Trail Canyon Falls Trail | Los Angeles

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Trail Canyon Falls
in the San Gabriel Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails Add Comments | Trail Rating: Forgetable

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

Trail Canyon Falls

The western side of the San Gabriel Mountains does not offer as many trails as the rest of the range, but it is home to one terrific waterfall. This four-mile round-trip hike can be accessed from the 210 Freeway in Sunland, which is west of Pasadena and east of the 405 and 5 freeway junction.

Approach this waterfall via Trail Canyon Trail (a trail so good they named it twice). After 3/4 of a mile walking past cabins along a dirt road, a single track trail will emerge on the left. Take this trail and follow Golden Creek up a canyon shaded with alders and sycamores.

Golden Creek

The trail crosses the stream a few times before breaking away and climbing the wall of Topanga Canyon.

Glimpses of the falls can be seen ahead. The trail makes its way around the canyon and opens up on a large granite landing above the falls. This is a great spot to stop for a snack and enjoy the creek.

For a real view of the falls you will have to backtrack along the trail to a footpath leading down the canyon. The path is a steep bank of dirt through brush, and it should only be attempted by able hikers wearing shoes with good traction.

Having descended to the canyon floor you will be greeted with an outstanding view of the falls. Considering the effort it will take to get back up the the trail, take a moment and enjoy.

Trail Canyon Falls

To get to the trailhead: From the 210 freeway, head north on Sunland Boulevard until it becomes Foothill Boulevard. After Another mile turn left on Mount Gleason Avenue. One and a third miles later, make a right on to Big Tujunga Canyon Road. After 3.4 miles turn left up a hard-to-spot road. A sign for Trail Canyon Trail is visible from the opposite direction. Follow this road for half a mile to the large parking lot. Hang your adventure pass and start up the trail to the left.

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

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Photos

These photos were taking in March of 2008. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

La Tuna Canyon

This 4.4-mile round-trip hike follows a fire road to the top this small mountain range north of Burbank.

Switzer Falls

This 4.5-mile hike starts out above and finishes below a 50-foot tall waterfall.

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.
	Millard Falls This one mile hike visits a 50-foot waterfall up one of the most scenic canyons in the range.
	Eaton Falls This 3-mile hike visits a 40-footer.
	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.