Category Archives: General information: Waterfall hikes

Bailey Canyon Falls

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Bailey Canyon Waterfall

Trail into Bailey Canyon

Bailey Canyon Falls

    • Location: Bailey Canyon Park, 451 W. Carter Ave, Sierra Madre.  From points west, take I-210 to Michillinda Ave.  Turn left and go north for 0.9 miles and turn right on Sierra Madre Blvd.  Go 0.5 miles and turn left on Lima.  Go 0.6 miles, bear left onto Carter Ave and turn right into the park.  From points east, take I-210 to Baldwin Ave.  Turn right and head north for 1.9 miles to Carter Ave.  Turn left and go 0.5 miles to the parking lot.  Parking is free and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
    • Agency: City of Sierra Madre/Bailey Canyon Park (phone 626-355-5278)
    • Distance: 1.6 miles (including Live Oak Nature Trail)
    • Elevation gain: 350 feet
    • Difficulty Rating: PG
    • Suggested time: 1 hour
    • Best season: Year round (best after recent rains)
    • USGS topo map:  Mt. Wilson
    • More information:  here; Everytrail report here
    • Rating: 6

Even though it only looks impressive after heavy rains, Bailey Canyon Falls is a popular destination in the front country of the San Gabriel Mountains. Easily accessible to Sierra Madre and Pasadena, the canyon is a pleasant place for a visit, even if the waterfall is only a trickle.

The trail begins at Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park in Sierra Madre. From the lot, follow the trail past the information board. The beginning of the hike, which ascends a paved road, might not seem promising, but soon the trail begins and you are transported into a quiet woodland. Soon the Live Oak Nature Trail branches off to the right, on a footbridge crossing the canyon. This is a worthwhile addition to the hike; the self-guided nature trail showcases several of the trees in the canyon, including live oak, canary island pine, sycamore and others.  The trail is a little tricky to follow in some spots (and there is poison oak, so be careful) but if you look for the small interpretive plaques, they will help guide you.

Once you rejoin the main trail, continue north into the canyon.  Soon you pass the turnoff for Jones Peak, a destination for those who want a MUCH more challenging hike.  Stay along the canyon, occasionally climbing over some rocks which can be slippery if water is flowing. The trail becomes a little rougher at this point, but before long you arrive at the waterfall. There are a few rocks for sitting and watching the 20-foot cascade.

Text and photography copyright 2012 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Mt. Wilson Loop (via Sturtevant and Winter Creek Trails)

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View from Echo Rock near Mt. Wilson's summit


San Gabriel Peak from the western side of the Mt. Wilson Summit

Mt. Wilson Loop (via Sturtevant and Winter Creek Trails)

  • Location:  Angeles National Forest north of Arcadia.  From Interstate 210, head north on Santa Anita Avenue (right if you are coming from the east, left if you are coming from the west).  After passing through a residential area, you reach a vehicle gate.   The road starts climbing up into the mountains, and arrives at the Chantry Flats parking lot after about 3 miles.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 14  miles
  • Elevation gain: 3,900 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: R (Distance, elevation gain, steepness)
  • Suggested time: 8.5 hours
  • Best season: October – June
  • USGS topo map: “Mt. Wilson”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles
  • More information: Trip report here; Everytrail guide here
  • Rating: 9

Even if you’ve never hiked before, if you live in Los Angeles, chances are Mt. Wilson plays a role in your life. Many L.A. radio and television stations broadcast from the 5,710-foot summit; the observatory and telescopes are also a popular tourist destination up here. You can drive to the summit, but what fun would that be?

For hikers, there are many different routes to the summit. Some hikers use the difficult Mt. Wilson trail from Sierra Madre; some continue up the toll road from Henninger Flats in Pasadena. Another popular starting point is Chantry Flats, which is described here. There are two viable routes to the top from Chantry, and this route uses them both to make a loop.

As with the Mt. Zion Loop, head downhill on the paved road as if you were going to Sturtevant Falls. The Winter Creek Trail branches off at the bottom of the hill; stay straight and head up into the canyon. Where the trail to Sturtevant Falls branches off to the right, bear left onto the Top of the Waterfall trail. (The longer trail, accessible with a hard left, is an alternative designed for horses.) The trail climbs up the side of the canyon, occasionally requiring scrambling over rocks and getting pretty close to the edge of the cliff. You get a nice view of Sturtevant Falls from above.

The two trails rejoin at Falling Sign Junction, and you continue to the right, passing the Cascade Picnic Area in 2.8 miles and the Spruce Grove Trail Camp in 3.5 miles; a good place to stop and rest.

Shortly beyond Spruce Grove, the Gabrielino Trail branches off to the right. Stay straight and take a left just before the sign to Sturtevant Camp. Carefully cross the top of a check dam, and stay right at the next junction, where the trail to Mt. Zion branches off.

At this point, Mt. Wilson is only three miles, but over 2,000 feet of elevation, away. The trail climbs steeply through the woods, still almost entirely shaded. “Halfway Rest” (really just a sign at a switchback) marks the halfway point between Sturtevant Camp and the summit. Shortly afterward, the grade becomes a little less steep, and your efforts are rewarded with glimpses of the L.A. basin below. You work you way through some manzanitas and chapparal, and finally you’ll see a metal railing above. This is Echo Rock, a large outcrop on the mountain’s east edge.

At 6.8 miles, you arrive at the Mt. Wilson summit. You can enjoy a great view from Echo Rock by walking along a fenced-in trail. At the end, you can see San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, the Saddleback, Catalina Island and more.

After taking in the view, you can walk across the summit on the road, passing by the white dome of the observatory and the telescopes. From April to October, the Cosmic Cafe is open. There’s also a short nature trail you can visit.

To continue with this loop, however, head east, past the Rim Trail, along the paved road. It leads to a big parking lot, where you can get nice views of San Gabriel Peak and points west.

From the south corner of the lot, take a trail signed for Sierra Madre and head downhill. When it joins the dirt road, take a left and continue your descent. As you go downhill, you’ll get nice views to the east.

After half a mile, look for the Mt. Wilson trail branching off to the left; the dirt road continues all the way down to Henninger Flats and Altadena. In another half mile, you come to a junction where the Mt. Wilson Trail heads left down toward Sierra Madre. There’s a bench where you can sit and enjoy the views before beginning a steep descent.

Head left on the Winter Creek Trail, which drops over 2,000 feet in the next two and a half miles. There are a few fire breaks which criss-cross the trail, but the main route descends in switchbacks. (If you end up on a fire break, odds are you’ll rejoin the trail soon). You pass by a few buildings, and soon you arrive at the junction with the trail ascending from Hoegees (on the Winter Creek Loop). You’re now three miles from Chantry Flats. Head briefly uphill (the last climbing of the trip), and follow the Winter Creek Trail to its end at the service road. Take a left and walk a half mile down the hill, back to the parking lot.

