Trail Canyon Falls

Trail Canyon Falls is a wonderful spot off the beaten path! On most weekdays you may have the whole canyon to yourself! The trail to the falls and to Lazy Lucas camp was restored in early 2015 by a volunteer trail crew who check in from time to time to make minor repairs. The entry is an unmarked dirt road with a gate located on the north/​east side of Big Tujunga Canyon Road before Wildwood and Vogel Flats if coming from the Sunland area. No Adventure pass is required for parking — but note that the gate is locked from 8pm to 7am! Follow the dirt road up and over to the parking area. Once parked, continue up the dirt road past the locked gate to a second trailhead. There are several private cabins located in this area — please respect property and privacy! Depending on recent rains, you may have to rock hop across the creek as it flows over the dirt road. After the second trail marker (stating that the trail is unmaintained by the USFS and that hazards may exist) the trail is easy to follow. Following the initial climb out of the cabin area, the trail descends and follows the canyon floor becoming a shady, nearly flat stroll along the creek with a few rock hop stream crossings. There is a picnic area with a table under a huge oak tree. Please note that there are no trash cans and that this is a PACK IN — PACK OUT trail! The trail becomes more exposed as it rises out of the canyon and hugs the hillside. This part of the hike is steeper with a narrow trail and no shade. Keep this in mind when hiking with kids and pets. As you reach the top of this exposed stretch the trail turns North, levels off, and the falls become visible in the distance. There is no maintained trail to the base of the falls, but there is a use trail. It is steep and challenging. Trail Canyon trail continues past the falls following the creek. There is a small area marked with fallen logs and a fire-​ring which is the site of the former «Lazy Lucas» camp. Ironically, there are signs prohibiting open flame in the canyon so don’t let the fire ring fool you! If you continue up canyon from here the trail becomes more wooded with areas of large oaks and huge boulders. About 4 miles from the parking area the trail disappears although trail guides and google earth show it continuing to Condor Peak!
Bring water! Wear sunscreen or a hat. Keep your pets on a leash. Respect the wildlife. This area was severely burned in 2009 and is still recovering — so if you find yourself climbing down to the falls don’t rely on burned out trees or saplings with shallow roots for handholds. Also note that just like you, poison ivy loves sun, water and shade so stay on the path! Above the falls, ticks are abundant so if you do continue on to Condor Peak check your clothes from time to time (pant-​legs) if you come in contact with brush or branches.

We were interested in seeing Trail Canyon Falls even though the Trail Canyon Trail (could the name be any more generic sounding?) continues past Trail Canyon Falls. The falls are located 1.8 miles up the trail with a tiny spur trail going to the top of the falls and a steep side trail going to the bottom of the falls. The hike was easy to moderate (based on National Park standards) with a 600 foot elevation gain.
The first half of the hike was along a river bed. The second half was on the side of a mountain ridge. The entire trail had very few trees to offer protection from the sun. Although a sign says the trail is not maintained, it was is good condition. The only areas of concern might be the river crossings if there was more water, but the river was only a puddle. The falls were also only a trickle, but still green and mossy.
To find the trailhead from the 210 freeway, drive through Sunland to reach Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Drive 4.3 miles along Big Tujunga Canyon Road and turn left on to North Trail Canyon Road. Continue on this dirt road for 0.4 miles and stay to the right. There was plenty of parking.
Although part of the Angeles National Forest, I’m not sure if a $ 5 Adventure Pass was needed. The trailhead sign didn’t say a pass was required unlike at nearby Stone Canyon Trail, but half of the cars had passes. We hung our Interagency Annual Pass in the car just to be sure.

This is a beautiful hike. The surroundings are very lush and green, unlike your typical dry and stick-​y Los Angeles hike. Apparently the state of the waterfall depends on the season, and when we went there were many small water crossings. This hike is beginner friendly, and about 4 – 5 miles.
Check out SoCal Hiker’s write up here:

June 9 2015 — just finished up the hike, it was awesome no one else on the trail — the water fall was down to a trickle but that was expected — the trail does get sketchy in a few spots but nothing my 7 year old couldn’t handle — the trail isn’t maintained but it was in damn good shape (except for a few spots) — MUST HAVES: sun screen, hat, sun glasses, hiking boots/​shoes, water lots and lots of water

I can’t say I LOVED this hike, but overall it was a good workout and there was water at the waterfall, but it’s not big. It’s really easy to miss the trail taking you down to the waterfall so keep your eyes open for a trail to your right that is going down otherwise you’ll end up at the top of the waterfall and the top it’s not all that. There is no shade so bring sunscreen, a hat and water. In my opinion, Eaton Canyons waterfall is the best one in LA.

Great hike! Good for all level hikers. Great for dogs too. Get an adventure pass and park inside. Take a snack and eat at the waterfall. Careful descending down the trail to the falls. Or hike past the falls for a longer hike. One of my favorites!

Great hike. Moderate elevation. Nice small waterfall at the end. trail is easy to follow. ample parking at the base.

