Trail Canyon Falls

Did this hike on January 19th, 2026 Super fun hike but pls know that you will have to cross the water many times to get to the waterfall. This part makes it fun but you can be better prepared for this if you have the right shoes! I had my closed toe river shoes with traction which helped me hike and step in the water anytime. Some part of the hike is exposed so bring a hat. Overall, an easy hike! We saw lots of kids and dogs having a good time and playing in the waterfall!

Trail Canyon Falls in the Angeles National Forest is one of Southern California’s most satisfying waterfall hikes — a rugged, winding escape from the city that rewards you with both scenic tension and lush payoff. From the moment you leave the parking area and follow the creek‑lined path, the trail feels alive with murmuring water, rustling leaves, and the steady rhythm of your boots across dirt and rock. The route climbs gently at first, shaded by sycamores and dotted with refreshing stream crossings, but don’t let the easy start fool you — the terrain grows steeper and more demanding as you approach the falls, with loose soil, exposed roots, and ropes affixed to help hikers descend the final stretch safely. Reaching the waterfall itself is a moment of quiet triumph. Even when the flow is modest, the cascade crashing into its shallow pool feels like a secret reward hidden deep in the canyon. On warm days, the mist on your face and the cool pool at the base make it worth every uphill step. This hike is best done early — mid‑day sun and summer heat can make the exposed sections challenging — and plenty of water is a must. Crowds are present on popular weekends, but the trail still offers pockets of solitude and spectacular views that remind you why SoCal hikers keep returning.

Water is greatly flowing. Arrive before 8am to greet decent parking and avoid the crowd. Last mile is incline with minimal shade. Didn't forget your adventure pass! America the beautiful pass works as well.

Parking is located at the base. Slow constant ascending, moderate hike, except steep inclination close to the waterfall. Someone has tied ropes to help pass that spot (which was really helpful). The waterfall makes the hike worth.

The hike was about 1 and 1/2 hours to the waterfall. Halfway up it's pretty moderate and then the rest of it was pretty intense. When you get to the bench you should stop for a good break. I recommend taking water shoes as you have to cross over the water many times or at least bring an extra pair of socks and shoes. The waterfall is absolutely amazing. There's a good amount of space to hang out at. You do have to climb down using some ropes if you want to get to the waterfall. Or you can veer off to the left and get to the top of the waterfall but I personally like being on the bottom to take some good pictures. I went two times to this place and neither time did I buy a parking pass maybe I got lucky. But I heard you can go to the local library and get the parking pass for free which I recommend to make sure you don't get your car towed or a ticket. We took the kids here and they had a blast. We saw a lot of people with their dogs and they made it all the way up to the waterfall. I feel bad every time I go because I want to take my dog but sometimes I feel like she won't make it all the way up. But a lot of people are with their dogs and they make it up so I think the next time I go I'm going to take her. There were no restrooms so make sure you bring some toilet paper with you. And definitely bring some snacks and some water. Make sure you leave early enough and if you don't make sure you have a flashlight with you just in case.

This isn't a difficult hike, but so worth the trip. It was about 2.25 miles to the waterfall. A total of 4.5 miles round trip. I had trekking poles, however I didn't really need them. There's a steady incline as you go along the trail and there are quite a few shady areas. We began at 7 am due to the heat, but there was a very nice breeze along the way. Once you arrive to the waterfall you will need to climb down a steep set of rocks; however someone has kindly attached a rope to assist on the way down and when you climb back up. Great hike for all levels. Enjoy!

Moderate hike for the uninitiated. Not a challenge at all for experienced hikers. Kid & dog friendly. My family and I love this trail. Dad tip: there’s a somewhat hidden picnic bench halfway between trailhead and falls. Great spot for a family lunch. Beautiful waterfall. The ropes not really necessary, but helpful for the kiddos.

The hike isn't difficult at all. You walk passed the contrustion site/houses. Sometimes there's water running. When there is, there are a water crossings. Last time I want it was pretty dry. I'd recommend wearing clothes that cover you bc there are a lot of untamed bushes, trees, etc. Once you get to the waterfall yothcan actually go up to the top. Head back up the little hill you climbed and make a right. It'll take you straight up. Not too much climbing but it is slippery.

Great hike, you could get lost in your thoughts over go on a fun little hike with your pup and all.

I'd had Trail Canyon Falls on my radar for years and finally made the trek with intrepid hiker and Yelper Cydney M. I didn't know what to expect but given the recent rains we'd had at the time, I knew the waterfall would be at least halfway decent. I did *not* anticpate how challenging the stream crossings would be! Be prepared, especially after the huge storm we just had (February 2023). I bit the bullet and realized a little water wouldn't hurt me. However, watch out for stong currents and potential flash flooding. Check the weather before you go and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. There's no cell phone service but you may still be able to call 911 or text someone if you get stuck. Parking: Find a spot on Big Tujunga Canyon Road, or the tiny parking lot near the trailhead if you're lucky. Depending on the day, you may have to park way up the road, especially on weekends and holidays. Don't forget your Adventure Pass; you are in the Angeles National Forest (not to mention on Native American land). The Trail: The route is stunning. You will be able to see chaparral and riparian forest along the creek as you climb up the ridge iwith tons of native trees and plants. Once you're at the top, you will make a steep descent into the waterfalls with a rope for support. It's not as bad as it sounds, pretty doable actually. It's called Trail Canyon because placer miners had found gold flakes ("trail") in the creek in earlier times. The Waterfall: Described as between 30 and 40 feet tall, it's a stunner. Folks were pretty polite about taking turns to take their selfies; there were a couple of nuts all the way at the top standing reallllllly close to the edge. (I was hoping we wouldn't witness an accidental selfie plunge to the death; be smart, people. Standing on the precipice of a waterfall to get that ultimate selfie is just silly.) Etiquette: Take only pictures and leave only footprints. This trail was remarkably clean and graffiti free. Enjoy!