As with other famous hikes in the San Gabriels such as Mt. Baldy and Mt. Baden-Powell, climbing Mt. Wilson is a rite of passage for L.A. hikers. It’s a nice feeling to see the antennas on the peak from the L.A. basin and know that you’ve not only been there, but done it the hard way.

Text and photography copyright 2012 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Rose Valley Falls

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Rose Valley Falls

On the trail to Rose Valley Falls

Rose Valley Falls

  • Location: North of Ojai in the Los Padres National Forest.  From the town of Ojai, head north on highway 33 for 14 miles (25 miles from Highway 101 in Ventura) to Rose Valley Road.  Turn right and go 3.1 miles to Rose Valley Lake Road.  Turn right and drive 0.3 miles to the end of the road and park in the campground by the signed trailhead to Rose Valley falls.   A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Los Padres National Forest/Ojai Ranger District
  • Distance: 0.8
  • Elevation gain: 250 feet
  • Suggested time: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty rating: G
  • Best season: Year round (best after recent rain)
  • USGS topo map: Lion Canyon
  • More information: Trip reports here and here; Everytrail report here
  • Rating: 6

This is one of Southern California’s tallest–and most unusual looking–waterfalls.  Unfortunately, the spectacular upper tier, visible from the campground, is not easily accessible to hikers; the short walk through the woods brings you to the lower tier, which is not a bad consolation prize.  Even if there’s not much water–which there isn’t as of this writing–the limestone and sandstone cliffs, underneath the shade of oaks, is a nice spot for a picnic or to hang out and enjoy nature.

From the end of the campground, begin hiking uphill on the signed trail.  After crossing the creek, the trail continues to climb, mostly in the shade, occasionally providing a glimpse of the upper level of the falls.  The trail rises above the creek, passing over a smaller waterfall.   Soon, you arrive at the bottom level.  There are a few rocks that you can climb to get a good view of it.

Obviously, Rose Valley Falls is a very short hike to do if you’re driving a long way to get to the Los Padres National Forest, but there are quite a few other good trails in the area to check out, such as Potrero John and Piedras Blancas.  With time off for the upcoming holidays, and traffic likely to be lighter than usual, L.A. hikers might want to consider making a trip up here to check out Rose Valley Falls and some of its neighbors.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Tachevah Falls via North Lykken Trail

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Tachevah Falls

On the North Lykken Trail

Tachevah Falls via North Lykken Trail

    • Location: Palm Springs.  From I-10, take the Highway 111 exit and head southeast for 9.5 miles and turn right on Via Escuela.  Go 0.2 miles and turn left on Via Norte.  Go 0.2 miles and turn right on Chino Canyon Road.  Turn left on Panorama Road and go 0.3 miles.  Bear left onto Cielo Drive and take a left on a spur (it will look as if you are going into private property, but you are not).  At the end of the spur, between a tennis court and a cactus garden, park and begin on the North Lykken Trail.
    • Agency: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
    • Distance: 4 miles
    • Elevation gain: 900 feet
    • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, terrain, trail condition)
    • Suggested time: 2.5 hours
    • Best season:  October – April, daylight only (waterfall access: October – December)
    • USGS topo maps: “Palm Springs”
    • Recommended gear: hiking poles ; sun hat; long sleeve shirt and pants
    • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
    • More information: trip report here; Everytrail report here 
    • Rating: 7

Most people don’t associate waterfalls with Palm Springs, and those who do usually think of Tahquitz Canyon. However, Inland Empire hikers won’t want to miss Tachevah Falls, which, despite being dry most of the year, is very visually striking. Add a huge variety of scenery on the North Lykken trail – including panoramic views of Palm Springs, interesting geology and desert vegetation – and you have one of the more entertaining hikes in the area.

From the end of the spur off Cielo Drive, the North Lykken trail (named for former Palm Springs postmaster and businessman Carl Lykken) wastes no time in climbing 300 feet to a ridge. Here, hikers can relax at some picnic tables before continuing on. The trail dips down and closely hugs the side of the Santa Rosas. Terrain can be a little tricky here, although the route should be fairly obvious. After passing by a false trail that branches off down the hill to the left, and passing the mouth of a wide canyon, you arrive at a junction, 1.6 miles from the start. Here, the Lykken Trail continues (somewhat obscurely) to the left, and a spur heads off to the right, where you get your first look at Tachevah Falls.

According to “Afoot and Afield”, access is only legal from October to December, although I did not see any signs indicating this while actually on the trail. Still, if you are visiting during another time of the year and don’t want to take your chances, this can be a good turnaround point; the views are pretty dramatic. You can also continue on the North Lykken Trail, climbs out of the canyon and up to a junction with the Museum Trail and the infamous Skyline Trail that eventually leads to the San Jacinto summit.

If you want to see the falls more closely, follow the trail to the right up into the canyon. The trail follows the wash of Tachevah Creek, sometimes going in and out of it. You may find yourself climbing over rocks and pushing aside bushes, including some thorny mesquite (hence the long shirt/pants recommendation), but usually the trail won’t be too hard to find. The huge rock wall ahead will help with your orientation. The only real navigational point to remember is, when you pass a huge boulder on the right (about a quarter mile into the canyon), head uphill to the left on a trail that steeply ascends the southern wall of the canyon. A bit more climbing gets you to the waterfall, where your best views are from a rock shortly in front of it. Although water is likely to be only trickling here, the unusual rock surface – striped in beige, brown, white, gray and black from years of sedimentary buildup – is well worth the effort it takes to get there. Tachevah rivals Black Star Canyon for being one of the most distinctive looking waterfalls in So Cal, and unlike its Orange County counterpart, this one’s appearance is completely natural. And there’s no poison oak to deal with on the way down, either.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Chiquito Trail

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View from the Chiquito Trail

Oaks on the Chiquito Trail

Chiquito Trail
    • Location: Southwest Riverside County off of highway 74.  From Lake Elsinore, take highway 74 west for 11 miles.  The San Juan Loop trail parking lot is on the right, across the street from the Ortega Oaks (Candy) Store.  From Orange County, take highway 74 east for 21 miles.  The parking lot is on the left.  A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 day/$30 year) required for parking.  Click here to purchase.
    • Agency: Cleveland National Forest/Trabuco Division
    • Distance: 9.6 miles (to waterfall site)
    • Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
    • Suggested time: 5 hours
    • Best season: December – May
    • USGS topo maps: Sitton Peak, Alberhill
    • Recommended gear: hiking poles
    • More information: here; Everytrail report here
    • Difficulty rating: PG-13 (distance, elevation gain)
    • Rating: 7

Named for former ranger Kenneth Munhall’s horse, the Chiquito Trail (not to be confused with nearby Chiquito Basin) runs for six and a half miles in the Santa Ana Mountains, connecting the Viejo Tie trail and the San Juan Loop Trail. The route described here shares the first mile with the San Juan Loop trail and then branches off, with the 15-foot seasonal Chiquito Falls as its destination. Recent rains unfortunately haven’t had an impact on the falls, which as of this writing is barely a trickle, but they have brought out some color in the oaks that line the canyons, making it seem almost rain-forest like. Some fall colors are still visible on the maples as well.

