Overview
Trail Canyon Falls is a 30-foot waterfall hidden in a lush canyon in Angeles National Forest, about 30 minutes from Glendale and Burbank. The 4-mile out-and-back trail follows Trail Canyon Creek upstream through oak and alder forest with several creek crossings before reaching the falls at the head of the canyon.
This hike sits in the sweet spot between the easy, overcrowded waterfall trails (Eaton Canyon) and the long, demanding canyon hikes (Bridge to Nowhere). It's a moderate effort with a genuine waterfall payoff, and it draws fewer visitors than its more famous neighbors. If you want a solid half-day waterfall hike without fighting for parking, Trail Canyon is a good bet.
Like all Southern California waterfall hikes, the falls flow best after winter rains and may be dry or minimal by late summer.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Road and trail approach. From the parking pullout, follow Trail Canyon Road (a gated dirt road) and then the trail as it enters the canyon. The path is clear and mostly flat initially, passing through oak woodland and chaparral.
Miles 1 to 1.5: Creek crossings begin. The trail enters the riparian zone and begins crossing the creek. Expect 4 to 6 crossings, depending on water level. Most are ankle-deep after moderate rain. The canyon narrows and the vegetation becomes lusher, with ferns, bay laurel, and big-leaf maples.
Miles 1.5 to 2: Upper canyon and falls. The trail climbs more steeply as it approaches the falls, with some rocky, uneven terrain. The final approach involves a short scramble down to the base of the falls. The waterfall drops about 30 feet over a mossy rock face into a small pool. The grotto is shady and cool, a surprising contrast to the dry chaparral of the surrounding mountains.
When to Visit
December through April: Peak season. The waterfall flows well after winter storms, and the canyon vegetation is green and lush. Creek crossings are more substantial.
May through June: The falls begin to diminish but are usually still flowing. Wildflowers appear in the chaparral on the approach.
July through November: The falls may be dry or reduced to a seep. The hike is still pleasant for the canyon scenery, but the payoff is diminished.
What to Bring
- Sturdy shoes: Creek crossings on rocks require shoes with good traction. Waterproof hiking shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet.
- Water: 1.5 to 2 liters per person. Shade in the canyon helps, but the approach sections are exposed.
- Trekking poles: Helpful for creek crossings and the rocky upper trail.
- Camera: The falls and the lush canyon grotto are photogenic.
Practical Details
Parking: The trailhead is a small dirt pullout on Trail Canyon Road, off Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Room for about 15 cars. An Adventure Pass is required ($5/day or $30/year). The small lot means you should arrive early on weekends, though this trail sees fewer visitors than the more popular waterfalls.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. Dogs will need to cross the creek, which is manageable for medium and large dogs. Small dogs may need help at higher water levels.
Flash flood risk: Trail Canyon is a narrow drainage that can flash flood during heavy rain. Do not hike during or immediately after storms. Check weather forecasts before going.
Trail conditions: The trail is informal in places and not always well-signed. The route through the creek crossings requires some attention to stay on the path. Overgrowth can be an issue in spring and early summer, especially in the upper canyon.
Getting There
From Glendale or Burbank, take I-210 west to the Sunland Boulevard exit. Head north on Sunland Boulevard, which becomes Foothill Boulevard, then turn right on Mt. Gleason Avenue and left on Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Follow Big Tujunga Canyon Road about 5 miles to Trail Canyon Road on the right. The trailhead pullout is a short distance up Trail Canyon Road. Total drive time from Glendale is about 30 minutes.
From central Los Angeles, take the 2 Freeway north (which becomes I-210) and follow the same directions. About 40 minutes.
Beyond the Falls
The trail technically continues above the falls into the upper canyon and eventually connects with forest roads higher in the San Gabriels. These extensions are not well-maintained and require route-finding skills. For most hikers, the falls are the destination and turnaround point.
For other waterfall options in the western San Gabriels, Switzer Falls (4.5 miles round trip, moderate) in the Arroyo Seco is a popular choice with a different canyon character. Sturtevant Falls (3.7 miles round trip, moderate) in Big Santa Anita Canyon is another excellent option with a forested approach.
Trail Canyon Falls is the waterfall hike that locals don't talk about much, which is part of its appeal. While Eaton Canyon fights crowds by the hundreds, Trail Canyon offers a similar payoff with a fraction of the visitors. The canyon itself is beautiful, the falls are worth the walk, and the parking is free (well, Adventure Pass). It's a good trail for the kind of hiker who wants the waterfall experience without the theme park atmosphere.
This trail is a solid middle ground in Angeles National Forest: more demanding than Eaton Canyon Falls (which is closer to town and flat), but shorter and less committing than the Bridge to Nowhere. For summit views from the same general side of the forest, Josephine Peak starts near La Crescenta and is manageable as a second hike on the same day. Those looking for the area's most challenging objectives should see Mt. Baldy via Devil's Backbone. The best hikes near Los Angeles guide puts all these options in context with trip-planning details for visitors to the area. For information on the Adventure Pass and America the Beautiful pass options that cover Angeles National Forest trailheads, the America the Beautiful pass guide explains what passes cover what.