Absolutely loved this hike. Went on a Saturday morning started around 6:15am ended 8:45am. It was 40 degrees out so wear layers. First off parking is mostly on the street the lot only holds like 6 cars. I had an adventure pass so I wouldn't get a ticket. The trail has several stream crossings some you can get away with not getting in water on a few some others your gonna get wet. Once you see the falls in the distance go down on your right the first trail that branches off to repel down ropes and rocks to get to the bottom of the falls. About 5 miles round trip. No cell service on trail.

BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL AND HIKE! ============================= DETAILS: On Saturday, January 7, 2023, my friend Isobel, who I met thanks to Yelp years ago, and I hiked to Trail Canyon Falls. I did not do any research ahead of time and had never been there before. I trusted Isobel to pick the place because she hikes a lot more than I do. This hike and waterfall is definitely on the top of my list of must do hikes, especially in the winter. HIKE: Google Maps will get you to the trailhead. Once you head north on Big Tujunga Canyon Road from Sunland into the Angeles National Forest you'll see cars parked on the side of the road. Stop before you see the intersection of Ottie Road. If you see Rancho Ybarra Campground the Wildwood Picnic Site you have gone too far. The dam is north of the trailhead. After you park and walk toward the fire road the trail is marked well so you won't get lost. However, I am not buying the whole two miles to the waterfall business. It is further than that. I turned on my Apple watch when starting and it was 2.62 miles to the waterfall with an elevation gain of 871 feet. After the rain be prepared to cross the stream about twelve times there and back, so I recommend at least one hiking pole and waterproof hiking shoes because there isn't always enough things to step on to keep your shoes dry. IMPORTANT NOTES: When you get close to the waterfall you will have to climb down a really steep cliff with a rope that was left there for assistance. I wasn't really sure about the strength or quality of the rope, so I wouldn't depend on that completely. TIPS: 1. Bring some snacks and definitely bring water to drink. There are some big rocks and a tree trunk to sit on to take a little break once you get to the waterfall. 2. Try to remove all valuables from your car. I constantly hear about cars being broken into in the Angeles National Forest. Do a sweep of your car before you leave home and just take out the major things including your registration and anything else that can be used to steal your identity. 3. Wear good hiking shoes with decent tread on them. 4. Hiking poles or a ski pole will come in handy for the stream crossings.

Regardless of the waterfall flow the trail to the fall is enjoyable in itself. Great views from inside the mountain, the trail is an out and back that's just under 5 miles total and it's an easy trail to follow. There are a few parts on the slight climb up when you're nearing the waterfall section that the trail gets a little narrow and you can see over the edge so if heights make you nervous you might want to stay close to the wall. With the main payoff for this hike being the waterfall itself the best time to visit is right after the rainy season. The last couple years in LA we get about 2 weeks in a row of rain and that's about it, the flow is ok around those times an definitely worth a visit since anyone other time of the year you'll most likely see a slight trickle. This trial is pretty popular so arrive early to get a parking spot along the trail side of the road. This hike is in Angeles National Forest, I've heard you don't need to have an adventure pass, but since I have an annual pass I display it just in case.

One of the best experiences We are always searching for next waterfall hike and this one didn't disappoint Easy parking and beautiful hike to a beautiful waterfall

One of the greatest trails I've been on which is saying something because I've been on quite a few. It's a pretty extensive trail. There's lots of changes of scenery at different stages of the hike so that really brightens up the hike and makes it more exciting. There's a waterfall near the ends of the hike with extremely cold water. FYI your allowed to take a dip in it for anyone that was wondering. There's also a specific section of the hike where you have to use ropes provided to climb down the mountain in order to get to the waterfall. Throughout the hike you will encounter many small streams or creaks that you'll have to step over and in some instances if you mess up your footing expect to get a little wet. The views on the hike is quite breathtaking. This is a fairly simple hike, 100% beginner friendly, definitely recommend everyone to give it a shot.

If you speak and sound as soothing as this waterfall, that is the only way you'll get me to sit and listen to you all day :) I hiked here on a recent weekend and it was so dang crowded!!! Multiple groups of people, about 10 persons deep and their dog, hiking out here. At least, the likelihood of getting lost is close to none. As there will be so many nice hikers around for you to ask for directions, if needed. Couple shallow water crossings and dirt trail gets a bit narrow in some areas. Small section where you'll be scrambling, with a rope to hang on to (if needed) when and if you decided hike to the bottom of the falls as I did. There is a trail leading to the top of the falls too. Otherwise, about 1,000 feet elevation gain and 4.8 miles out and back. Very limited parking at the trailhead. Most cars are parked along the main road. I had my Adventure Parking Pass on my dashboard, in case. Bring your "ten essentials" (REI has a good list to refer to, if you aren't sure what I'm talking about). Zone out the chatter of all the people, this waterfall was relaxing and worth adventuring to. Hope you all stay safe and healthy (mind, body and soul) out there :)

I mean just look at the views. Easily one of the best hikes I've been on in SoCal. Its so calm and peaceful, but also doable for all hiking levels. The colors are breathtaking, the silent is tranquil, and overall the hike brings peace and serenity. I did this hike during one of my rare off days in the late summer and it was just what I needed to relax after a long week. My one regret is not catching the waterfall at it's peak. Trust me though, I plan to fix that in the spring. One thing I will say is, like many LA hikes, there isn't much shade throughout the hike. So I would strongly recommend bringing loads of sunscreen and a good bucket hat.