Begin by following the San Juan Loop Trail in either direction from the parking lot. In 1.1 miles, at the approximate half way point at the bottom of the canyon, look for the unsigned Chiquito Trail branching off.

Follow the Chiquito Trail across the canyon bottom and head northwest for a mile. You cross an unnamed tributary and then get to the bulk of the climbing. The trail ascends about 800 feet in just under two miles, most of it fairly easy but there are a few rocky stretches that may be a little tricky.

As you climb, you alternate between pleasant woodlands shaded by oaks, and open stretches where you get nice, panoramic views of San Juan Canyon and the highway far below. A little less than four miles from the start, the trail levels out. This can be a good turn-around point, with great view to enjoy. For those who want to continue to the waterfall or all the way up to the junction with the Viejo Tie Trail, the next mile is downhill. Soon you can see Lion Canyon below to the left, and if the falls are flowing, they will become visible. A short spur takes you to the top of the 15-foot rock wall where Chiquito Falls happens after heavy rains. Even if the falls are dry, this is a nice spot to sit and relax for a while before turning around. Past here, the Chiquito Trail continues for 2.4 miles before reaching the Viejo Tie Trail.

If a nearly ten mile round trip hike seems like a lot for a waterfall that may or may not be flowing, keep in mind that any amount of hiking on this trail is enjoyable, especially on cool, clear days. It’s a great training hike, too.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Bonita Canyon Falls (San Gabriels)

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Bonita Canyon Falls

Bonita Canyon Falls (San Gabriels)

  • Location:  Eastern end of the San Gabriel Mountains north of Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga and south of Lytle Creek.  From I-15, take the Sierra Ave. exit.  Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and head northeast for 6 miles (Sierra becomes Lytle Creek Road.)  Six miles from the highway, look for a dirt turnout on the left side of the road (if you reach South Fork Road, you’re too far.)  A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: San Bernardino National Forest/Lytle Creek Ranger District
  • Distance: 1.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 500 feet
  • Suggested time: 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty rating: PG
  • Best season: Year round
  • USGS topo map: Devore
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information: Great trip report with photos and accurate play by play here; Everytrail report here
  • Rating: 5

It seems too good to be true: a 150-foot waterfall just a mile off the road, only a few minutes from the north edge of the Inland Empire. Bonita Canyon Falls is in fact very real, but unfortunately its easy access has made it the victim of a lot of trash and graffiti. This is a hiking blog, not a morality blog, so I’ll spare the sermon and assume that my readership will take the high road and not further ruin what could have been, and may someday become, one of So Cal’s best waterfall hikes. In fact, with two hard to reach (and thus hard to measure) tiers above the main one, Bonita Canyon Falls is said by some to total over 500 feet, making it taller than Big Falls in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Besides the graffiti and trash, the other catch is that navigation and terrain can be tricky. Although it’s a viable year-round hike, check with the Lytle Creek station before doing it. If the water is high, the creek crossing at the beginning can be treacherous; if the water is low, the waterfall’s flow might not be all that great. Snow can be an issue here too.

From the parking area, make your way down the embankment to the creek. As of this writing, the best place to cross is slightly upstream, where a huge fallen log spans the water. Some may be nervous crossing the creek here, but the log is close enough to the water so that one can use hiking poles for balance.

On the other side, head left and make your way along a semblance of a trail, leading through some trees to the wide-open flood plain. The exact route you take here will probably vary, but a good strategy is to work your way across to the south wall, where you can pretty easily follow a course along the rocks. If you are wearing boots or shoes with good ankle support, you’ll be fine.

At about 0.8 miles from the start, look for a a dirt path heading uphill to the left. After passing a painted over sign, the trail winds its way up into the canyon, going over and under trees. When in doubt, try to stay as close to the water as possible. There are a few spots that are tricky, but navigation and terrain aren’t too much of an issue here.

Before long, you’ll see bottom of the main waterfall, and then the whole thing comes into view. A short climb up some rocks will bring you to a spot where you can sit on a boulder and enjoy the waterfall.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail.  Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Ben Overturff Trail (Monrovia Canyon Park)

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On the Ben Overturff Trail

Hills above Monrovia Canyon

Ben Overturff Trail (Monrovia Canyon Park)

  • Location: Foothills north of Monrovia.  From I-210, take the Myrtle Avenue exit and drive north for 1.9 miles.  Take a right on Scenic Drive, and stay straight when Canyon Blvd. merges.  Follow Canyon Blvd. to the entrance of the park.  Parking is $5 per car.
  • Agency:  Monrovia Canyon Park
  • Distance: 7.1 miles
  • Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
  • Difficulty Rating:  PG-13 (Elevation gain, steepness, distance)
  • Suggested time: 4 hours
  • Best season: October – May (8am-5pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • USGS topo maps: “Azusa”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information: trip reports and reviews here; here
  • Rating: 7

If you enjoyed Monrovia Canyon Falls and want more of a challenge, consider undertaking this trip to the ruins of the historic Deer Park Lodge. Recent rains have made the area pleasantly cool, and the sound of the water flowing down the canyon is a nice accompaniment to the hike, but be careful of wet leaves and rocks, particularly as you get higher in the canyon, where the trail tends to cling very closely to the hillside.

The beginning of the hike isn’t particularly inspiring, but once you get on the actual Overturff trail, the scenery is great. You begin by following the paved road up from the parking lot, to the falls and nature center. Take a right on a gated private road leading to the Trask Scout Camp. Go inside the fence and follow the road over a bridge. You pass by the large Sawpit Dam, and after about a mile, bear right on a dirt road.

Soon after, you come to a junction. Head left between two stone columns to get to the Ben Overturff trail. The next two miles are challenging but very scenic. You go in and out of the canyon, through a meadow, and after a mile, make a very steep climb up a stretch known as the “Isthmus.” You’ll probably have to stop and catch your breath, but when you do, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views down into the canyon.

After the climb ends, the trail heads back down into the canyon, passing by Twin Springs. You cross the creek and head left, continuing up another steep stretch to the last intersection, with the Deer Park Trail. Stay straight again and soon you arrive at the ruins of Deer Park Lodge. Ben Overturff and his wife used to run the lodge, which was a popular vacation retreat in the early 20th century. According to an interpretive plaque at the site, the going rate for a weekend’s room and board was twenty-five cents.

There’s not much to see up here, only ruins of the Deer Park Lodge buildings, but it is a nice, shady place to sit and relax, and you get some good views both above and below.

