What is the difficulty level of the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

The Big Dalton Canyon Trail is a family-friendly, easy hike, with some muddy areas and stream crossings. It is mostly shaded and offers a pleasant experience for all ages.

Is there parking at the Big Dalton Canyon Trailhead?

Yes, there is a parking area near the trailhead, but it fills up quickly. You can park along Big Dalton Canyon Road if the lot is full. There are no facilities at the trailhead.

What should I bring for the Big Dalton Canyon Trail hike?

For this easy hike, you can wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Bring at least 1L of water, sun protection, and consider long pants if you don't like plants brushing against your legs.

Can I see the Big Dalton Dam on this hike?

Unfortunately, the trail no longer goes all the way to the Big Dalton Dam. The trail ends at a parking lot near the dam, but access beyond that is restricted to vehicles.

How long is the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

The Big Dalton Canyon Trail is a short loop, around 1.5 miles. It follows Big Dalton Creek and offers scenic views along the way.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

You may see various wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and other small animals. The trail's proximity to water makes it a good spot for observing wildlife, especially on warm days.

What are the highlights of the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

Highlights of the trail include shaded areas, stream crossings, picturesque creekside views, oak groves, and the opportunity to see wildlife. The optional Coulter Pine Trail offers great views of Big Dalton Dam and surrounding peaks.

Can I bring my dog on the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s important to keep dogs under control, especially around the creek and wildlife.

What is the best time to hike the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

The best time to hike the Big Dalton Canyon Trail is in the early morning or late afternoon, especially in the summer months, as it can get quite hot during midday. The trail is shaded during these times and offers a comfortable experience.

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Big Dalton Canyon Trail + Coulter Pine Trail

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 17, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 2.2 miles
Time: 1-1:30 Hours
Total Climbing: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park

The Big Dalton Canyon Trail is just about the perfect family-friendly hike. It's short, shaded, has lots of twists and turns, is picturesque, and follows a shallow stream that kids can safely enjoy. If you want a little bit more of a workout, take the Coulter Pine Trail back, offering epic views of Big Dalton Dam, Mt Baldy, and Big Iron Mountain. It's a gem of a hike tucked into suburban LA.

Where is the Big Dalton Canyon Trail?

The hike starts in Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park, which is run by the City of Glendora. Use this trailhead address:
Big Dalton Canyon Trailhead, Big Dalton Canyon Road, Glendora, CA 91741

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 3 — The trailhead is a short way after turning onto Big Dalton Canyon Road, past this park sign.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 4 — The parking area is on the right, shortly before arriving at the bridge to the campground. The trail starts across the street from the parking area.

Gear For the Hike

This is an easy hike that you can pretty much do in any type of clothing. Some areas of the trail can be overgrown, so if you don't like plants on your legs, wear long pants. It can get muddy after rain and there are a few small stream crossings (easy to jump across). In the summer, the trail is well-shaded, but there can also be insects.

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Big Dalton Canyon Trail Maps

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 2 — The trail is generally wide and easy to follow. The second half of the trail can get a little overgrown, but is always easy enough to see.

Click to activate map

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3D Map

Can I Hike to Big Dalton Dam?

Unfortunately not. Some guides show a trail going all the way to the dam, but today the trail ends at a parking lot used by a construction team. From that lot, there's a paved road that's open for about a half-mile before reaching a gate with "no hikers or bikers allowed" signs. I wish the area were open; perhaps it will be in the future.

Hike Brief

As you approach the trailhead you'll pass the Dalton Camp Fire Station, home to the Dalton Hotshots. They were formed in 1953 and originally were based at an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that stood here in the valley. Dalton Hotshots Photo Courtesy USFS