A very enjoyable, fairly easy, moderate rated hike. The rope climbing to the lower falls at the end is over dramatized by some reviews. It's really not difficult for the average fitness level; I even climbed down most of it without the help of the ropes. It's worth going down though because the waterfall is beautiful and at the top you can't see anything anyway so we skipped that part. Parking is limited right next to the trailhead, which is right off the main road, but we saw many other cars parked along the road past the trailhead so parking enforcement seems to be lax here thankfully. The first bit of the hike takes you up and over and then down a small hill, into the canyon along the stream, which is very shallow only an inch or two deep, and then to the hardest part of the hike which is the last 1.5 mile climb up to where the falls are. It is a well defined path, it's just all uphill during this portion. The falls themselves are worth it; truly serene and they were extra strong flow wise. Took us 2 hours total and our feet did not get wet a single time. Highly recommend and I plan to return.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I picked up hiking. This is one of the trails I have been to. I arrived early (7:30am) thinking I am beating the crowd. Little did I know, hikers started much much earlier. As I started my hike, hikers are coming down the trail. Most of the trail is going up and steep.You'll pass small streams and wooded area. Beautiful view of the canyon that you can't miss. And then the waterfalls that makes the hike worthwhile. It is hard to believe that such beautiful creation is up the mountain. Make sure to bring enough water. Watch out for snakes. Small parking on the side of the road.

This place is absolutely stunning!! There was so much water it was a fun and not to hard of a hiki lots of people The air was amazing I definitely want to go back again. Take your family and kids

Amazing hike. Pretty easy hike if you regularly hike up until the last bit of it with the ropes. I wouldn't say the last part to get down to the waterfall was particularly difficult but if you are older, uncoordinated, or a bit anxious about slipping then maybe be be aware of this. However, I wouldn't say don't go on this hike. It still is great! Just know you won't see the water fall looking up but can still see the top of it if you don't go down. PARKING: no lot but parking on the side of the rode is totally good/safe (don't come at me if your car gets broken into tho!) When I got there (kinda early) there were no cars but don't worry cars will show up later. Just stay in the white line. REMEMBER: don't be a litter bug and stay safe

Well this is not a rate on the actual trail because it was well worth it, beautiful! This is a WARNING to all hikers that park on the side road. We took three vehicles since it was alot of us going. 2 out of 3 vehicles were broken into robbed hoods opened, broken parts , wires cut, alarms cut off ! Its obvious that the people doing this know exactly what and how to do it. So BE AWARE! DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLES. And just be alarmed that parking there will be you at risk of this happening. Thankfully we left no valuables , but my Engine light came on my new vehicle which means, door key hole will have to be replaced, and lock on the middle compartment will need be replaced, and cut wires as well. So unfortunately it will cost me! Make sure to make Police reports. And stay on the lookout .

Great 5mi hike/workout! Make sure to come in early because it gets too hot in the middle of the day and a good portion of the trail has limited to zero shade. Getting to the falls is a little tricky, you can miss the inconspicuous down trail easily - as soon as the top of the falls becomes visible from where you are, keep on a lookout for a steep off-path trail to your right. Be careful on your way down as it is pretty steep but still manageable. There will be a couple of ropes on the steepest part of the descend that can help you navigate the path until you get to the bottom, which is also bottom of the falls! Def worth it!

We did this on Saturday (2/16/19) after receiving several recent storms so the fall was flowing extremely well. Because of all the recent precipitation the creek crossing were somewhat difficult though. Location: in Sunland-Tujunga off the 210 just west of where the 2 connects; parking is on Big Tujunga Rd...about half a mile after you cross a bridge...there will be a small dirt road to the left with a metal barrier and we found some parking along the dirt before the barrier Trail- for about .75 you are on an access road that leads to the trailhead which is near some cabins...stay to the left and you will see the official start of the trail and a sign nearby saying it is not a maintained trail but we found it to be in good condition; we had to cross the water about 5 or 6 times each way and there were times that the water was up to our knees and moving swiftly in parts; we visited a couple years ago and turned back after a few crossings and I'm glad we didn't do that this time; none of the trail is very steep with about 300 ft of elevation gain every mile...there is a steep part going down to the base of the falls but there were two ropes and you will be fine if you take your time Fall- it was flowing so nice and it was a great experience to see it flowing so nicely and there are times throughout the year that it is not flowing at all which makes the hike easier but I am sure less enjoyable

This is a fun trek to the waterfall, which is just under 5 miles out and back. There are moderate hills and elevation of about 1,000 ft gain overall. The trail is single track and fire road. Most of the trail is exposed but there are pleasant, wooded areas which include shallow stream crossings. Just before you reach the waterfall, there is a rope that can be used for keeping your footing while descending or ascending the steep but short segment. parking - free in the small lot or road side

