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All the United States California Los Angeles Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock

The neighborhood of Eagle Rock is named after a gigantic boulder with a shadowy surprise.

Los Angeles, California

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Lori Alden Holuta
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The view from the neighborhood   "Eagle rock" by donielle is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
In the Shadow of the eagle.   Tim Bergeron
Pacific Novelty Co. Postcard 1889.   Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, courtesy, California Historical Society, CHS2015.1889
Eagle Rock above the Ventura freeway.   John M. DeMarco
The iconic eagle hides in a church sign.   "Eagle Rock Baptist Church" by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Eagle Rock sign   Avoiding Regret
Eagle Rock, from the trailhead   Avoiding Regret
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If you've driven on California's Ventura Freeway between Pasadena and Glendale, you've certainly noticed Eagle Rock looming over the neighborhood that shares its namesake. However, did you notice the Eagle?

The conglomerate rock formation features a massive indentation along its face. During the right time of day, when the sun hits the rock at the perfect angle, a shadow is cast on the indentation that resembles an eagle in mid-flight. It appears as though the eagle is flying straight out of the rock itself. 

Eagle Rock was originally known as La Piedra Gorda (Fat Rock), but many locals preferred to call it Eagle Rock, which lent a much nicer name to the neighborhood emerging under the rock's playful shadows. During the early 20th-century, Eagle Rock was the site of yearly Easter services, held at the very top of the massive rock. 

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Rock Formations History & Culture Natural Wonders Nature

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If you'd like a closer look at Eagle Rock, take a hike up Eagle Rock Canyon Trail. It's an easy hike, less than a mile long. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget to bring a water bottle and camera.

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Lori Alden Holuta

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Avoiding Regret

  • Avoiding Regret

Published

September 8, 2020

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Sources
  • https://eaglerockhistory.org/gallery/the-eagle-rock/
  • https://laist.com/2017/03/16/ten_things_eagle_rock.php
  • https://patch.com/california/eaglerock/bp--patch-blog-how-to-hike-up-the-eagle-rock-canyon-trail
Eagle Rock
5499 Eagle Rock View Dr
Los Angeles, California, 90041
United States
34.143417, -118.183576
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