On the way back, for some variety, take a left on the Deer Park trail, which soon leads to the fire road. Take a right and head back down for two miles to the intersection with the Overtruff trail, and retrace your steps on the paved road, down the hill and back to the parking lot.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Ontario Peak

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Baldy and Telegraph Peaks from near the Ontario summit

Ontario Peak trail, between Icehouse Saddle and Kelly Camp

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Ontario Peak

  • Location: Angeles National Forest near Mt. Baldy.  Take I-210 to the Mountain Ave/Mt. Baldy exit, drive 4.3 miles north on Mountain Ave (which will become Shinn Road).  Take a right on Mt. Baldy Road (the end of Shinn Road), drive 6.4 miles and take a right into the Icehouse Canyon parking lot.  On the way drop by the Mt. Baldy Visitor’s Center and pick up the free wilderness permit required for the Cucamonga Wilderness.  A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here.  Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel River Ranger District
  • Distance: 12.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 3,800 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: R (distance, elevation gain, altitude, steepness)
  • Suggested time: 7 hours
  • Best season: May to October
  • USGS topo map: “Cucamonga Peak”; “Mt. Baldy”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information: ANF page (with description of the hike to Icehouse Saddle) here; description of Ontario Peak here
  • Rating: 9

Note: This hike begins with the 3.6 mile climb to Icehouse Saddle.  For a description and photos of that portion of the hike, click here.

Like neighboring Cucamonga Peak, Ontario Peak (elevation 8,693) towers over the Inland Empire, and provides dramatic summit views.  It misses out on some of the dramatic vistas of the high desert and the San Bernardino range that Cucamonga and Telegraph Peak provide, but there is still a lot of good scenery on the route.  Hikers can expect nice aerial views of Icehouse Canyon and up-close views of Mt. Baldy, which seems much bigger here than when seen from the L.A. basin.

From Icehouse Saddle, take a hard right on the signed Ontario Peak trail.  The first mile, to Kelly Camp, is one of the most enjoyable of the entire trip.  The grade is mellow and the walk through the pines is very pleasant; on the right are views of the canyon and other nearby peaks.

After Kelly Camp, however, the trail kicks into high gear.  Stay to the left of the camp and begin some steep switchbacks.  There are a few stretches where the trail is overgrown and may be hard to follow; when in doubt, just keep going up.  Soon you arrive at a saddle where you get great views of the flat Inland Empire communities below, clear to the Saddleback peaks in Orange County.  To the left, a trail heads to Bighorn Peak; your route is to the right.

Although the sign at the saddle indicates one mile to Ontario Peak, it seems more like at least one and a half; everything takes longer at high altitude.  You make a few switchbacks up to a false summit, round the corner and see the true summit shortly beyond.  You cross a backbone ridge and make one last climb to the peak.  A scramble up some rocks will take you to the highest point, but the views from anywhere on the peak area great.  On clear days, you might see the ocean, downtown L.A. and the Santa Monica Mountains.  You can also expect glimpses of San Jacinto and the high desert.  Most of the landscape is dominated by Cucamonga Peak, Telegraph Peak and, of course, Baldy.

When ready, make your descent.  As tiring as the hike may be, like its neighboring peaks, Ontario comes with quite a few bragging rights, and its prominent visibility from the L.A. basin is a reminder of that.

Switzer Falls

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Lower Switzer falls

Bear Canyon above Switzer Falls

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Switzer Falls

  • Location: Angeles National Forest near Mt. Wilson.  From I-210 in La Canada Flintridge, take the Angeles Crest Highway (highway 2) northeast for 10 miles to the road for the Switzer Picnic Area (mile marker 34.19).  As of this writing, the road is closed, so hikers must park on Angeles Crest Highway and walk to the camp and the trail.  When the road is accessible, it cuts off 250 feet of climbing on the return trip and a total of one mile.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 3.6 miles (4.6 from Highway 2)
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet (950 from Highway 2)
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 2 hours (2.5 from Highway 2)
  • Best season: All year
  • USGS topo map: “Condor Peak”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles; insect repellent
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 7

This popular waterfall hike offers both nice wooded canyon scenery and panoramic views of the San Gabriels from a trail that gets quite close to the precipice.  Is there a fence?  Sometimes.

As of this writing, the access road from Angeles Crest Highway to the Switzer campground is closed, meaning that hikers have an additional half mile each way to go, with 250 feet of elevation gain.  There is no shade on the asphalt road, so plan accordingly.

From the parking area on Angeles Crest Highway Highway, head down the road to the camp.  At the far end of the lower parking lot, look for a footbridge crossing the creek and heading into the canyon.   Unfortunately, there’s a lot of trash at the campground (bear?) and throughout the route, you are likely to see carvings in the alders and oaks that line the creek.   If you are willing to overlook these, the Switzer hike is one of the better trips in the front country of the San Gabriels.

At about half a mile from the campground, the trail appears to head uphill to the left, but this in fact a false trail, and it is here where you make the first of several creek crossings.  Another half mile, and several creek crossings later, you begin a few switchbacks and climb to a junction.  Here, nice views of the canyon below open up, and you can see the upper Switzer Falls.  Unfortunately, it’s impossible to safely reach this cascade.

Soon, you come to a junction where you will head left (downhill).  At the bottom of the hill, head left and make a few more creek crossings and rock scrambles to arrive at the lower waterfall.  The creek flows down about 20 feet of a rock surface into a large pool that can be a nice place to swim on a hot day.  To see a video of the waterfall, click here.

When ready, retrace your steps to the trail.  Most of your work will be on the return trip, but the climbing is broken up between the beginning and end of the hike, and with enough water and sun protection, the hike is certainly fairly easy to do.  While the trail suffers from some of the signs of overuse similar to those at Sturtevant Falls and Hermit Falls, the location is more remote, so while you are likely to have some company on busy summer weekend days, you can still get a little bit of solitude and quiet.

Lewis Falls

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Lewis Falls

Pines on the trail to Lewis Falls

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved.  Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability.  All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Lewis Falls

  • Location:  Highway 39 south of Crystal Lake in the Angeles National Forest.  From the 210 freeway in Azusa, take the Azusa Ave. exit (highway 39) and head north for a total of 20.5 miles.  On the way, Highway 39 becomes San Gabriel Canyon Road.  At mile marker 34.8, look for a small dirt turnout on the right side of the road.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency:  Angeles National Forest/Los Angeles River District
  • Distance: 0.8 miles
  • Elevation gain: 300 feet
  • Suggested time: 45 minutes
  • Difficulty rating: PG
  • Best season: Year-round (Check on conditions)
  • USGS topo map: Crystal Lake
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles ; insect repellent
  • More information:  here
  • Rating: 6
This short but surprisingly challenging hike visits 50-foot Lewis Falls.  Fallen trees and some off-trail scrambling are some of what hikers an expect on this trip.  Beginners who want to check out some of the waterfalls in the area might consider San Antonio Falls or Sturtevant Falls instead, or make this trip with someone who has hiking experience.