This hike was really fun! We arrived around 8:30pm and parked along the highway since it was already starting to get filled up. It takes a couple of minutes to reach the trailhead from the parking area, you'll see a couple cabins inside, which indicates the trail is beginning once you pass them. We had a number of rain storms recently, so the forest was very green and had a good amount of water flowing throughout the stream. The hike took around 3 hours round trip and had plenty of exciting elements to it, such as balancing on logs for stream crossings and using ropes to get down to the waterfall area. There is a good amount of shade during the first section of the hike, but the sun is shining down around the final part of the hike. The weather was great during the time of our hike, it was warm and not too hot. At the end of the trail is a waterfall, which is pretty spectacular for LA standards. You can hike to the point above the waterfall as well as down to the waterfall floor. You'll definitely need hiking shoes with good traction for this hike, I wore regular running shoes and slipped a couple of times. Bring those hiking shoes to be safe! Waterproof socks and/or shoes are also a good idea to stay dry. This is a moderate level hike, but I did see some young Boy Scouts along the trail, so it shouldn't be too difficult for all levels. Overall, it was a fun hike and I definitely wouldn't mind coming back again. It wasn't too difficult or easy, so it's perfect if you want a bit of a challenge.

Even though the trail was packed there was plenty of street parking. Be sure to display your Adventure Pass. The trail length is 4.8 miles roundtrip. It starts by heading up a hill then it drops down into the canyon passing by a few private cabins. The trail crisscrosses a number of shallow streams that require you to balance over tree logs and boulders. Be on the lookout for poison ivy. The trail transitions from a mostly flat and shaded green canyon to an uphill sun-exposed dry chaparral environment for the last 0.5 miles until you reach the waterfall. Out of nowhere you will turn a corner and you will see and hear the falls from a distance. To get to the falls you will need to make a sharp right down a steep path making your way down the mountainside. Don't let this part intimidate you. I saw a number of really young kids that were able to do it just fine. You can also continue past this side trail and make you way to the top or backside of the waterfall if you like. The falls were way too crowded for me. I took some pics and quickly headed back the way I came. The way back was much faster since it was mostly downhill. Overall it was a really fun experience that provided some much needed post-quarantine exercise.

During the COVID era, I have been looking for activities to do that both get me out of the house and keep me safe from COVID exposure. Part of that is (finally) going out to the San Gabriel Mountains and looking for nice hikes. And I found one! Parking was not that difficult, I made sure to display my adventure pass (they will ticket you if you're not displaying yours) and started hiking. The hike meanders by a couple of residents and then the real nature parts begins. There are a few creek crossings so I'd be concerned about this hike after a really heavy rain. There is also some shade too. The picnic table is about the halfway point. After that, there's a small steep section but the views of the canyon and Mt. Lukens are wonderful. Then once you turn around the bend, you'll see the waterfall. I will warn you that there's a very steep final climb to the waterfall. It's a ramble and you'll have to use the rope there to help you climb. But once you make it, it's a great spot and you'll have earned it. I imagine this is a good hike to take good friends who are not big hikers on. I have in the past made the mistake of picking hikes that are too steep or too long. This one is both a good length, not too steep (except for the end point) and the waterfall at the end is a nice touch and a great place to take photos/eat lunch. But if you're deciding which hike to take your friends on, pick this one.

So, we wanted to go hiking with our friends. Happened to see these falls on a video on youtube by Josh from californiathroughmylensdotcom. So I told my wife about it and she said it looked good. You do need an Adventure Pass to park in Angeles Crest Forest, we didn't know this was part of the forest and went back down to 7-11 and got one. The trail head isn't well marked as someone else mentioned, but there were a lot of cars parked there so we figured it out. Well this was the perfect day and the perfect time of year. It was nice and cool plenty of water. There are plenty of stream crossing, but none of them that bad, I never fell in, though our friend did once. There are some spots that are kind of narrow as you hike up along the mountain, but they are fine, my daughter never complained. When you get to the fall you can climb down to the pool at bottom, very nice, recommend you do it. Even though it is a little tricky which is why someone left a rope which makes it doable. and even though another hiker had recommended us to go past the falls. What a treat, there is a Cherry Blossom tree and it was in bloom.

Love it from start to finish. It can be very difficult to find this trail to begin with. This website link sent us to the correct location: https://modernhiker.com/hike/trail-canyon-falls/ The trail first takes you through a small residential area. Please be mindful and respectful. Do not forget to sign the register at the beginning of the trail as well. Quickly after you commence you will start to see a stream of water that you will follow and stream cross at least 4-5 times throughout the hike. The hike itself is not extremely strenuous. This is an excellent choice for a beginner hiker with a couple of small hikes under their belt. Some might even consider this trail slightly moderate. There is some shade at the beginning but once you leave the stream behind and start to descend all tree shade is lost. That is why this hike is best to do early morning. In order to get to the waterfall you will have to do some rope climbing down or very careful hiking down a steep path. It is not to long but just be careful and take your time. The waterfall is quite beautiful after some rain or during the spring. I used this trail as part of my training for our backpacking trip. Once I carried my osprey backpacker bag and it was a great trail to train in. Mileage 4-4.5 miles roundtrip. PLEASE ALWAYS BE PREPARED WITH PLENTY OF WATER, FIRST AID KIT, WARM CLOTHING, FOOD, SNACKS. It is better to be safe than sorry. ALWAYS! A must hike to do !

