Pleasant Valley Gorge

The Pleasant Valley Gorge provides the opportunity for an enjoyable hike that can be adjusted in length depending on how far you wish to walk. Winter is a great time to enjoy this relatively low elevation hike, although it can be hiked year round.

The gorge was formed by the Owens River and deepened over thousands of years. In the 1950s a dam was built by the City of Los Angeles forming the reservoir. Today there is a paved road that parallels the reservoir which is great for a hike, or bicycle ride. The area is also popular with fishermen.

To get to the start of the hike you’ll drive Pleasant Valley Dam Road past Pleasant Valley Campground until you arrive at a locked gate. Park here (don’t block the gate). The road beyond this point is closed to vehicles and thus begins the hike.

You’ll have a short climb up past Pleasant Valley Dam then the road levels out as it parallels the reservoir.

Continue hiking until eventually the reservoir once again returns to a free flowing Owens River. The turn around point is at a small power plant where the road ends.

Return the way you came back to the trailhead.