Las Flores Canyon

Simple canyon with convenient location, located very close to Pasadena. It has 2-3 rappels and some interesting mines to explore. This is a good route for beginners.

Park at the end of Lake Ave in Alta Dena. Head East and take the second trail on the left. Trail is well traveled and busy with hikers. After about 3 miles on the trail you will reach the drop in point. If you happen to be running the canyon at night beware of the "No parking after 8pm" signs.

The first rappel is almost immediate after dropping in from the trail. It is 20 foot rappel with a large tree for an anchor located about 20 feet from the rappel LDC for a total rope length of about 45'. The second rappel follows soon after, and is about 30 feet. There is a good tree for an anchor located RDC about 15 feet from the rappel and about 10 feet up on a slope. Be cautious with the rope pull and anchor pull to not snag in any of the branches on the slope. You can also anchor it off a shrub LDC. There is loose rock here so beware on the rappel and rope pull. About halfway down the canyon there is a mine entrance in the watercourse (banner image). This is a pretty nice mine for the area and goes back quite a ways. You have to crouch a little at the beginning but it gets taller. Expect to get wet about up to your thighs in some areas. After a couple down climbs and a long distance the third rappel appears. It is about 30 feet tall. There is a large tree RDC up on a slope, similar to the second rappel. Notice the rusty pipes and metal debris directly on the rappel lip. If the rappel is done RDC there will be a slight free rappel with an overhang, but no metal pipes to damage the rope. More information on the mines can be found here: http://www.lagoldmines.com/index.php?page=916662.txt