Incredible and unique hike. I went right after one of the April storms, and there was a ton of water. We had to walk through some areas of the stream that were thigh-deep and flowing rapidly and climb across fallen logs to get over other parts, but this made it a great adventure. I assume the water levels are much lower at other times of the year, so I highly recommend going soon for maximum water fall flow. Make sure to wear shoes that can get wet.

This little hike was perfect and had a great prize waterfall at the end! I went on a weekday, so it wasn't crowded at all. I brought Seanwiches with me and had a nice little sandwich lunch listening to the water crashing down from the falls. Highly recommend it!

This trail is close to Sunland-Tujunga area. There is a small dirt parking area in front of the closed gate on Trail Canyon Road. Don't park and block the gate. There is plenty of parking space on Big Tujunga Canyon Road area. I displayed my adventure pass just in case even though many suggested it's not needed. I read prior reviews and there has been break-ins while hiking. So please hide all your valuables. This is about a 4 mile round trip hike. There is not restrooms in this area. Walk past the gate and follow the road. There is a fork in the road, go right, but there are posted signs to direct you to the trail head. You will pass thru some homes in this area so be respectful and don't talk loud as people could be sleeping in the early morning. Once you pass the homes, it will start to become a real hiking trail. It's only one trail in, and you will cross a few streams. Depending on rainfall, the water level will vary. As you near the waterfall, you will be able to see it from a distance. From there keep an eye out for a small side trail going down into the canyon. There will be ropes to help you climb down the steep portion. If you make it to the top of the waterfall. Then you missed it. Just back track and look for the small turnoff. But at the top of the waterfall there are ropes also where you can climb down and have a top view which is nice. But assuming the water level is safe, as this can be potentially dangerous. Overall, this hike is nice. But looking to be more like Eaton Canyon Falls. There were quite amount of litter and graffiti's on the rock. But it's still better than Eaton Canyon Falls for now. As always pack accordingly to the weather and have fun.

I'm surprised there's only about 82+ reviews of this place, which makes me believe that this trail is very underrated or not yet known to the public. This is only 25 minutes from where I live and likely my favorite hike around the area! This trail is part of the Angeles National Forest. I highly recommend coming early to avoid large crowds. It takes about at least a good hour and 15 minutes one way. Not much rain so far this year so it might be best to check it out soon. It has everything you are looking for in a hike. For example, there were at least 4 creeks we had to cross, large rocks, overall not too steep (just getting down and up from the waterfall), and a very nice waterfall at the end of the hike! If you are a hiker, please get some hiking shoes, a pair with a nice grip. Bring water and light snacks. Lastly, start your hike early. My boyfriend and I started the hike at 7:15am and finished by 9:30am given that we took a good 10-15 minutes for photos and breaks throughout the hike. With that said, I highly recommend Trail Canyon Falls!

The waterfall was cool and definitely better than Eaton Canyon and Sturtevant. Aside from that, it's a pretty straightforward and easy hike for the average person. At times, it does seem like you're walking away from the falls, but that's just where the path takes you. Shade coverage isn't great though. The latter and harder half of the hike is completed exposed. Also, the vast majority of the elevation gain comes in the last half mile or so of the hike. Everything else is flat, except for the initial hill from the parking area. The only thing you really need to bring is sufficient water. I'd say a liter would be safe on a warm day. Plus, the stream's right there lol. Not that I'd recommend drinking stream water if you don't have to. Shoes with traction are also nice, but I saw plenty of people in runners or casual shoes. Poles will also help keep you balanced when traversing the streams via logs, but aren't really necessary otherwise. My trip - Typing Trail Canyon Falls into G-maps will bring you directly to the entrance. I got there around 10:30, and there was plenty of space to park. I think it's because this place is still relatively unknown, but this may change as more and more people find out about it. The trail is easy to follow. The only two places where I was a little iffy was at the beginning-ish. The first area is a large opening after your first riverbed crossing, and you'll want to head toward the left. The second area is when you reach a split in the path with a big rock in front of you. You'll want to go left up the riverbed. When I went, it was only a small stream, but this may change depending how much rain there's been. I dunno if there's a path beyond the big rock... didn't bother to check it out. You'll want to also pay attention as you approach the waterfall too. To get to the bottom, there's like a T intersection, where you can turn right. It looks like a washed out area, but if you take a second look, you'll see the path down. If you hit the top of the waterfall you've gone too far. Double back maybe 0.05 miles?? (Total guess). The rope section isn't too bad either, maybe 10 feet of rope. It's just steep, and the rope helps keep you upright. I totally thought you had to rappel down a cliff or something -_(\ My recommendation for this is to just go down, grab your IG pics and then move to the top of the falls. There's not too much space at the bottom. At the top of the falls you can kinda get your own space. Was out and back in 2 hours. Ezpz. PS - it was really windy at the parking lot, and it seemed like it'd be cold during the hike, but it's really not.

