Overlooking Foothill Blvd and the 210 Freeway is Henninger Flats sitting right above Pasadena, California.  The exceptional convenience and ease from city-life to this serene mountainous escape makes the 2+ mile hike onward & upward worthwhile.  As a first timer and fairly infrequent hiker, I took the invitation as I would a stroll through Fryman Cyn or Griffith Park.  BOY, was I in for an exsertus surprise!  At 2,600 feet above sea level, Henninger Flats is atop Eaton Canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains inside the Angeles National Forest.  Starting at the residential area below, for well over an hour straight we trekked uphill for about 2 miles before we made it to the top.  Along the way there were outlooks and benches to take in the beautiful view.  We ceased the opportunity to gulp down water for hydration and was overly ambitious performing tricep dips on the benches until muscle fatigue.  It hurt sooo GOOD! *insert sarcasm here*

The trail does not offer much shade, so protection from the sun is definitely mandatory.  Having an affinity towards Eaton Canyon, I enjoyed looking down at oh so familiar bridge and trails leading to the waterfalls below.  The entire expedition took approximately 3 hours from bottom to top and back to the car.  I highly suggest bringing plenty of water and a light picnic to enjoy once you get to the top.  There’s plenty of shade at Henninger Flats, along with grills and a quaint little museum with stuffed animal carcasses (which I don’t exactly appreciate).  It’s a known campers haven, so feel free to pitch a tent if you can make it up there with your gear.  Campers & sightseers can also reach the top through a road that leads straight to the camping grounds.  I definitely rank Henninger Flats a ‘must do’ for anyone that enjoys hiking and is looking for a challenge.  It’s amazing how many gems are right outside your front door, all you have to do is dig a little deeper.  Even after 5 years in Los Angeles the sunsets amaze me and skyline of mountains near and far keep me in awe.  Now to find the next adventurous hike to conquer and see the land from a different lens.