From the turnout on highway 39, follow a trail that heads up, steeply, into the canyon.  You pass by several cabins similar to those in the Santa Anita Canyon area.  There are a couple of places where you will have to step over trees, including one particularly tricky stretch about a quarter mile in, but overall navigation isn’t too difficult.

Soon, the trail dips down to meet Soldier Creek, which can present something of an obstacle if the water levels are high and the current is swift.  As of this writing, crossing is possible on a large fallen tree with several branches, making an easy, if somewhat nerve-wracking exercise.

On the opposite side, you work your way along the banks, climb up a few rocks, duck under some bushes and soon you’ll hear the cascade of Lewis Falls.  The waterfall drops over a large rock face and into a big pool.  It’s hard to completely take in the view of the waterfall, but you can still get a decent look at it from dry ground.  To see a video of Lewis Falls, click here.

Big Falls

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Big Falls (click image to purchase from the Nobody Hikes in L.A. Gallery)

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved.  Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability.  All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Big Falls

  • Location: Forest Falls in the San Bernardino National Forest.  From I-10 in Redlands, take the University Ave. exit, go right and take an immediate left on Citrus.  Go 2.6 miles and take a left on Crafton.  Go a mile and turn right on Mentone Blvd (highway 38).  Go 10.5 miles and take a slight right on Valley of the Falls Drive (where highway 38 makes a hairpin turn to the left).  Drive 4 miles to the end of the road and park in the lot signed for the Big Falls trailhead.  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required to park here. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: San Bernardino National Forest/Mill Creek Ranger Station
  • Distance: 0.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 100 feet
  • Suggested time: 30 minutes
  • Difficulty rating: PG
  • Best season: Year round
  • USGS topo map:  Forest Falls
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
  • More information: here; video of the waterfall here
  • Rating: 5

This unimaginatively, but accurately, named waterfall is one of So-Cal’s tallest.  Unfortunately, it’s hard to get a good look at the entire multi-level waterfall, but it’s impressive upper tier can be seen with a short walk from Forest Falls.

The hike to the waterfall is certainly not difficult, but with a tricky stream crossing and a somewhat steep ascent over potentially slippery rocks, it may be tougher than it first appears.

From the parking area, follow the signs for the waterfall trail. The path may be a little tough to follow, but it will usually be designated with a row of rocks on either side. In general, it stays close to the drop-off to Mill Creek, before descending down to it. The creek usually flows quickly and can be over a foot deep in spots. There are several rocks and logs that you can use to make the crossing (as of this writing, the best place seems to be a pair of logs a little downstream from where the trail crosses.

Across Mill Creek, look for a signed trail leading uphill along the side of a rocky cliff, climbing to an overlook where you can see the waterfall’s upper tier. On the way back, you can get a closer look at the lower tiers of the falls, but climbing up on these rocks is not advisable–signs posted here will warn you to that effect. Although it would be nice to be able to safely see the lower levels of the waterfall, this is still a nice place to sit and take a break before heading back to your car.

Fish Canyon Falls from the quarry

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Fish Creek from the bridge at the trailhead

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved.  Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability.  All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Fish Canyon Falls from the quarry

  • Location: North of Azusa in the Angeles National Forest.  Take the 605 freeway to its northern terminus at Huntington Drive.  Go right on Huntington Drive for about .6 miles and then take a left on Encanto Parkway.  Drive to the end of Encanto Parkway, and park in the lot at the quarry.  A shuttle will take you to the trail head.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles Ranger District/Vulcan Materials
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 700 feet
  • Suggested time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty rating: PG
  • Best season: October to June – Saturdays (see schedule here)
  • USGS topo map: “Azusa”
  • More information: trip reports here and  here
  • Rating: 7

Vulcan Materials, the rock quarry in Azusa, owns the land in front of the original Fish Canyon Falls trail head.  Hikers who want to see the waterfall without having to take the long, difficult route (click here if you’re feeling brave) can do so on Saturday mornings, when the company offers access to the trail head.  The area is likely to be quite crowded on these days, especially when the weather is good, so expect plenty of company on the narrow trail.

The vans drop hikers off at the trail head, where you cross a bridge and enter the woodlands of Fish Canyon.  The trail ascends a switchback and soon meets up with the longer trail, which joins from the left.  You continue up into the canyon on the narrow trail.  Ropes have been placed to help hikers down a somewhat tricky section, and you are likely to have a little bit of a bottle-neck here if there are many people on the trail.  Shortly afterward, you cross the stream on rocks where there used to be a bridge.  This is another spot where traffic is likely to slow things down, because hikers in both directions need to take their time to make the crossing, which can be tricky, especially when the water level is high.

Shortly after this, you arrive at the 90-foot Fish Canyon Falls.  The waterfall certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the San Gabriel Mountains.  While the Saturday hikes aren’t necessarily an opportunity for wilderness solitude, they give hikers a chance to see this great waterfall without having to pay the dues required by the infamous longer route.

To see a video of the waterfall, click here.

Orchard Camp (Mt. Wilson Trail)

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View of Sierra Madre from the Mt. Wilson Trail

Waterfall at Decker Spring on the Mt. Wilson Trail

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Orchard Camp

  • Location: Across from Mt. Wilson Trail Park in Sierra Madre.  From I-210, take the Baldwin Ave. exit, head north for 1.5 miles (through downtown) and turn right on Mira Monte.  Park on the street across from Mt. Wilson Trail Park.
  • Agency: Angeles National Forest/Los Angeles River Ranger District
  • Distance: 7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 2,100 feet
  • Suggested time: 3.5 hours
  • Difficulty rating: PG-13 (Steepness, distance, elevation gain)
  • Best season:  November-May
  • USGS topo map: “Mt. Wilson”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information:  here
  • Rating: 8

This is one of the more challenging and enjoyable hikes accessible from the north edge of the San Gabriel Valley.  The historic Mt. Wilson trail climbs steeply, quickly moving hikers away from suburbia and into the peacefulness of Little Santa Anita Canyon.   The camp was a mountain resort until 1940, and some stone foundations of the buildings are still visible.

From Mira Monte, head uphill on Mt. Wilson Trail Drive and turn left onto the trail.  After a quarter mile of steep climbing, head left on a fire road and continue the ascent.  The trail continues to go uphill at a steady grade, and soon you are rewarded with great views of the mountains above and the San Gabriel Valley below.  Following recent rains, the creek in Little Santa Anita Canyon is flowing, and several waterfalls can be seen from above.