It was an amazing hike with amazing views! We parked on the side of the road and walked up to the trail entrance. No adventure pass was needed (albeit don't leave valuables in the car, you'll be gone for a good while). We came right after the rain (rained most of the week Feb. 11th-15th, came Saturday, Feb. 16th 2019) and because of the rain it was probably why it was the hardest hike I've done so far to get to a waterfall destination. The river currents were ROARING. Boyfriend and I struggled a lot going to the falls because this was our first time here and we were unsure of the river depths (deepest was waist deep) and overall strength of the currents were intense. 5 miles(ish RT) (honestly felt like more because of the incline), multiple river crossings and some rock climbing later, we succeeded and it was SO worth the journey. Took us 3.5 hours to finish with the added time of hanging out by the waterfall. We started the hike at 9:00AM and luckily very few people when we arrived at our destination, we even managed a good solid 15 minutes of the falls to ourselves (total was only about 5 of us, still better than the 30+ people at Eaton Falls LOL). I definitely recommend hiking this with a partner if you choose to come right after a downpour and/or is short. During the summer when it's more dry, solo hiking this trail is fine. We were very lucky that there were 3 other hikers that we met along the way that we were all able to help each other safely cross the rivers (I'm on the short side so some of the river waters were far higher for me than for the taller hikers). 2 liters of water for two people during the moist and wet season is more than enough. We brought 4 liters and only finished 1.5 liters, but 2 liters per person during the summer since the last quarter of the trail has ZERO shade and gets REAL sunny/hot I'd imagine. We've hiked river trails before so we always bring extra set of clothes/shoes, definitely bring some with you! You'll be soaked (pants, shoes, socks and possibly underwear too) when you're done. Have fun! :)

Greetings, Another trail marked off the ol' "Apocalyptic Hike" list! Let's start off with the basics, a majority of the parking is on the side of the road. So make sure that insurance is paid up, because losing a mirror or the back end of your car just might be the case (okay, that's a bit dramatic, but it's definitely a tight fit). As always, wear sunscreen, a hat, bring plenty of water, and definitely invest in waterproof shoes/boots/ or put plastic bags over those kicks when crossing the little creeks that wind though the trail (you know you have plenty of Target bags stuffed somewhere LOL!). Be prepared for a steady and fairly steep include. I would rank it as a moderate hike for incline and distance, but definitely is not a hike for those afraid of heights. There are parts of the upper half of the trail that are very narrow and have beautiful but her sheer drop offs on one side. This trail is heavily utilized and definitely has its challenges when in the narrow sections and how you navigate the other hikers. I tend to allow those that are coming up the trail, uphill hiker, to have the right away and find a safe spot to distance myself. This is just a rule of thumb that I follow and trust me you will have plenty of practice on this trail to get it right And by the way, do not use bags on your feet! This is a joke people! As always I hope this review helps and enjoy the hike!

Awesome beautiful hike! I enjoyed this trail very much. It's only a 4.8 mile hike. The views of this place are amazing. It was fun crossing the river, walking on the edge of the mountains, rock climbing to the top of the waterfall, and finally rope climbing down the bottom of the waterfall. If you are planning to rope climb, I would suggest to wear gloves. It's very helpful. Before you go to the top of the waterfall, there's a trail that heads right downward, that's where you rope climb down to visit the bottom of the waterfall. I would rate this hike moderate. Fun for the family and friends.

Love this trail. One of my favorites, especially during cool days when the sun's not beating down on you. Best time is early morning to beat the traffic. It's a very popular hike. I like going passed the falls towards Condor Canyon. Someday I'll go all the way to Tom Lucas Trailcamp. Wear shorts on hot and cool days. During spring and early summer, take shoes you're ok with getting wet. There are shady spots but only where the trail runs alongside the creek so take a hat. And please pick up your trash or stop throwing it like if the place is a dump site. It'll be a dump site if all the idiots who leave empty water bottles, beer cans, potato chip bags and "healthy" granola rappers all over the place. Once it's EMPTY, it can't possibly be that heavy to take it back! Stop being lazy asses. We go out there to take in the views of Mother Nature, not view trash. Let's keep it clean so others can enjoy it! By the way, I did pick up what others left behind. Bring it in, take it out. That's the motto!

Loved this trail. It's about 5.0 miles. There is minimal parking at the Trailhead but you can parallel park along the side of the road. Definitely bring water and apply sunscreen because there isn't much shade. I hiked Trail Canyon in the middle of July 2020 and sadly there wasn't much of a waterfall, but the cesspool was really refreshing ;) To get to the waterfall, you have the option to use the rope to get to the bottom. I can't imagine what this trail is like on the weekends because when you get to the bottom, the space is really limited. I assume it's pretty crowded. There are a few switchbacks and a few side paths, so stay alert because you can easily get lost if you're not paying attention. In closing, if you love hiking, I'd definitely add Trail Canyon to your bucket list.

This trail was a great hike! Remember to stay hydrated and bring some snacks. Try to go earlier on in the morning to have a fresher start. Completely recommend. We went in august so there wasn't any water running but it was still beautiful!

Absolutely loved this little gem! The hike was great! Some steep areas but so worth it when you get to the waterfall. When you go be careful not to miss the trail on your right going down when you get closer to the waterfall. You hit this rock climbing business going down but theirs ropes to help you. The water was so fresh. Loved this hike so much. Watch for rattle snakes also DONT LITTER

Too many people Leave their trash behind/on trail and at Lower and upper water falls!! Remind All hikers in your entourage to pack xtra bag(s) for your trash/wrappers/water bottles and take them out with you! And please pickUp your dogs' poops along @TrailCanyonFalls so others can enjoy the pleasant hike too.

