The main entrance to the Cherry Canyon trails is about 50 yards west of the entrance to the Descanso Gardens parking lot off of Descanso Dr. Other trail heads are a single track up off of Stancrest Dr. on the east side of the 2 freeway, at the end of Forest Hill Dr, the top end of Hampstead Rd, and where Hampstead Rd crosses the Flint Canyon Trail. Google Map.

You can best get the start of the Flint Canyon Trail by parking at Oak Grove/Hahamonga Park. Take Berkshire off the 210 and go east to Oak Grove Dr. Turn left and then right into the park at Foothill - Google Map. The parking area along the fence bordering Oak Grove Dr. is only 2 hrs., but if you turn left and go down the hill, the Frisbe Golf parking lot does not have a time limit. Follow the road that parallels Oak Grove Dr until you come to the Flint Canyon trail head sign by a rock and just west of the wood bridge - see photo below.

Maria said:
We have found some hidden gems called the Flint and Cherry Canyon trails. An amazing network of wide fireroads and single track that traverse up and down the mountains in La Canada - Flintridge. Starting at the end of Altadena Dr., we headed south to Devils gate dam on the Arroyo Seco Trail and then crossed over the dam to a wooden bridge. You will have to look sharp for a rock that marks the trailhead called Flint Canyon trails. You will go under the freeways and enter into another world. We stayed on the Flint Canyon Trial until we finally arrived at Cherry Canyon. Total distance from the start was 4 miles. We explored several trails and did find our way down to the Descanso Gardens gate. The rest stop was nice but then we had a very steep climb from there back up to the main trails. I can't wait to go exploring more of this canyon that is full of great running trails. Trail Video - Trail Map

Bridge on the east side of Devils Gate Dam leading to the trail off to the left and under the 210. If coming from Oak Grove Park, don't cross the bridge.

After the tunnel under the 210, turn right on to the Flint Canyon Trail.

Signage at trail and road crossings can keep you on the right path.

One of many signs in the Cherry Canyon complex of trails.

View back down the trail to the north.

Trail sign to the Ultimate Destination. Take your pick or go up one way and come back the other.

    Watch for the rock marking the turn off to go under the freeway. There may not be a Weekend Warrior chalk mark there when you go.

    A stream parallels the Flint Canyon trail but easy to rock hop across.

    Cherry Canyon sign as you enter the area.

    Entry into Descanso Gardens through this gate is $8, so you might want to consider natures restroom.

    One of the hills with criss crossing single track trails.

    Once on top you can rest at the bench and check out the view.