Dalton Canyon is named after Henry Dalton, an early homesteader. Dalton was born in London in 1803, made a small fortune in Peru as a trader, which eventually brought him to southern California. In 1843 he settled in the area and started ranching. When the US took California from Mexico in the 1948 war, Dalton became mired in land ownership litigation, and he died in poverty in 1884. Two fun facts: he was also known as Don Enrique Dalton, and he is credited with importing the first honey bees into the US (from Italy) which started the honey industry here.
Glendora is known as "Pride of the Foothills" (of the San Gabriel Mountains) and you'll be hiking through those foothills during this hike.
The Big Dalton Dam, a short distance up the road from this hike, is considered an excellent example of a multiple arch "double-wall" buttress design. Whatever that means, it looks cool. It was built in 1929.
Here's the part of the dam that's normally underwater. The photo was taken in 1929, shortly before the dam opened. Photo LA Public Library
This park sits on the edge of the San Dimas Experimental Forest (SDEF), formed in 1993, is the largest chaparral experimental forest in the United States. The SDEF is closed to the public, but I think you can get a taste of what it feels like if you return on the Dunn Canyon and Coulter Pine Trails. Also, the SDEF was a UNESCO Biosphere Reserves until it withdrew from the program in 2018. If anyone knows why they withdrew, please contact me.

Big Dalton Canyon Hike Directions

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 5 — The Big Dalton Canyon Trail starts across from the parking area and is well marked.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 6 — Sometimes you can also find maps in this box.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 7 — You'll start up a small hill.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 8 — And quickly make the right turn onto the Big Dalton Canyon Trail. The post in the middle of this shot has the name of the trail on it. You'll find these trail posts along the whole hike route.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 9 — You'll cross a small bridge.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 10 — And then start following Big Dalton Creek.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 11 — When you get to the campground area, go straight along the creek.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 13 — You'll pass a small pavilion that you can rent for events, weddings, etc.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 12 — There's also a bathroom here, the only one on the hike.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 14 — Continue past the campground area to continue the trail.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 15 — The trail continues to follow Big Dalton Creek.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 16 — There are a few areas where you can access the creek. Great spots for kids on a hot day.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 17 — You'll cross over a large bridge.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 18 — And then across another.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 19 — Then you arrive at a majestic grove of oak trees. The path continues to the right. The path up to the left goes through the oaks.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 20 — This area is really beautiful, and there is an interpretive display with some info on the oaks.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 21 — At the end of the oak grove, continue straight on this side of the creek.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 22 — From here the trail is more primitive, but still very much there.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 23 — You'll have a couple of small stream crossings.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 24 — When you see the fork, go right to visit the mini-falls, a great place for kids. The end of the trail is a short distance up to the left.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 25 — Here's the mini-falls.

Big Dawlton Canyon Trail Directions 26 — And if you continue a short way, the trail dead-ends at a parking lot. There's no more trail past this point, just about a half mile of public road. After that it's all private property owned by LA Waterworks.

Head back the way you came. If you'd like to add the Coulter Pines Trail to the trip back, continue with the directions below.

Coulter Pines Trail Back to the Start

Coulter Pine Trail 1 — When you're hiking back, after you cross the first bridge, look for this exit to the road.

Coulter Pine Trail 2 — Make the left, back in the direction you just came from, to find the Dunn Canyon Trail entrance. It's just past the parking lot on the right.

Coulter Pine Trail 3 — Here's the entrance to the Dunn Canyon Trail. We'll be taking this up the hill and then joining the Coulter Trail.

Coulter Pine Trail 4 — The Dunn Canyon Trail will have about 400 feet of climbing, and it starts right from the beginning.

Coulter Pine Trail 5 — As you hike up the canyon, it definitely has a primeval, untouched feel, which you don't see much of in SoCal. I imagine this is how a good portion of the hidden valleys in the San Dimas Experimental Forest feel.

Coulter Pine Trail 6 — When the Dunn Canyon Trail ends, make the right onto the Coulter Pines Trail.

Coulter Pine Trail 7 — Continue hiking uphill along the hillside.

Coulter Pine Trail 8 — When you get to the t-junction, hike to the right.

Coulter Pine Trail 9 — And continue uphill.

Coulter Pine Trail 10 — You'll have some wide switchbacks and some long gradual uphill sections.

Coulter Pine Trail 11 — The highlight of this stretch is looking back, where you'll see (left to right), Big Iron, Pine Mountain, Mt Baldy, and the Big Dalton Dam below.

Coulter Pine Trail 12 — Eventually you'll start the descent back down to the road.

Coulter Pine Trail 13 — When you backtrack on the wide switchbacks you'll get views of Baldy in front of you.

Coulter Pine Trail 14 — And as you approach the road, you'll start to see the Coulter Pines that the trail is named after.

Coulter Pine Trail 15 — When you rejoin the road, just hike back down to the parking lot where you started.

Originally published December 19, 2021