Trail Review: Crosstown Trail to La Canada Teepee
Trailhead: North end of Harter Lane, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Parking: Free, opening street parking on Harter Lane
Distance: 3.2 miles out & back
This is a fun trail that has more than just a nice view at the end. It has a teepee! There are occasionally some steeper areas along the way that make this trail a bit more difficult but it is totally doable.
The trail starts at the end of a dead-end street in a residential neighborhood. Parking was easy and plentiful along the side of the road. There does appear to be two ways to start the trail. One follows the paved road to the west and the other is the dirt road going north at the trail sign. We went with the latter. The first part of the trail brings you through a wooded area that provides some brief shade but it doesn't last long as you wind up farther into the mountain.
There are a couple of forks in the path, most of which just connect back to each other a bit farther down the line. But there is a dead end path toward the beginning that, if you happen to follow (like we did), isn't very long and doesn't add much time. About half way up the trail is a picnic area where you'll want to stay to the east of the tables. The west side links to a trail that leads back down the mountain to El Vago Street.
After the picnic tables, the trail is pretty straightforward until you arrive at the big metal teepee. It's in an open field but some bigger trees nearby provide a nice shady spot to get out of the sun for a bit. The trail does keep going after the teepee and connects with the Mt. Lukens Truck Trail so if you are looking for more mileage, you might consider following the path a bit further. We ended at the teepee, however, and made our way back down the way we came after we were done taking in the view.
Side Note: We attempted this trail twice. The first time we had to turn back because a rattle snake was hiding in the bushes near a particularly narrow and steep part of the path. Thankfully another hiker warned us, but it didn't stop us from being startled at the sudden sound of the rattle. Ultimately, we weren't willing to risk getting bit to see the teepee. If you encounter a rattle snake or other wildlife on a trail, use caution!
Bottom Line: A trail with some steeper inclines at points and with a fun landmark at the top. Decent view of the city and Angeles National Forest to the east.
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