. Our group hung a couple of hammocks up and enjoyed the quick getaway/​backdrop of city lights into the night.
Henninger Flats gets four «knopes» (ala my ‘Parks and Rec’ list) in my book.

Not an easy hike whatsoever, at least for a chubby like me. Totally worth it though. It’s a beautiful site, where you get an awesome view of LA.

I went for just a day hike. I came for. Eaton falls but decided to try a new trail heading up. It was hot out about 85° so I had to rest often. I think it took a total of 4 hrs. I cheated and parked off of crescent saving some time from the usual parking lot and chatted with Johan the forestry guy for about an hour.
The walk was steep its a 1500′ incline to the top. Switching back to various views of LA. Id say the view was amazing but it’s LA so not sure if it was foggy or smoggy. Its a dry trail with some sage, rosemary weeds along the path while still at Eaton, Continue up another 3 miles towards the campground and Some mineral stones can be found. They’ve got about 5 park beaches along the path to rest and enjoy the hazy la skyline.
Once you reach the hilltop you are at the campgrounds. Suddenly it’s lush and green. (its March we had some rain) There are some dirty out houses. No flush toilets as water must be brought up here. I had a long chat with the guy working there suggesting compost toilets which are clean and good for the earth and water reservoirs. But, he has the same ideas he battles. The camp is ran by the fire department, Who find it cheaper to haul up water and haul. down poop.
I want to come back and camp! There was only one boy scout group down below. The upper campsite was amazing. Its well shaded. Each site has a wood stove and cut wood is provided I saw deer. I’m not sure what you’d do at night without a camp fire for light but it’s an oasis up there. Hard to find lush green land in la to camp especially without people and free! I’d want to hammock between the trees away from possible rattlers.
I need to camp soon before the lush green turns to LA brown.

Awesome hike it can get a bit tiring if not used to it but it’s so worth it! Great views of Altadena and Pasadena the sunset is beautiful on the way down. Keep in mind, after sunset the gate that’s on pinecrest locks so you would have to walk down to the main entrance of eaton canyon and walk back up to get to your car. Happy hiking

My friends and I checked out this trial by accident. We wanted to go to inspiration point via Eaton Canyon but realized that this trial was way too far from inspiration point so we hiked about 4 – 5 miles up to Henninger Flats Campground and went back home. It was still a beautiful discovery and quite a workout.
We parked in the local neighborhood (free — just pay attention to the signs). and crossed the concrete bridge to start our hike up. There isn’t much shade for this hike so do put on skin protection!
One thing I like about this hike is that there are benches every few half mile up the trial so you can sit and rest. Another thing is you can see the downtown LA skyline on a clear day. It is quite beautiful!
At the end of the trial, there is a campground with lots of picnic benches and shade for you to rest and eat your snacks before heading back down.
The restrooms were out of order so my friends and I had to use the outhouse to go to the bathroom… that was an interesting experience.

Went on a hike with my hiking group, thinking that it would be an easy hike I didn’t prepare myself mentally for this. After two and half hours, we made it to the top of Henninger Flats, feeling accomplished we decided to come back with the rest of our hiking group.
I highly recommend this hike if you are an outdoorsy person and is not afraid to break a sweat.

This trail is easily accessed via Eaton Canyon. It’s about 4 miles on a dirt fireroad and a pretty good workout. The trail is mostly uphill, but it’s not so grueling. It ends at the peaceful campgrounds. There is no real shade until you get to the campgrounds, so wear lots of sunscreen and a hat. Also, I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially on warm/​hot days.

Did my first backpacking trip out here. The climb up is a killer if your carrying 30 pounds on your back. Without the pounds, the climb is not much of a challenge if your fit. its definitely worth the sweat coz when you get to the top it’s completely different. There is lots of shade unlike on the trail. Beautiful tress, plenty of camping spots since there are 3 levels (the upper campgrounds are more private) and beautiful green grass. if your one of those people that doesn’t like hiking in the heat, i would recommend hiking this trail early in the morning or late in the evening coz there is no shade (whatsoever) while hiking to the flats. if you end up hiking in the afternoon, cake on some sun screen cause your going to need
the flats, you have to watch out for snakes. there are
list on the days I was out there. Overall, it’s a nice place to visit and if your like me (broke ass college student) and want to camp without paying/​making reservation, this is the place for you.

2302 Crescent Dr. Altadena, CA 91 001
This is the approximate address where I parked before walking down Pinecrest Dr. to the beginning of the Mt. Wilson Toll Road that leads up to Henninger Flats instead of starting from the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Just be wary of signs that don’t allow any parking on the weekends.
The hike itself is one long fire road without any cover so remember your sunscreen and hat since the sun can get pretty intense. It’s a constant incline all the way to the top so I got a good workout from the trek. This is a very easy, manageable hike for anyone! You get some really cool views of the Altadena and Pasadena area and it’s pretty easy to make out Downtown LA in the far distance. I did not expect to find people camping up at the top and it seems like a great spot to get away from the busyness of LA!
Last tip: The gate for the fire road gets locked after sundown and my friend told me she had to climb through a hole in the fence one time when she got locked in. Just watch out for the sunlight, otherwise you might have to end up doing the same!

