Friday, June 19, 2026

Juneteenth Commemorative Community Hike Planned for Friday on El Prieto Trail

A Juneteenth Commemorative Community Hike will set out at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, leading participants along the El Prieto Trail in the Angeles National Forest for a 3.2-mile round-trip walk to a newly installed memorial bench honoring Robert Owens, one of the earliest Black landowners and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles County, and the Tongva people.

Hikers plan to gather at the JPL East Parking Lot on Explorer Road, near 2755 N. Windsor Ave., Altadena, the staging point for the Altadena Historical Society’s morning event. The lot sits just north of the I-210 Windsor Avenue/Arroyo Boulevard exit; drivers travel about one mile north before turning left into the parking area.

The out-and-back route follows the single-track El Prieto Trail, a moderate canyon path known for rocky stretches, stream crossings, steep inclines and intermittent shade. The full trail gains roughly 738 feet of elevation. Dogs are welcome. The trail is heavily used by mountain bikers. No restrooms are available at the trailhead.

The hike concludes at the El Prieto Canyon Trailhead area, where a handcrafted memorial bench — built as an Eagle Scout service project — has been installed at 34°12’39.3″N, 118°10’06.5″W.

Parking is available at the JPL East lot, with overflow on Mountain View Street.

Following the hike, the Juneteenth celebration continues at noon at Loma Alta Park, 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena, where a luncheon will be held. Tickets are $35, sold in advance only, with reservations required at tinyurl.com/3hfztm49.