I did this hike today. There is currently water over the falls and it is quite beautiful once you get there.
Finding the trailhead was the most difficult part of the entire hike. The sign for the road up to the trail (Trail Canyon Road) is only facing you if you drive in from the North/​East on Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Coming from the other Los Angeles there is no signage and it is quite easy to miss. If you are coming from the West and pass a picnic area on your right you have gone too far.
Once you drive up the dirt path that is Trail Canyon Road just park and head in. The trail is very easy to follow. Shortly after you start there is some very interesting areas with what appear to be the remains of some cabins or houses where all the metal furnishings are rusted out. It is to the left off the trail There is also a long-​ish section that is in the sun and is where you gain most of your elevation so bring plenty of water and a hat! When you get close to the water fall (you can now see it) there is a dip in the path. To the right of that dip is the easiest path to follow down to the base of the falls. The path is quite steep and has quite a bit of loose gravel so only attempt it if you are sure on your feet and wearing solid footwear. It is a beautiful view at the bottom.
It took my friend and I about 2 ½ hours. We took our time, lots of pictures and a break at the falls. So I’m sure it can be done much quicker if you are just there for the exercise!

This is a awesome hike and some what easy. The elevation gain might be the only issue (700 ft gain). Hike is dog friendly and depending on rain fall, waterfall might be dried. I was lucky and was able to see it in it’s full majesty. Great views and Mount Lukens is behind you the whole time. You can’t get lost and will take some time to get due to elevation gain.
Here is a video of my adventure

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Hike Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy/​Moderate
Trail Condition: Ok
Hike type: Out & Back
Animals: Dog Friendly
Fee: Adventure Pass

One of the best trails in the LA area. It’s an easy to medium level hike with some good elevation and lots to see. Some nice shaded areas and cooler temperatures around the creek and falls. Our dog loved this hike.
TIP: Make sure to use some bug spray.

Trail shows every sign of being maintained, all washouts are passable, falls are easily accessible (small scramble) both above and below. Wonderful pools above falls for cooling off (no leeches seen in June). Plant warning– some poison oak growing over trail throughout– if you’re reading this prior to going, do us all a favor and bring some clippers in your pack and snip these back. ALSO, about .5 mile in, a few hundred feet up the trail from where it first hits the stream in earnest, immediately next to the trail on the right is a 6-​foot mature fuzzy dog poodle bush. Purple flowers, lots of straight leaves in small clusters (so as not to confuse it with. Dumb name, BAD plant– poison to touch, poison to SMELL.

Hiked the falls on March 4, 2014 a lot of water flowing great hike like always

I think we missed something, because there wasn’t any waterfall. its been very dry this year, maybe it was just a trickle. or maybe it was that we didn’t go far enough. does everyone have to pay the hillbilly $ 5 to open the gate for them?

We went this past sunday and guess what… No waterfall :(we walk like. 40 min and nothing.

I have done this trail more than a dozen times. We were mountain biking this trail back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I’ve gone as far as Condor Peak. This was/​is one of my favorite local trails. I went here yesterday, first time since the Station Fire. The road/​gate were opened, and signed that they close at 8pm. The trail below the falls is fairly simple to find now. Someone has also placed cairns. The trail above the falls is a little challenging. The cairns are sometimes difficult to follow, and the debris of fallen tree’s and branches, along with the tangle of vines, made the going slow and tough. It was raining, so this made everything slippery. We made it to Tom Lucas Trail Camp (marked incorrectly on the Topo maps btw), and decided to go further. We turned around about 45 minutes beyond the camp (10 minutes if there was a trail!!!)
I have the GPS tracks saved on
. You can search my user name Lost4Now on there and view/​download the tracks for this hike. I marked on GPS the location of a fire ring at a camp spot. I camped here about 15 years ago.
Please continue hiking beyond the falls. More use will make the trail much easier to follow!

Love this hike. So glad it is finally open after being closed for three years due to the station fire. I’ve hiked this three times in the last two week. The first two times were on a weekday and the gate to the dirt road off Big Tujunga Canyon was closed and locked. I just parked at a turnout down the road. The third time was Saturday the 9^th and the gate was open and I was able to drive to the dirt parking lot next to the trailhead. It was a little bit overgrown but not too bad and it was clear there had been a lot of work done on the trail. The off chute from the main trail to the base of the falls was very overgrown and you pretty much need both hands free to be able to scramble down. Even though the pretty little tree at the bottom of the falls has been burned down it is still very nice, green and peaceful at the falls base. I was able to get in the water and under the waterfall for a nice refreshing dip before my hike back.