I Unilocaled Eaton Canyon because I heard so many wonderful things about this waterfall etc… When my friend and I got to Eaton Canyon we noticed how busy it was so we took the high road, literally.
We did not go up the paved path, we hiked the big incline to Mt. Wilson. This hike is pretty much up all hill with a few stops along the way and benches for those that need the rest.
Lots of bugs when you get up to Henniger Flats, lots and lots of bugs. We also saw two deer and a baby rattlesnake. The restrooms were out of order and the outhouses were absolutely disgusting. There is this little trail behind the fire watch command post where there are some great views and you might encounter some wildlife like we did.
Happy Trails!

Am I the only one who leaves reviews in the que for a few years since this one has been there since 2010 November 3, 2010?
One of the best things about this hike is how quickly you get up about everything. This hike is very significant in that the first time my wife and I did this hike we were not married yet. We started at 6 AM and we climbed and climbed and climbed in about 30 minutes we were literally above the clouds. Being a local hike and one of our favorites we’ve done this many times with the hiking group or just alone with the dogs with the baby or just the two of us. We actually mentioned this during our wedding ceremony this one moment we first did the hike we were above the clouds and we realized that it was a metaphor for our entire life and all our successes reaching out becoming this amazing.
This hike really is nothing extraordinary we are climbing up the fire road for approximately 2 and half miles reaching Henninger Flats Campground at the end of it in just under an hour if you’re going at a good rate. One of the highlights really is getting up to check out the museum at the visitor center seeing the stuff wildlife and the topographical map with many trails and see how you can connect them. Traveling past here to idlehour campground is a great hike or even going on to inspiration point after that to complete the loop that we do with our hiking club every year 17 miles total (coming up December 16^th, 2012 we will do this again).
For the Henninger Flats Hike
Stats:5.4 miles roundtrip with 1,360 elevation gain/​loss
Mostly exposed so sunscreen is recommended and plenty of water.
See ya on the trail

It’s been years since I tackled the Mt. Wilson Toll Road on a mountain bike, and it still stands out as one of the toughest trails I’ve been on. The standout feature I remember is Henninger Flats.
Henninger Flats is 2.5 uphill miles from the trailhead. Put your bike in granny gear, or close to it. The trail is just what this Northern California boy thought the San Gabriels would be: dry, rocky, shrubbery, HOT. When I got to the Henninger Flats sign, I was surprised to find a large, flat area with lots of shady trees, and developed! Yep, buildings, piped water, restrooms, picnic tables, the works. Far prettier than what I expected. It’s not just a rest area. It’s the kind of place I’d love to throw up a tent and stay for a few days.
The problem is getting there, of course. This is not the sidewalk on the sand in Santa Monica, it’s a true butt-​kicker. 2.5 miles seems longer when you’re going uphill in the Los Angeles sun. Bring lots of water and trail mix. Hiking, I’d give it at least one hour one-​way, and only a little less than that on a mountain bike.
Henninger Flats is a fond memory of mine, but be prepared if you go. If you think you’re halfway up (and you’re not), huffing and puffing with a parched throat, wondering how much longer, don’t say you weren’t warned ;-)

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS HIKE! Sure, I’m huffing and puffing on my way up, but I’m not there to be carried up the mountain, now am I? Definitely good cardio and good for your legs and booty. My friend and I took 55 minutes to get to the top and 30 minutes to come down (we ran down). Not shaded, so hiking on a hot day may be extra tough. Once you reach the top, there are restrooms, benches, trees, it’s beautiful! Full of wonderful green greenery and green green greennness all around! It was like a whole new world up there.
There is a 2 hour parking limit on the streets for weekdays and NO parking on weekends. Best to not go to the address listed above and set your GPS to 2260 Pinecrest Drive.
Definitely recommend this hike for avid hikers. This trail also accommodates mountain bikers and dogs. :)

Date of the hike: 5.1.2011
When our original plan to hike the Ben Overturff Trail was diverted because some maniac murder suspect was on the loose, we came here from a friend’s suggestion. He assured us we would be out of harm’s way.
Compared to other hikes I’ve done recently (Echo Mountain, Bailey Canyon, and Boney Mountain) this hike was easier. Although there were a few steep parts but I think anyone could handle it. We started around 8AM and the sun was already pretty warm. When part of the mountain was shaded, it was pretty chilly. Other than that the mountain has no shade. I liked that there were several random benches along the trail for people to rest.
When we reached the campground it was very shaded with tons of trees and benches. My friend and I actually got a little chilly and had to put a layer back on.
We were lucky to hike on such a clear day! I was so amazed that there was no smog or cloud in sight. We were able to see Catalina Island from the top.
The trail was about 6 miles round trip with 1400ft elevation gain/​loss. It took my friends and I a little over two hours to complete the hike.
Parking is limited in the residential area. We parked on the corner of Bowring Dr. and Pinecrest Dr.
As always, get there early!