Trail Canyon Falls is a 5 mile out and back hike nestled into the San Gabriel Mountains just outside of Los Angeles. This quiet and low trafficked trail features a 30 foot waterfall and sweeping views of chalky white mountains.
The AllTrails directions lead to a small parking lot with the entrance of the path easily visible. Trail Canyon Falls begins about a half mile in past cabins tucked into the woods. I have included the 1 mile round trip to and from the trailhead in the 5 miles I tracked on my Apple Watch.
The first part of the trail offers some reprieve from the sun with sycamore trees providing shade. Since a stream runs along the path expect several water crossings. I recommend wearing sneakers with traction to avoid slipping on wet rocks.
Once the path gives way to a clearing, you will trade the shade for open and expansive views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Winding up an incline around the Big Tujunga Canyon you will now be about 2,500 feet. I hiked this trail in July 2019 on a very hot Sunday morning and let me tell you I really felt the effects of the heat during the steady incline.
I only passed about 10 other groups of hikers on Trail Canyon Falls making me pleasantly surprised how quiet and serene this hike was. Lucky for me though, there were a few people nearby once I reached the area leading to the waterfall, as it was unclear how to actually get to the base of the falls. They directed me to a narrow path covered by brush that could easily be missed. You will realize you are near the waterfall because if you keep going straight the path will lead you over the top of the falls and you will be able to hear the sound of water flowing. It is pretty much a dead end at this point. There are some large rocks at the top making for a good photo opportunity. I saw a massive snakeskin up here so needless to say I didn’t hang in this area for too long!
Once you take the narrow path and begin your descent to the falls you will encounter a rope meant to assist you down a short but steep incline. As I worked through my anxiety of making my way down the rope, a man and his dog ran by me so quick they brushed a bunch of dirt in my face! How nice, right? I was surprised anyone could go down this hill so quickly and even more surprised a dog could make it down! This area has lots of loose dirt so that’s where shoes with traction will come in handy again.
A beautiful reward awaits you at the bottom of the rope! Trail Canyon Falls briskly flows cool, crisp, clean mountain water down into a small basin. I jumped in to cool off from the 85 degree weather.
I can’t believe I have lived in LA for almost 4 years and this was my first time hiking Trail Canyon Falls. The idyllic 30-foot waterfall and phenomenal views rank this trail at the top of my LA favorites list!
Trail Canyon Falls
5 miles – including to and from the trailhead
Gains 1066 feet of elevation
Boasts a 30 foot waterfall and sweeping mountain views
