Hike #1598
Brown Mountain Dam via Gould Mesa Road and Gabrielino Trail
December 4, 2024

Hike Leader:  Steve Babcock

Meet at 9:00 am to hike at 9:30 am
The Rabbits will start at an earlier time to be determined.

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.

Directions to Trailhead:  From the 210 Freeway take the Angeles Crest Highway 2 exit north a few miles to a large turnout on the right just below mile marker 26.47.  No pass is needed to park here.  There is no restroom at the trailhead, but Gould Mesa Campground has tables and restrooms one mile into the hike.

The Hike: Proceed down paved Gould Mesa Road past the Gould Substaion.  The road, steep and slippery in places, becomes dirt and reaches Gould Mesa Campground and the Gabrielino Trail in one mile.  Turn left and hike upstream 1.0 miles to the Paul Little picnic area (good place for a cookie break). Continue upstream for a quarter mile to the Brown Mountain Dam with its waterfall and pool.  Return the same way. There are 16 stream crossings on the round trip, therefore two hiking sticks are recommended for those of us balance-challenged. 

Those desiring more mileage can continue up over the dam on the Gabrielino Trail for as far as they want.

Since there are no tables at the trailhead, an option would be to have lunch at the Gould Mesa Campground and then trudge up the steep road to the cars together. Otherwise bring chairs for tailgate refreshments.

Distance:: 5.5 miles RT
Elevation Gain: 810 feet

All Trails Map: Gould Mesa to Brown Mountain Dam

Updated:  2024-12-09