Preparation:Rubio Canyon (Lower)

Rubio Canyon is a great beginner canyon -- it offers a relatively large number of easy, attractive rappels in a short amount of space. This page describes what to expect and how to prepare for this trip.

Time
Should take only half a day or so

Drive
The canyon is located within about 20 minutes of Pasadena

Level of physical activity
This trip should be enjoyable for most people in decent shape

Technical difficulty
There will be rappelling, but no prior experience is necessary

Water
There won't be any swimming, but there will be shallow wading and some splashing

Cold
Because of wading and splashing, rain jackets and wool socks may be necessary to keep warm

Heat
There shouldn't be any special issues with heat during this season

Special gear
Because it's somewhat cold, you'll need some gear to keep warm

Cost
Just the cost of gas and whatever hiking gear you don't already have

Hike

The ~3-6 hour trip will consist of:

• 0.7 miles (+260ft elevation) to base of last waterfall
• Steep path (+450ft elevation) above first waterfall
• Possibly an extension (+300ft elevation) above more waterfalls
• Rappel into watercourse, then down 4-9 more waterfalls
• Same 0.7 miles back out

Rappelling

It's easy and we'll be spotting you -- no experience necessary, just the willingness to confront your fear of heights in a controlled (but exciting!) way. There shouldn't be any sudden movements involved or required, just careful, deliberate descents.

Temperature & water

In the spring, air temperatures are usually pleasantly cool to warm. We'll be wading in water up to knee-deep, so wear old shoes/boots that can be soaked as well as wool socks (cotton socks aren't as good). The waterfalls will splash a little, so a light rain jacket might be a good idea. Almost any type of non-cotton pants (not jeans!) are fine, but the light-weight quick-dry outdoors pants are the best.

Gear

Wear:

• Lightweight pants -- basically anything but jeans/heavy cotton
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that will still be comfortable to walk in after being soaked -- old tennis shoes are fine, as are most hiking boots
• Socks -- preferably not cotton; wool is great, neoprene is fantastic
• Quick-dry underwear -- a bathing suit is a good idea
• Top layers appropriate for hiking
• A hat and/or sunscreen

Definitely bring:

• A warm outer layer (like a rain jacket or fleece), preferably one that is water resistant
• At least a liter of fluid

Bring if you have, let me know if you don't (I have plenty of extras):

• A helmet (any kind)
• Backpack that can get wet and scuffed
• Climbing harness
• At least one carabiner
• Descent device (ATC, figure 8, Pirana, etc)
• Gloves -- $5 leather gardening gloves at the hardware store are great, as are the $2 wool gloves with rubber palms

Bring if you want:

• Any other rappel or ascent gear
• Camera, either waterproof or in a strong waterproof container
• Sunglasses
• A snack

Location

We'll meet at the Rubio Canyon Trailhead, located adjacent to 1342 Rubio Vista Drive, Altadena, CA.