*** Safety Note: Rain or Extreme Heat at trailhead cancels hikes.
Meetup Time: 7:30 A.M. (We hit the trail promptly at 7:45)
PARKING/CARPOOLING – There is parking on the side of Big Tujunga Cyn Road, but this is a popular hike right now and parking is limited – so carpooling is highly recommended. DO NOT KEEP ANY VALUABLES IN SIGHT IN YOUR VEHICLE! – there have been car break-ins when people left valuables visible in their car!
DISTANCE: Minimum 4.9 miles – out and back.
GAIN: Minimum 1276 ft
RATED: Intermediate hike, with some exposed hill climbs. Several creek crossings, but you do not need to get wet.
HIKE DURATION: About 3 – 4 hours (including a 20-minute snack time at the creek!).
DESCRIPTION:
We’ll park on the highway at the trailhead. The first 3/4 mile is a dirt road that has some old grandfathered properties that we’ll pass by. At that point, we’ll follow the canyon bottom along a well running creek, and cross over the creek several times (you can cross without getting your feet wet). We’ll then leave the wonderful and cool creek bottom area, and climb up an exposed ridge for another mile or so, then drop back down slightly to the top of a really nice waterfall. We’ll likely stop there for a break/snack before returning the way we came. The temperature is expected to be in the 80’s-90’s Saturday, but we’ll update you as we get closer with an updated forecast.
Some scrambling Involved – To go to the bottom of the Waterfall, you’ll need to climb down a short section of nearly vertical wall. You can step down, but you will need to hold onto installed ropes to guide you down, but to climb back up, you’ll need to step up that wall, and use the installed ropes to pull yourself up. Its only about 20 feet, and should be doable for everyone, but be aware.
CAUTIONS:
- If you are afraid of heights, the exposed hill climb up to the waterfall is steep and narrow.
- Rattlesnakes – always a possibility this time of year.
- Parking and thefts – we saw a vehicle that someone had broken a window to steal what was inside. Do NOT leave anything visible in your car!
BRING:
- Assume it will be warm to hot, but it’s always smart to layer.
- Poles will be useful for creek crossing and the hill climb to the waterfall.
- Recommend a minimum of 3 liters of Water, Electrolytes, Snack lunch; a hat; and Sunscreen.
ADVENTURE PASS: Not required.
**MEET AT: (**Google GPS Coordinates: 34.303714068691164, -118.25772643048175**) Park on the side of the highway where available. If you’re coming from the 210 freeway, exit at Sunland Blvd, go north. It turns into Foothill Blvd. Turn left at Vista Oro, go north to Big Tujunga Canyon Road, then turn right (north) approx 4.8 miles. Look for cars parked along the highway for the trailhead. Meet at the gate at the trailhead at 7:30 am. We start hiking promptly at 7:45 am.
Learn more: AllTrails page for this hike. Trail Canyon Falls: 4096 Reviews, Map – California | AllTrails
Bathrooms: There are no bathroom facilities at this location.
Dogs: OK, if well behaved around other dogs/ people with hiking poles and on a leash. Creek crossing may present a challenge for some dogs. If you bring a dog, you likely will not be able to repell down the canyon wall to get to the waterfall bottom, or pull yourself up with you and your dog!
Leaders: Gary S. and Paul H.
