Eaton Canyon Upper Falls Closure: Balancing Safety and Accessibility

In an effort to curb the number of accidents and deaths related to climbing the Upper Falls in Eaton Canyon, the Forest Service plans to close a large area above the Lower Falls to public entry beginning July 1, 2014.

By Carole Scurlock

The Forest Service closure notice states:

In recent years, there have been a number of accidents associated with climbing to the upper waterfalls. Climbing to the upper falls is dangerous. The area is steep, the ground is unstable and hikers get lost, fall off narrow ridges into the canyon. Between 2011 and 2013, there have been many rescues and several deaths at or near this waterfall.
The Forest Area Closure Order (#01-14-04), under 36 CFR 261.53(e), prohibits going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Eaton Canyon Closure Area. Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. Access is still allowed to the Lower Falls.

Canyoneers want Eaton Canyon kept open for technical descents, as stated on their website.

Some have suggested a permit system be put in place to allow canyoneers and technical climbers access to the canyon.

Restricted access to Eaton Canyon sets a precedent.

Will closure be the solution to keeping other areas safe in the San Gabriels, such as Hermit Falls where there have been serious injuries and fatalities when hikers jump into the pools?  And how do we balance safety and accessibility to our wild and beautiful canyons?

Rep. Judy Chu (California’s 27th District) introduced a bill to establish the San Gabriel National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System in the State of California. The designation would bolster the management efforts of the Forest Service by allowing the National Park Service (NPS) to contribute to community-based, community-driven projects focused on sustainable recreation, education, and preservation of local habitats and history.

This article first appeared at the Arroyo View, July 2104 edition, published by the Pasadena Group Sierra Club.