Five SoCal Waterfall Hikes and Why We Love Them
Who doesn't love a water feature? And in Southern California, it's warm enough year round to at least dip your toes in. The problem with waterfall hikes is that normally all the work is on the way back. But luckily for you, I've got a couple hikes where that isn't necessarily the case. The even bigger problem with SoCal waterfalls is that they will turn into trickles from July-January (Not all of them, there are a couple with full on swimming holes). So get over it and be grateful; We live in a desert. All of these hikes are out and back, meaning the mileage is the total amount miles you are hiking. Elevation gain is tricky to understand until you've got a few hikes under your belt. I normally think of it in terms of 500 ft: 500 ft elevation gain in the span of a mile is a steady incline that will get your booty burning, so anything less than that is ideal for beginner/moderate hikers. If it is 500 or more per mile, think about how long you want to be doing that for (And remember you still have to get back down. Make sure to leave enough gas in the tank). It takes the average person about 20 minutes to walk a mile on a flat paved road. So naturally it takes longer if it is unpaved and uphill. In conclusion, all of these waterfall hikes are Beginner-Moderate, Enjoy!
1. Lewis Falls Trail
1.1 miles, 360 ft elevation gain, out and back
This hike is a little over an hour from LA, but you'll be driving through the beautiful Angeles National Forest for the second half. The hike itself is only a little over a mile round trip, but that means you are getting a nice little workout all the way there. This waterfall hike is great in that you do all the work on the way to the waterfall, so you can cool off in the water or just enjoy the cold mist. There's not much of a view during the hike, but just to the right of the falls is a steep incline that you can scramble up and get a little view of the canyon and even get to the top of the waterfall. The perks of this hike is the doable length for almost all abilities and the low foot traffic. You'll just park on the side of the highway and the trail is very visible the whole time!
2. Trail Canyon Falls
5 miles, 1,053 ft elevation gain, out and back
This waterfall will never disappoint. Here's another all the work at the beginning hike. As soon as you think, "What the hell. I didn't sign up for this. I just want to see a stupid waterfall," You're there! You can continue up the trail and cross the river to get to the top of the falls, or you can turn right down an offshoot where there is a path down toward the base. There are ropes attached very securely to help guide you up and down the steep slope to the falls. It looks way scarier than it actually is and anyone who can carry an armful of groceries can handle it. I've seen parents do it with babies holding onto their necks the whole time. It's not swimming depth but it is quite refreshing to get in up to your knees and let the water rush over you. Truly picturesque the entire time. Great canyon views with a Fern Gully ending.
1. Lewis Falls Trail
1.1 miles, 360 ft elevation gain, out and back
This hike is a little over an hour from LA, but you'll be driving through the beautiful Angeles National Forest for the second half. The hike itself is only a little over a mile round trip, but that means you are getting a nice little workout all the way there. This waterfall hike is great in that you do all the work on the way to the waterfall, so you can cool off in the water or just enjoy the cold mist. There's not much of a view during the hike, but just to the right of the falls is a steep incline that you can scramble up and get a little view of the canyon and even get to the top of the waterfall. The perks of this hike is the doable length for almost all abilities and the low foot traffic. You'll just park on the side of the highway and the trail is very visible the whole time!
2. Trail Canyon Falls
5 miles, 1,053 ft elevation gain, out and back
This waterfall will never disappoint. Here's another all the work at the beginning hike. As soon as you think, "What the hell. I didn't sign up for this. I just want to see a stupid waterfall," You're there! You can continue up the trail and cross the river to get to the top of the falls, or you can turn right down an offshoot where there is a path down toward the base. There are ropes attached very securely to help guide you up and down the steep slope to the falls. It looks way scarier than it actually is and anyone who can carry an armful of groceries can handle it. I've seen parents do it with babies holding onto their necks the whole time. It's not swimming depth but it is quite refreshing to get in up to your knees and let the water rush over you. Truly picturesque the entire time. Great canyon views with a Fern Gully ending.
Oo y'all I love this hike. I recommend using the Burkhart trail so you don't have to walk along the Angeles Crest Highway. This is your typical waterfall hike, all downhill to the falls and then the real hike is on the way back. But this is totally worth it. This trail goes along the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail that runs from Mexico to Canada), so if you're hiking in the spring (which you should) you'll probably come across some friendly smelly hikers that will be happy to talk to another human being. It's not deep enough to cannonball in, but plenty of water to splash and float around in, if you can handle some chilly temps! It's another one where there is an offshoot on the left once you hit the PCT and some ropes to guide you down. Once again, very easy. If you keep going along the PCT past the waterfall you can find little places to play along the river. The hike back is uphill but nothing too crazy. And you're pretty high up in the mountains so it shouldn't be too hot really ever. Plenty of tree coverage. And the hike starts at this cute campground. MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT BABY!
This hike is only hard on the last bit back up to the car. Otherwise this is a beautiful trail that takes you along a delightful stream and then through a beautiful canyon where you can get your vista shot. The falls are nice but dry up pretty quick after the summer hits. It's not quite swimming depth, but a great place to cool off, relax, and enjoy the Angeles National Forest. You're also hopping back and forth across a stream for the first mile or so. The drive isn't bad. It's further than Sturtevant Falls, which are often too crowded, but the Canyon views make it worth it.
Want some falls you can swim in?? Here you go! It's not the most beautiful hike in the world, but the destination is great! It gets pretty packed on the weekend, so I'd find time on a weekday if you can. It's a bit of a drive, I did it on my way out to Big Bear. We ended up getting there later in the afternoon so the sun was gone, but so were the people. Plenty of rocks to jump off of and the water isn't even that cold! There's some graffiti which is a shame, but you can't beat a waterfall AND a swimming hole!
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