A great trail! Even though it seems to be closed due to fire, you can still go on it.
Park on the road, but make sure you get a wilderness pass (you can get one at the 711 on the way in). Follow the road to the right, cross the river, and continue on. You’ll get to a point where you can go left or right at a river, and go right. If you go left you’ll be going to a residence.
Though the trail continuing up the stream is hard to follow at times, keep going. Eventually you’ll get to an open area where it’s hard to find the trail again. Look for the giant oak tree across the way and you’ll find a trail ascending up along the side of the hills. Keep going, because the waterfall is just around the corner!
The best time to go is early spring, because it has millions if wildflowers. It can get really overgrown in early summer, but it’s worth it.
A word of warning: DONT swim in the river!!! My girlfriend and i swam in it and were covered by baby leeches… We were okay though.
Beautiful, secluded hike!

The last time I visited Trail Canyon Falls 2 years ago was a disaster. The trail had been neglected for several years after large forest fire and was nearly impassable because of thick vegetation and flood damage. We took several wrong turns, forcing us to walk upstream in the creek at a time when the water levels were unusually high and the currents truculent in the best of places. We never did make it to the falls, giving up when we were less than a half mile away. To top it off, we were attacked by a 4 foot long rattlesnake on the return to the car.
I was pleasantly surprised this time around to see that the entire 3 mile trail had been completely repaired. Even the parking area for the trail had been restored and widened.
To get to the trailhead from Sunland, follow Big Tujunga Canyon Road North for approximately 4 miles to a small dirt road on the left side labeled on most maps as North Trail Canyon Road. Turn left and follow North Trail Canyon Road for mile to the parking area.
From the parking area you follow a wide gravel road through the locked car gate and up the hill, passing by a few sporadic cabins. There are 1 or 2 signs indicating the waterfall is ahead. After a half mile or so, you will descend back down the creek and come to a small junction in the trail. The left hand junction dead ends after a hundred feet at some abandoned farm equipment and the ruins of a small cabin. Take the right hand junction and continue to follow the creek. The trail is wide, well maintained and quite obvious. You will have to make several small stream crossings. Another half mile in and the trail will cross to the left of the creek and you will gradually ascend to the top. This part of the trail is moderately strenuous, completely exposed to the sun, and probably inappropriate for small kids. After gaining a 1,000 feet or so of elevation above the creek, you will round one last corner and the waterfall will come into view. The waterfall is about 50 or 60 feet tall situated in the middle of the canyon. From the other descriptions I’ve read, it flows for most of the year, regardless of the rain. The climb down from the trail to the top of the falls is relatively easy. There are a few cool spots to take some pictures at the top of the falls. Getting to the bottom requires some effort and a willingness to get dirty. I put my hand on a tree branch to steady myself on the way down the cliff face and was promptly attacked by a swarm of biting red ants. The canyon floor was also overgrown in a few places with those stinging water nettle plants, so watch where you put your hands.
I had a much better time at Trail Canyon Falls this time around. I want to come back in the spring after the snow begins to melt and the falls are ferocious.

Trail Canyon Falls has something for everyone. This hike is beautiful! — in and out, at just over 3 miles round trip. (Adventure Pass required) The hike begins on a fire road but quickly takes you deeper into the canyon along a mountain stream shaded by alder trees. There are a few (4 – 5) easy stream crossings where the water is very shallow. You’ll climb in and out of the canyon a couple of times in the course of the hike. Before you reach the falls, you’ll ascend the canyon, turn away from the stream and follow the trail through mountainous chaparral where you will see the falls from a distance. It’s about 1.5 miles to the top of the falls. I did the hike in about 2 hours, but allow more time if you want to hang out in the pools around the falls. I didn’t take the dirt paths down as suggested by the other reviewer. I don’t like going where I can’t see all the way down path from the top. :)
Recommended time to go: April for wildflowers along the trail. Early morning is nice, especially for the last ascent out of the canyon where you’ll be fully exposed to the sun. It’s a pretty steady steeper climb (about 15 – 20 min)
To get to the trailhead: From the 210 fwy, exit off Sunland. Go north to Foothill Blvd and turn right. Make a left on Oro Vista Ave, which turns into Big Tujunga Canyon Road. Look for a dirt road on the left when you’ve traveled 4 – 5 miles. It’s just before the brown sign on your right that reads «Delta Flats 400 ft.» Drive on this bumpy dirt road and stay to the right, as indicated by the sign «Trail Canyon» Park when you reach the bottom by the oak trees.
Trail Tips: If you’ve read Jerry Schad’s «Must Do Hikes…» and some of the internet reviews, it sounds like its an easy trail to follow. That’s kind of true, because it’s easy to tell when you’ve gone the wrong way, but there are a couple of places to go the wrong way. Here are my watch-outs…(it’ll make sense when you go)
1) At the trail head, go through the heavy yellow gate, and go straight. The guides say you’ll be on a fire road for a while in the beginning, so a few 100 feet into the hike, it got very narrow so I went right, across the stream through the community of cabins. You can go that way, but the stream is wide there. Go straight if you want to avoid the stream.
2) When you get to the first fork in the road, you can go left, across the stream, but it’s the right fork you want to go on. The left fork leads to a residence.
3) After hiking along the fire road for a while, you’ll approach the stream. Choose the path that’s on the far right to cross the stream. The path will have rough steps reinforced by wood at some points.