Level: easy / intermediate hike Miles: 4 there and back Honestly one of my favorite hikes in the LA area. Trail is easy to find as well as follow. While there Is plenty of shade and trees, I'd recommend wearing sunscreen and bringing a hat. There's a long stretch going uphill where you'll need some kind of sun protection. The trail brings you to the top of the waterfall or the base -both are gorgeous views. Visiting the base of the waterfall requires some climbing but there is a rope available. It isn't too bad but steep and possibly tricky for someone who isn't comfortable. I brought by 85 pound German Shepard and she had no issue climbing up or getting down. This hike is one of those "the journey is just as good as the destination". Really enjoyed the views, it has some of the most breathtaking sights.

Plenty of parking alongside the street, nice trail, waterfall at the end I would suggest going right after a rainy day because otherwise the falls and streams might be dried out, beautiful hike definitely recommend

Upon initial research, I went into this hike thinking it would take about 3 hours, would probably get wet, and would have a decent cardio/leg day. I was right about most of this except the time duration! It only took us 2 hours round-trip (including the 15 minutes of so we took to take pictures at the waterfall) My friends and I started this hike at 10:20 AM on a somewhat sunny Wednesday morning. After stream-crossing several times without injury (although there were some close call times), we were able to reach the waterfall by 11:30 AM. I would say that we were in pretty good shape though and didn't really need any breaks longer than half a minute. The hike is mostly incline all the way to the fall, so the return trip was definitely easier. Most of the stream crossings have logs set up for you to safely walk across. Some of the logs are somewhat.....unsteady. Part of the excitement in this hike is navigating across the streams, some of which are waist deep. The recent rains is what prompted me to want to do this hike. I was not disappointed upon reaching the waterfall. Compared to some pictures of the waterfall taken during the drought, the waterfall was amazing yesterday. You can hike to the base of the fall and also to the top. The distance from the base to the top of the fall isn't too hard to find nor is it too far. We saw numerous hikers with dogs, so feel free to bring your pooch if they have a somewhat decent sense of balance (for stream-crossing via logs!). More info here! https://socalhiker.net/hiking-trail-canyon-falls/

Trail Canyons is a hidden gem in Tujunga. Don't follow the directions on yelp. It will take you pass the trail to a middle of no where. We did that and ended up going home on the first time. Take 210, exit Sunland and head north on foothill then make left on Oro Vista which will eventually lead to Big Tujunga Canyon Road. The second time around we spotted an area where a lot of cars were parked along the side of the road. Yay to free parking. The hike overall is about 5 miles roundtrip. It starts with a steep incline on the way to the trail head. I would recommend starting early during the summer since there were limited area to hide for shades. The hike is mostly in the sun with a gradual incline. I would rate this as a moderate hike with the MOST AMAZING waterfall I have ever seen in our local San Gabriel Mountains. The waterfall is huge and you can get close enough to take instagram/FB worth shots to impress your friends. There is a trail you can head up to be at the top of the waterfall. It's a lot of rock climbing not quite safe in my opinion. Most ppl take the trail to the bottom where you can take some FB worth shots, picnic, and enjoy the hidden gem. This hike is worth checking out if you are looking for a huge waterfall.

Saw this waterfall on an Instagram post and I immediately wanted to come check it out. Its about an hour drive from LA so its not too close nor too far. You need an adventure pass to park so get the daily one for $5 or the yearly one for $30. Park on the side of the road if their tiny lot is full. The trail is pretty easy to follow. There are a few stream crossings but nothing crazy like Bridge to Nowhere. After the crossing, you hike up the mountain for a bit and then you see the waterfall from afar. You can either go down and play under the waterfall or you can also go at the top for a sick view. Definitely recommend this hike for waterfall chasers!

This hike is now one of my favorite hikes in Angeles National Forest. Living in Glendale, it took us just over half an hour to get to the trail head. Take 210, exit Sunland and head north on foothill then make left on Oro Vista which will eventually lead to Big Tujunga Canyon Road. From there, it's about 3.5 miles in to the start of the trail on the LEFT side. Make sure you don't pass it because the dirt road parking lot can be easily missed. There's a locked gate you have to go around in the beginning of the trailhead. The trail is well maintained and only saw one other car parked when we arrived on a Friday morning. The yelp reivew said the hike is about 5 Miles round trip. However, my tracker said 6.48 when we got back to the car. Perhaps it's bc we ventured further up the falls. The hike for the first 1.5 was fairly easy with not much of an incline but the last mile or so was intense. My phatass had to catch my breath a few times here and there. As you decend down to the falls, there is a community rope to use to go down the rocky trail. Fairly easy. Once we got to the falls, we replenished ourselves and cooled off under the falls. So refreshing. As long as you make it back up with the ropes and back on the trail, the hike back was easy breezy because you endured all the hard part. With breaks here and there and relaxing by the falls for about a good hour, we finished around 3.5 hrs or so. Try to go early as possible to avoid the heat. Pack plenty of water, sun screen, snacks and a hat and make sure to go under the falls. We didn't see ANY rattlers which was a good thing. Be safe and enjoy.