The trail hugs the side of the canyon, and although it never feels too precarious, some hikers may find hiking poles to be helpful.  After making a few switchbacks, climbing some stairs and negotiating a short but steep and loose stretch, the trial arrives at a split at 1.5 miles from Sierra Madre.   Downhill (right) brings you to First Water, a pleasant stop where the trail meets the creek.  The main route continues to the left.  At this point, you have already done the majority of the climbing.  The trail levels out for a little while, makes a few more ascents and enters a pleasant wooded area.  Stay left at the junction (a trail from Jones Peak is supposed to meet up here someplace, but I didn’t notice it).

At three miles, you make a slight descent and reach the creek again, just below Decker Spring.  This is a particularly attractive place to take a break, although you are only half a mile from the end.  To the left of the trail, notice a small waterfall cascading over a giant fallen tree.  After crossing the creek, you make one final ascent and then it’s more or less level hiking into Orchard Camp.  The only tricky part is crossing under another huge tree that’s fallen and blocks the trail.

Orchard Camp is located right next to the stream, and makes a peaceful, pleasant setting to enjoy before heading back down to civilization.  Die-hard hikers should know that, yes, the trail does continue all the way to Mt. Wilson.  If you’re going to make the trip, you can add 7 miles round trip and 2,700 feet of elevation gain to your tab.

Heart Rock Falls

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Heart Rock and the waterfall

Returning from the waterfall

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Heart Rock Falls

  • Location: San Bernardino National Forest north of Crestline.  From the 210 freeway, take the Waterman Ave/route 18 exit and go north for 11.3 miles.  Take the “Crestline Cut-Off” (highway 138) and go north for a total of 2.7 miles.  The road hits a few junctions so make sure you stay on highway 138, through Crestline and the Valley of Enchantment.  Take a left at the sign for Camp Seeley, pass by the main camp buildings, cross a stream and park in a small dirt lot on the right side of the road, across from the camp playground.  The trail begins on the left side of the lot.  You can also park at another trailhead farther up the road. A National Forest Service adventure pass is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: San Bernardino National Forest/Arrowhead Ranger Station
  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Elevation gain: 200 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 1 hour
  • Best season: Year round (Waterfall is best following recent rains)
  • USGS topo map: Silverwood Lake; San Bernardino North
  • Recommended Guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
  • More information: here; video of the waterfall here
  • Rating: 7

It may seem hard to believe, but hidden in the western San Bernardino Mountains near Crestline is a rock with a nearly perfectly shaped heart carved inside.   Heart Rock is located in Seeley Creek next to a 20-foot waterfall.  The hike is most enjoyable when the waterfall is flowing strongly after recent rains, but it’s a nice, easy place to get away during the summer, and its elevation is low enough that one won’t have to deal with too much snow during the winter.  While it’s mountain location is definitely a drive for Los Angeles and Orange County hikers, it’s actually a fair amount closer than Big Bear and Arrowhead.

From the parking area, cross the fence and head into the woods on a dirt road that parallels the creek.  The mix of trees you see, including cedars, oaks and pines, may make your forget that you’re only 4,400 feet above sea level.  You pass by a various camp buildings, including a swimming pool, and meet up with a trail numbered 4W07.  Bear right (left takes you to an alternate trail head) and head into the woods.

After an enjoyable half mile, you come to a somewhat obscure split.  The main trail continues downhill, and another trail continues uphill to rejoin the road.  Head right, through a narrow gap between two rocks, and carefully descend to the creek (adult supervision required for young hikers).  On the way down, you get a nice aerial view of Heart Rock and the waterfall.  At the bottom, you can walk out onto the rocks and see the waterfall from below.

As short as this hike is, if you are driving from a distance, you might want to combine it with another one in the area, such as Heap’s Peak Arboretum.

Tenaja Falls

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Tenaja Falls

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Tenaja Falls

  • Location:  Southeastern Santa Ana Mountains near Murrieta and Lake Elsinore.  From I-15, take the Clinton Keith Exit and head southwest for a total of 7.5 miles, past the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve.  (It becomes Tenaja Road along the way).  Take a hard right to stay on Tenaja Road (staying straight will take you to Via Volcano).   Go 3.5 miles and take a right on Cleveland Forest Road.  This is a narrow, winding road that isn’t regularly maintained, so be careful.  After 5.2 miles, look for the Tenaja Falls trail head on your left (not to be confused with the Tenaja Trail Head, which comes earlier).  A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required. Click here to purchase.
  • Agency: Cleveland National Forest/Trabuco Ranger District
  • Distance: 1.4 miles
  • Elevation gain: 300 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: G
  • Suggested time: 1 hour
  • Best season: December – June
  • USGS topo map: Sitton Peak
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Orange County
  • More information: here; trip report here
  • Rating: 7

Located on the southeast flank of the Santa Ana Mountains, Tenaja Falls is an unusual-looking waterfall with five separate tiers.  Although it can be hard to see from the trail, and only flows strongly after recent rains, the waterfall’s total height of 150 feet makes it one of So-Cal’s tallest.  The area around the waterfall is beautiful, and if the drive seems a little long for such a short hike, you can easily add to your trip.

From the parking lot, head downhill, staying straight at the first junction (the trail to the left leads to Fisherman’s Camp, a nice two-mile trip that’s also worth taking if you have the time.)  Soon, you cross a stream.  This is the only tricky part of the trip.  Make sure you cross the stream as soon as possible; the route might not necessarily be clear, but the water is usually fairly shallow and there are stepping stones to use.  Remaining on the east (near) side of the creek becomes problematic.

On the opposite bank, you should be able to find the trail without much difficulty. You head uphill on a moderate grade, passing by groves of oaks, and soon come out into the open, where you get your first look at the waterfall.  Soon you arrive at the top, where you can carefully make your way out onto the rocks and get a view of the upper tier.  The vistas of the surrounding area are great from this point; except for the road, there are virtually no signs of civilization in your line of sight.

After checking out the waterfall, if you want to get more hiking in, you can continue along the Tenaja Falls Trail, which will meet the Morgan Trail in about 5 miles near the Candy Store, or you can retrace your steps back to the creek and take the trail to Fisherman’s Camp.  The nearby Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is always a fun place to visit, especially after spring rains have filled the Vernal Pools.

Newton Canyon Falls (Lower and Upper)

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Upper falls in Newton Canyon

Frost on the Backbone Trail in Newton Canyon

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Newton Canyon Falls (Lower and Upper)

  • Location: Santa Monica Mountains, near Malibu.  From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Kanan Dume road north for 4.5 miles and park in the lot on the left (just past a footbridge) at mile marker 9.5.  From Highway 101, take Kanan Road south for 7 miles (it becomes Kanan Dume) and look for the parking lot on the right, just before the bridge.
  • Agency: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
  • Distance:  5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 800 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Terrain, navigation)
  • Suggested time: 3 hours
  • Best season: December – May
  • USGS topo map: “Point Dume”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • More information:  Trip report here; trail map here; video of the lower falls here; upper falls here.
  • Rating: 9

Twenty four hours before writing this, I did not know about the amazing waterfall high in Newton Canyon, and if not for a couple of lucky breaks, I probably still wouldn’t.   The original plan was to visit the more popular lower falls, which I knew would be very strong following heavy rains over the weekend.  But at the trailhead, I saw on the map that this section of the Backbone extended all the way to Zuma Ridge Road, and that farther along was a seasonal waterfall.  I grabbed more provisions from the car and decided to make the trip.

