Rubio Canyon 3B

[rcwild]

NOTE: If you have corrections, additions or current conditions for this canyon, please post as a reply to this thread. If you have a trip report for this canyon, please post it in the Blogs section.

Rating: 3B II
Time Required: 5.5 hours
Longest Rappel: 80 feet

Preferred Season

Water Concerns
none

Special Challenges
none

Directions to Trailhead

Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate

Approach

Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate

Exit

Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate

[rcwild]

Reserved for accident reports from this canyon.

[ddpettin]

Does anyone know if there is a trail that can be taken in lieu of setting up a shuttle for Rubio canyon? I see you can walk back to your vehicle by taking Rubio Canyon road and back over to Lake Avenue; however, I was wondering if anyone is aware of a more direct route. It looks like there might be something of a trail behind the houses on Pleasantridge but I can't tell for sure.

[NSchara]

I believe there is an approach that climbs the eastern side of the canyon from just below the last falls to a point where you can drop in above the upper falls. In this case you would begin and end your trip at the usual exit. Perhaps someone more familiar with this route could provide more details or you could consider scouting it on your own.

[dancrev]

Hi Dan-
Last time we were there with Rich I remember him pointing to that trail you mentioned. I think you are able to return to your car at the trailhead using that path. I believe Rich said that he had used it once before. Maybe he will reply to clarify or completely negate what I'm remembering!

[rcwild]

Hi Dan-
Last time we were there with Rich I remember him pointing to that trail you mentioned. I think you are able to return to your car at the trailhead using that path. I believe Rich said that he had used it once before. Maybe he will reply to clarify or completely negate what I'm remembering!

Trying to get a mental picture of that neighborhood, so forgive me if my details are off a bit -- If you follow the street that bears to the left, look on your right for a wash with a fence. The trail is just to the left of that fence.

[desertresident]

It looks like there might be something of a trail behind the houses on Pleasantridge but I can't tell for sure.

I dont think there is any trail that you speak of.
To avoid a car/walk shuttle you have 2 options:

1) Start from the end of the route and hike up the incline trail to Echo Mtn and continue on the Rubio route from there
reference: http://socalhikes.com/2009/01/echo-mtn-via-rubio-canyon-and-the-great-incline/

2)Hike the eastern side of the canyon from the end of the route:
reference : http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/rubio.html

For #2 also, anyone out there, please tread lightly. Users of East Rubio should be cautioned/shamed on creating new trails to drop into East Rubio. Finally for #2 and just going to Rubio canyon only, the drop in to East Rubio creek(below Leontine Falls and just east of Rubio canyon confluence) is not a downclimb and travellers will be completely weighting rope in a rappel stance more than once on a crummy(& dirty) hillside