I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW AMAZING THE WATERFALL IS. I came here on the 24th of March, 2017 with my girls. We was told that the parking gate would open at 7am but we arrived there at 7:30am and the gate was still closed. Anyway, you could just leave your car at the bottom and the hike to the starting point of this trail was only 0.4 miles. Make sure don't leave any belongings in the car when you park by the road! We were the first one to hike on that day but it was pretty cool because we can stop whenever we want and nobody's gonna bother us. It took us three hours round trip but we made A LOT OF STOPS. So yeah, it probably could have been done in two hours or so. I know people said there's 12 creeks each way...but we only saw 11 lol. You're gonna have to make decision after a mile (or less) on the trail because there's two way that could get you to the waterfall. We took the path on the right and we didn't encounter any hardcore stream of water. The creeks are all minor and they're BEAUTIFUL! I got excited every time we have to cross another creek LOL. Around 9ish we started seeing a few other people hiking up, but we're already done. Lucky for us we didn't have to share the waterfall with anyone! Hahaha. Also, I didn't see anything saying that you need a pass or permit to park here. So I think you're good. Too bad the waterfall was way too cold. I would've jumped into the water if it's summer now. But yeah, give this place a try and you will never regret it! And come early! Avoid traffic and avoid sharing the beautiful waterfall!

I really enjoyed this hike! My friend and I went up on May 13th 2017 to get some fresh air and see the waterfall up close and in person. I would rate this hike a 4/10 on difficulty. It is an uphill hike but the climb is gradual. Parts of the trail are lightly shaded, so make sure to bring that sunscreen! It took my friend and I a little over an hour before we reached the falls. Someone in one of the previous reviews described the waterfall as a hidden gem, and I couldn't agree more. It was really amazing to see such a site near the Los Angeles area. You will need to climb down some ropes to get to the waterfall. It might look a little intimidating at first site, but the descent is very doable. Also, Make sure to bring swimwear, so you can stand near or under the cascading water. It was my first time ever standing underneath a waterfall and what a great experience it was! I didn't buy an adventure pass, and a lot of vehicles that were parked in the beginning of the trail did not have one either. I really don't think an adventure pass is necessary, but I would get one if you want to play it safe. A shout out to Alex and Natalie! My friend and I met them on the trail, and we took turns helping each other get awesome photos of one another. Much appreciated! This is a must do hike!

This hike is no joke. Information I found on line does not give an accurate distance, so going off my Fitbit, it came to a little over 6 miles. On the way in, it's all up hill! Meeting with people along the way, everyone said the same thing though... it's hard, but the end waterfall is sooo worth it! I have to agree! We were hot, tired and sweaty, but we made it! I would recommend going early if possible on warm days. When we reached the waterfall, the trail down to the base of the fall is pretty steep. Coming back up is definitely a lot easier than getting down. If you can't make the climb in to the canyon, you can also go straight on the trail and it will take you to the top portion of the falls with less traffic, cool clear water to stick your feet in and many nice size rocks to relax on before you head back out. We enjoyed this hike immensely. Remember though to "Leave no trace" when you go so we can all keep it as beautiful as possible. Cheers!

I was looking for Wikiup. I dont know if it still exists since u haven't been there in years. The mountains are lush. Had a great hike. POISON OAK EVERY WHERE!!

Moderate level hike with some incline spread along the way. Not a lot of shades as you hike up towards the waterfall so it is recommended that you bring hat, sunglasses, etc. Also bring water!!! When you get near the water fall there's a rope to go down to the lower part of the waterfall. We went down and the view was worth it. When we went there was not a lot of people so it was perfect. The water is clear, quite, and very relaxing. It was worth the hike. Totally recommend this hike!

Parking: (free) not much available but just so happened to be a spot just for us. I parked on the side of the road just below the trail, came bad windows weren't broken ! Weather/Day: not as crowded during the week, it was about 75 degrees or less, perfect probably wouldn't go if hotter than that Trail/hike: expect rattlesnakes they're there. Lots of them I'm sure, I saw (2) on the way back : BE CAREFUL WITH DOGS AND CHILDREN. It took us about 1hr30 to get to the beautiful waterfall (worth it) and maybe 45 minutes back (downhill) . Please TAKE BREAKS in case an emergency happens and you need to run or something. Overall 7/10 walking was exhausting, waterfall was beautiful, maybe check it out after significant rainfall ! Enjoy.

Beautiful trail! I've been here years ago several times but recently came back to check it out before the rain! Trail is unmaintained, however it's not hard at all to find the trail. At the beginning of the hike, you walk through some private property & then see signs for a trail. Getting to the waterfall itself is not hard just kind of a pain because of the rocks, just watch your footing & I suggest wearing sunscreen & bugspray!! Overall wonderful hike! Not for people scared of heights!

First off, tons of POISON OAK ALONGSIDE PARTS OF THE TRAIL. So... don't go off trail and don't touch the plants and you'll be fine. With caution, this hike is fantastic and I've enjoyed both times I've gone (once 2018 in the spring, once 2019 in the winter). Unfortunately, more people are catching wind of this excellent and adventurous trail and the once "hidden" gem which will eventually get me to steer clear of the people traffic. The secret's out so I can post a review now ;) The waterfall is wonderful and the trek to get there is one to earn. About 3/4 of the way to the falls it starts getting challenging, for me anyway, due to the ongoing incline. It's doable if you take the breaks you need. It's also fun to use the rope to get to the bottom of the fall. If you don't want to go there, you can stick to the upper trail and check out the fall from the top. I highly encourage checking out both areas, every time! When there are creek passings (which show up in several places), expect some delay while people figure out how to maneuver across without getting swamp foot. This spring, with all the rain we've been getting, is going to be an amazing time to check out this very lush LA trail, barring people traffic.