Sameer Etman - May 2005.

A walkable trail is now available from Sam Merrill Trail to existing ACT
east of Zane Gray. Even though unofficial, this new addition closes the
Rubio Gap and connects the ACT from Canon, west of Lake Ave, to Eaton
Canyon making the goal of ACT restoration closer to reality. Each of the
sections listed here have been hiked recently by several groups.

1. Canon to Cobb Estate is about 2 miles of nice scenery and not too
much elevation gain. Allow 1 hour.

2. Cobb Estate Loop is about a mile of local scenic and historic trails.

3. Cobb Estate to Rubio Vista: To access this new proposed trail you
need to enter from Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Ave. and follow the
established route to Sam Merrill trail going east. A mile later, at the
first bend turning north, find a path that resembles a trail going east.
Follow pink flags and keep generally descending to the first creek. Rise
again with the trail to around hillside avoiding private properties and
descend again into a second creek. When you go up and around you will be
overlooking Rubio Canyon. Descend to the Rubio Right-of-way trail and
exit to Rubio Vista. Total trip is about 2 miles. Allow 2 hours.

4. Rubio Vista to Zane Gray, scenic route: Enter trailhead from Rubio
Vista between two homes and go north on the Rubio Right-of-way trail.
After the first bend passing by a pipe across the gully, descend south
into Rubio Canyon, and cross the streambed. Go toward the water
reservoir and ascend to a walkway north of the reservoir. Find a trail
going up the hill, following pink flags to reach the top, then veer to
the east to go to what looks like a passage to the other side of the
foothills. Descend via about four switchbacks to end up going south
parallel to Gooseberry creek to connect with existing ACT. Go west to
reach Zane Gray and exit to Loma Alta Drive. Total trip is about 2 and
half miles. Allow 2 hours.

5. Zane Gray to Stonehill: a very enjoyable, short hike with easy access
and ample street parking.

6. Zane Gray to Pinecrest: about three miles of beautiful scenery that
will take about 2 hours to exit at Pinecrest. There are several areas
where this trail is narrow due to wash outs, and two very short sections
that experienced landslides, but they are walkable. (Note: at
the time of this posting, the Pinecrest trailhead does not provide entry
or exit due to Pasadena Water and Power locks on the gate. Either
retrace your route, or continue to one of the other Eaton Canyon access
points.)

7. For a worthwhile waterfall, take an adventure off the main track,
beginning under the bridge at the Pinecrest trailhead, following the
creek up into the gorge. This diversion is about a mile round-trip and
may include wet boots and some scrambling. Go as far as you can and then
retrace your steps back. The steep canyon walls create a real sense of
being away from it all.

8. Pinecrest to Altadena Drive and Altadena Drive to Eaton Canyon Nature
Center: two short hikes that can be made into a loop going back to where
you parked your car (see previous note regarding Pinecrest gate).

Directions to trailhead access points - 

Stonehill: From Altadena Drive, take Porter North and make a left on
Loma Alta then right on Stonehill. Park near the top of Stonehill, walk
north between property lines, cross the concrete sluice, using the iron
handrail. Ascend toward the right (southeast) and on toward Eaton
Canyon, or cross back under the debris dam to hike west, choosing to
follow the wide trail back to Zane Grey Terrace, or take the short
climb, notched into the hillside to head east toward Rubio.

Rubio Vista: North on Lake Ave past Altadena Dr, right on Dolores, to
stop, cross straight over Mt. Curve, bear left on Maiden Lane, and take
the first right (fork) onto Rubio Canyon Rd. Turn left on Rubio Crest
Dr, right onto Rubio Vista Rd. Meet at the top. There is a right of way
with signs at the trailhead.

Cobb Estate - The very top of Lake, where a left puts you on Loma Alta
Drive.  Parking is on Lake, or on Loma Alta, but at a premium on
weekends.  Add extra time to walk from your car to the trail.

Canon - head north on the third right west of Lake. At the very top of
Canon is the multi-use trail running east and west. Start climbing to
the right, toward Devonwood, Cobb Estate and points east.