From the parking lot on Kanan Dume, the Backbone Trail switchbacks down into the canyon (if temperatures are unusually cold, as they were yesterday, look for frost on the ground).  After half a mile, take a left onto the spur for the lower waterfall.  The Backbone continues uphill to the right.  On the spur, take the second left and begin switchbacking down to the waterfall.  Be careful on the wet rocks.  At the bottom of the hill, take a left and enter the canyon.  After some easy scrambling, you arrive at the base of the waterfall, which cascades about 20 feet down the rocks, splitting in half as it goes.

Retrace your steps and continue along the Backbone Trail.  Soon you enter an open area along the side of the hill, where you can see ocean views.  The trail descends into a wooded area, crossing a footbridge, and makes another moderate climb.   At about 1.5 miles from the trail head, you get your first glimpse of the big waterfall.  The trail continues to head northwest, winding around the side of the hill.  Several obscure trails branch off, but the main route stays straight.

I was assuming that I’d have to settle for admiring the waterfall from afar, and had I not noticed a trail branching off as the main route makes a hairpin turn at about the two mile mark, that’s what would have happened.  The trail appears to get as close as it ever will to the waterfall before bending sharply to the left and heading uphill, where it makes a half-mile ascent to meet Zuma Ridge just south of Encinal Canyon Road.  If you have time and energy, this last section is certainly worth a visit (you even pass by a third waterfall, perhaps fifteen feet tall, which can be accessed by scrambling down a short hillside).  But if you want to get a look at what can be one of So-Cal’s best waterfalls, take a right and head downhill through some bushes.

The going is a little rough, but after a short descent, you arrive at a floodplain, where a path heads to the left, toward the waterfall.  Note this location for your return.  The trail gets a little obscure in places, but overall shouldn’t be to difficult to follow.  At the stream, you begin your scrambling.  There’s no one best route to take; the climbing is rigorous but not too extreme (comparable to the boulders at the top of Sandstone Peak).  Just be careful on the wet rocks.  The higher you climb, the trickier it gets, but without too much effort, you can reach the base of the waterfall’s lower tier, which falls about 15 feet.  You can see the upper level, which is at least twice as large.  More rock climbing – beyond the ability of the author – is required to get there.

After admiring the cascade, head back down, and pick up the trail you took, making sure you remember your point to ascend the hillside to rejoin the Backbone.  It’s now just an easy two mile trip back to the car.

Black Star Canyon Falls

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Black Star Canyon Waterfall

The route out of Black Star Canyon, back to the fire road - don't miss it!

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Black Star Canyon Falls

  • Location: Cleveland National Forest, east of Orange and north of El Toro.  From the 55 freeway in Orange, take the Chapman Ave. exit.  Head east on Chapman Ave for a total of 10.8 miles (on the way it becomes Santiago Canyon Road).  Turn left on Silverado, just past Irvine Lake, and take a quick left on to Black Star Canyon Road.  Drive 1.1 miles to the gate and park in the turnout.  From south O.C., take I-5 to Oso Parkway.  Turn right, go 0.7 miles and turn left on Marguerite Parkway.  Go 5.6 miles and turn right on El Toro Road.  Go a total of 8 miles (El Toro becomes Santiago Canyon Road) and turn right on Silverado.  Take a quick left on Black Star Canyon Road and park at the end.  While most hikes in the area require a National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year), there is no indication at the trail head that a pass is required for Black Star Canyon, but if you have one, you might want to have it on display in your car just in case.  The land is often in a state of flux between private, county and federal ownership; sources seem to have different information.  To purchase a pass, click here.
  • Agency: Cleveland National Forest, Trabuco Ranger District
  • Distance: 6.6 miles
  • Elevation gain: 800 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Terrain/trail condition, navigation, distance)
  • Suggested time: 5 hours
  • Best season:  November – May
  • USGS topo map: “Black Star Canyon”
  • Recommended gear: Poison oak cream ; Personal GPS navigator
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Orange County
  • More information: here; interesting article here; discussion forum here; video of the waterfall here.  For information on identifying and treating poison oak, click here.
  • Bragging rights swag: click here
  • Rating: 8

In the film “Apollo 13″, one of the astronauts describes the mission training as “three hours of boredom followed by three minutes of sheer terror.”  That’s not far off from the Black Star Canyon experience.

The waterfall in Black Star Canyon has something of a cult following among So Cal hikers.  It’s unusual appearance is partly man made, in that the water cascades through a mine shaft as well as down the main chute.  Black Star Canyon is also the subject of a lot of ghost stories, and hikers who make the trek will see the remains of a school bus, a tractor and a bicycle(!) along the way.  There are many tales of paranormal activity after dark in the canyon, and confrontations with the local residents, and crimes by roving gangs and drifters who hang out by the road.  The information sources that seemed the most credible agree that basic common sense will carry the day for you in Black Star Canyon: Don’t hike alone there after dark, and respect the residents and their property and they will respect you.

The hike itself should not be under-estimated.  I was considering rating this trip as “R”, but if you know what to expect and prepare, it’s not that difficult.  Here are eight simple rules for successfully hiking to the waterfall in Black Star Canyon.

1. When in doubt, it’s poison oak.

2. Try not to step on any rock that’s smaller than your car; it’s probably not stable.

3. Even stable rocks are slippery.

4. No, seriously, that’s poison oak.

5. What’s easy on the way up might not be easy on the way down, and vice versa.

6. Poison oak doesn’t grow at eye level, does it?

7. Yes it does.

8. As you enjoy the waterfall, remember that 97% of hiking accidents happen on the way down.  (That, of course,  is true of any hike, but I just thought I’d throw it in there.)

That said, many people make the trip and live to tell the tale; you just have to plan.   I didn’t my first time, and I didn’t make it the falls and got some pretty bad poison oak for my trouble.  In case I didn’t mention it, there’s a lot of poison oak in Black Star Canyon.  But the second time I knew what to expect, and pulled it off.

From the parking area, pass the gate and head north on the paved road for half a mile.  You swing to the right and head deeper into the canyon, passing by private properties on both sides of the road.  Other than the barbed-wire and electric fences, and the occasional overhead power lines, there are few signs of civilization.  The scenery is similar to that of Holy Jim Canyon, not far too the south; it’s hard to believe you’re in the O.C.

The road crosses Black Star Creek three times and soon afterward, at 2.5 miles, you reach a hairpin turn.  Look for a trail heading downhill to the right, into the canyon.  This is the business end of the hike.

