This trail is currently closed due to damages from the 2009 Station Fire

From the trailhead, Millard Falls is only half a mile away, up one of the most pleasant canyon in the range. Park in the lot and the end of Chaney Trail and embark along the dirt road through Millard Campground.

Just beyond the campground, the canyon trail turns off to the right. The trailhead is easy to spot as it starts along a creek that spills over the dirt road. If there is a strong flow over the road, you are in luck. The falls above will be spectacular.

If the water is so high that you would be afraid to cross it in a Prius, use the same caution before heading to the falls (the trek may be wetter than you bargained for). On most days, you can make it to the falls with dry feet. Then again, you will have to cross over several slippery rocks, so be careful.

Millard Canyon

Millard Canyon is fairly narrow, measuring less than a hundred feet across in most areas. Getting to the waterfall requires numerous creek crossings as the trail searches for room up the canyon. Smooth-walking sections are interspersed between rock-hopping regions. Enjoy this calisthenics workout under the shade of tall California Bays.

The clear creek waters glisten in patches of sunlight creating a serene ambiance. Even the ubiquitous carvings that desecrate most of the Bays on the way to the falls cannot detract from the splendor of the journey. Let the fresh air fill your lungs while the soothing water sings in your ears. The creek is a delight, and the falls are a tremendous sight. Keep to the canyon, and no matter your path, you will reach the falls.

Millard Falls

The boulders wedged atop this fifty-footer look like they could fall the next time the creek floods. They haven’t budged in years, and lets hope then never do.

If the first half mile of canyon leaves you yearning for more, there is the option to extend the hike. The trail continues above the falls to Dawn Mine, a highly recommended excursion.

To get to the trailhead: Take the 210 freeway to Pasadena. Exit Lake Avenue and head north. After 3.5 miles Lake comes to a T. Take the left on Loma Alta Drive. After one mile, make a right on Chaney Trail. The 1.5 mile road winds up to Sunset Ridge and down to the parking lot.

Use the map below to create your own directions to the trailhead:

View Los Angeles Hikes in a larger map

Photos

 

Millard Falls
                 
Dawn Mine
                         
Millard Campground
       

These photos were taken in March of 2009. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

 

	Dawn Mine This 6-mile hike from Millard Campground leads past Millard Falls to an old gold mine.
	More trails in the San Gabriel Mountains Explore other destinations in the range.

Similar Trails

 

	Fish Canyon Falls This 4-mile hike starts at a rock quarry with restricted access and ends up at a multi-tiered 80-foot waterfall.
	Sturtevant Falls This 3.25-mile hike visits a 60-foot waterfall and a lush cottage-lined canyon.
	Eaton Falls This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer.
	San Antonio Falls This 1.2-mile hike visits a multi-tier waterfall along the trail to Mt. Baldy
	Santa Ynez Falls This 2.5-mile follows a shaded creek to a gorge containing a short waterfall.
	Paradise Falls This 40-foot waterfall is located within Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks and is reachable via several trails.
	Escondido Falls This 4-mile out and back visits a 200 foot waterfall that is split into two tiers. The upper tier is 150 feet tall and stunning after a rainstorm.

Camping

 

Millard Campground This is the place to camp at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Or, the place to start on a hike to Millard Falls or Dawn Mine.

More Info

 

Millard Canyon on 100hikes.com

Millard Canyon on Dan’s Hikes

The Angeles National Forest website