Trail Canyon Falls, Los Angeles CA

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 990 feet
• Sunland, CA | Los Angeles Region
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The image shows a small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a shallow pool of water below. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, including some bushes and small trees. The sky above is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

The image shows a small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a shallow pool of water below. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation, including some bushes and small trees. The sky above is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

Rappel the ropes to reach the foot of Trail Canyon Falls.

Just five minutes off the Interstate at Sunland and you're already surrounded by nothing but peaceful green hills. Continue driving into the Angeles National Forest and ten minutes later you'll arrive at the trailhead already.

This hike promises a picturesque walk into a sun-drenched canyon with a charming waterfall splashing down 30-40 feet into a shady creek pool.

You'll negotiate several easy creek crossings on a wide trail as you gradually gain elevation, and the activity of the creek will hint at the impressiveness of the falls to come. Around half the way into the hike, the path narrows and snakes around the deepening canyon with a few fun (and safe) precipitous drop-offs until Trail Canyon Falls comes into view.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Trail Canyon Falls 4.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 990 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Some may want to remain by the trail to admire the waterfall views, but most should try making the descent to the foot of the falls by way of an increasingly steep path. So steep in fact that ropes are anchored into the ground to assist with the most sheer part of the trail. Don't worry though - folks with an average level of fitness will likely find the rope rappel to be pretty easy both ways.

We were lucky to have the falls to ourselves when we visited, as this trail is often very busy. I admit that I struggled to take a good photo of the falls, which was partly in shade and partly in full sun. The pink blossoming tree next to the falls did add a special touch though.

Most of this trail is in full sun throughout the day, so dress appropriately and bring sunblock. There are quite a number of trailhead and roadside parking opportunities on Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Be warned that although there were no signs present to tell you this, parking in the Angeles National Forest requires the display of an Adventure Pass that can be picked up at local stores.

The image shows a group of people hiking on a dirt trail through a mountainous area. The trail is surrounded by green shrubs and bushes, and the mountains in the background are covered with a mix of vegetation and rocky terrain. The sky is clear and blue, indicating good weather.

The image shows a group of people hiking on a dirt trail through a mountainous area. The trail is surrounded by green shrubs and bushes, and the mountains in the background are covered with a mix of vegetation and rocky terrain. The sky is clear and blue, indicating good weather.

Heading out into the Canyon for the falls.

The image is a side-by-side collage. The left side shows a person holding onto two ropes, one red and one yellow, while climbing a rocky trail. The right side shows a scenic view of a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky.

The image is a side-by-side collage. The left side shows a person holding onto two ropes, one red and one yellow, while climbing a rocky trail. The right side shows a scenic view of a waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky.

The ropes are easier than they might look.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a variety of vegetation, including a prominent spiky plant and several large boulders. The background features green hills and valleys, illuminated by the bright sunlight.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a variety of vegetation, including a prominent spiky plant and several large boulders. The background features green hills and valleys, illuminated by the bright sunlight.

Sunny canyon at all times of day. Bring sunblock and a hat.

The image shows a close-up of a branch with pink blossoms, likely cherry or peach blossoms, set against a blurred background of a mountainous landscape and a clear blue sky. The contrast between the vibrant pink flowers and the muted tones of the mountains makes the image visually striking and highlights the beauty of nature in bloom.

The image shows a close-up of a branch with pink blossoms, likely cherry or peach blossoms, set against a blurred background of a mountainous landscape and a clear blue sky. The contrast between the vibrant pink flowers and the muted tones of the mountains makes the image visually striking and highlights the beauty of nature in bloom.

Blossoms by the waterfall.

Tangents:
• Official: Forestry Service
• AllTrails Public: Trail Canyon Falls
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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