Follow the trail down to the creek and head left, upstream.  Remember what this location looks like so you can find it on the way back.  Although it is now only 0.8 miles to the waterfall, this will probably take as long, if not longer, than the time you’ve hiked so far.

The early going is slow, but not too challenging; there are a few boulders here and there and you’re likely to get your feet wet, but overall it’s doable.  After half a mile of climbing and scrambling, stay left as another canyon comes in from the right (east).  This brings you to the last–and most challenging–stretch of the hike.

Soon after the junction, you arrive at your first major obstacle: a pile of huge boulders, with no easy way up.  The best route is to start on the right side of the canyon and work your way diagonally to the left, climbing from one rock to another.  The next challenge is the first of three smaller waterfalls that you’ll encounter en route to the main one.  Just before you arrive at the waterfall, look for a path heading up above it on the right side of the canyon.  It’s loose and steep, but you can grab onto tree roots and rocks to make your way up.  This brings you to a rocky slope, with several smaller waterfalls running along it.  The rocks can be slippery, but this stretch isn’t too tough.

You can climb up the second waterfall the left side; soon after you arrive at the third, and by this point you can get your first glimpse of the main waterfall.  A steep but negotiable route takes you up the right side of this third small waterfall, and then you reach your destination.

The main cascade flows about fifty feet, and to the left, it also goes through the mine chute.  Following recent rains, the waterfall is quite amazing.  And as with Fish Canyon Falls in the Angeles National Forest, the bragging rights here are valuable too.

Ortega Falls

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Ortega Falls

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Ortega Falls

  • Location: Santa Ana Mountains, between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano.  From I-5 in Orange County, take the Ortega Highway (74) northeast for 22 miles and park at a turnout on the left side of the road, at Riverside County mile marker 4.4  (just after the “S” curve north of the Candy Store).  From Lake Elsinore, take the Ortega Highway southwest and look for the turnout on the right at 7.4 miles (if you hit the “S” curve, you’ve come too far).  A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) are required.  Click here to purchase.
  • Agency:  Cleveland National Forest/Trabuco Ranger District
  • Distance: 0.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 200 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: PG
  • Suggested time: 30 minutes
  • Best season: December- May
  • USGS topo maps: “Sitton Peak”
  • Recommended gear: hiking poles
  • Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Orange County
  • More information: here and here
  • Rating: 4

Few of the commuters who use the Ortega Highway to get between the Inland Empire and Orange County have any idea that a sizable waterfall lies just off the road.  You can actually see the waterfall from the turnout – and even if you have no interest in hiking whatsoever and just happened upon this page by accident, you can still get out of your car to stretch your legs here and see it from a distance.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, of course, and the waterfall’s proximity to the road has made it the target of a depressing amount of vandalism and trash, but the cascade is still impressive, especially after rain, and there’s also some interesting geology to check out in the canyon here.

From the parking lot, look for the trail descending behind the brown “All Parked Vehicles” sign.  You head downhill (a few other trails branch off, but the main route sticks pretty close to the sie of the ridge).  Soon, you reach a rocky slope which descends down to the creek.  You can climb carefully down this stretch and see the falls from the bottom, or you can continue on higher ground via an obscure trail that goes through some bushes before arriving at a boulder which gives you nice views of the fall’s upper levels.

Overall, navigation is pretty easy here, as the falls are never far out of sight or sound, but the terrain can be tricky, and if you decide to boulder-hop, be extra careful.  When you are done watching the waterfall, head back uphill to the parking area.

Frascati Trail

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Waterfall on the Frascati Trail

View from the top of the Frascati Trail

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Frascati Trail

  • Location: Rancho Palos Verdes.  From the south end of the 110 freeway, take a left on Gaffey St. and go 0.7 miles.  Turn right on 9th st and go 2.7 miles (9th becomes Miraleste on the way).  Turn left on Palos Verdes Drive East and go 0.3 miles to Corsini Place.  Turn left and park on the corner of Corsini and Palos Verdes Drive East.
  • Agency: Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
  • Distance:  0.7 miles
  • Elevation gain: 250 feet
  • Difficulty Rating: G
  • Suggested time: 30 minutes
  • Best season: Year-round (best after recent rains)
  • USGS topo map:  San Pedro Hills
  • More information: here
  • Rating: 4

It’s very easy to miss the Frascati Trail, but if you’re looking for a nice, secluded hike on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this one is well worth checking out.  Although it’s short, the trail offers a wide variety of scenery, including ocean views, a shady canyon – and waterfall.

From the corner of Corsini, walk left on Palos Verdes Drive East and pick up the signed Frascati Trail.  It descends with nice  views of the ocean to the left, and soon you enter a wooded area where the trail makes a hairpin turn to the left.  Here, you can scramble a little ways off the trail and see a small waterfall (be careful on the rocks).

Past the waterfall, the trail continues its descent, and soon there are virtually no signs of civilization.  Except for the occasional car or motorcycle on Palos Verdes Drive East, you’re likely to only hear the sound of the stream along side the trail.

The trail ends after a third of a mile at Via Colinita.  Of course, I wish it were longer – but considering that three hours before I posted this entry I hadn’t even heard of the Frascati Trail, I have nothing to complain about.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy runs nature walks throughout the area, and have one scheduled for October 8th, 2011.  For information about that walk and other events by the PVPLC, click here.

Etiwanda Falls

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Etiwanda Falls

Creek above the falls

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Etiwanda Falls

In addition to having an amusing sounding name, the city of Rancho Cucamonga, CA is one of the fastest growing in the country.  That being said, few of Rancho’s 170,000 residents have heard of the waterfall that is practically in their backyards.

The beginning of the hike to Etiwanda Falls is a little tedious, and with no shade, it’s best done on a cool day.  But as you leave behind the suburban sprawl and get higher into the mountains, it becomes very enjoyable, and you get to see one of the Inland Empire’s best-kept secrets.

From the parking area, head north on the fire road into the North Etiwanda Preserve.  At half a mile, you can take a detour to a picnic area.  The main trail continues, soon arriving at a gate (ignore the sign that says it’s private property; foot traffic is allowed).  Your efforts are rewarded here as you get nice views of the mountains and of Etiwanda Creek flowing below you on the right.  The grade levels out for a while before making one last ascent (you’ll pass a couple of other junctions, but stay on the main fire road) before arriving at the falls.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to look at the entire waterfall, as it is hidden from the main trail, without getting very close to the edge of the cliff.  The trail ends above the top tier, allowing pretty good viewing, but be careful on the rocks, especially after recent rains.  I couldn’t help but think of Pink Floyd’s song “One Slip” as I walked around the area; this is definitely not the place to have a momentary lapse of reason.

On the way back, you get nice views of the Inland Empire (Corona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and the neighboring communities).  This trail is a great example of how natural oases can be found even in unlikely places.