Rating | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
Navigation Difficulty | Easy |
Distance | 2.6 miles roundtrip |
Time | 2 hours |
Terrain | Hilly, 300 feet of elevation gain |
Best Seasons | All |
Family Friendly | No |
Dog Friendly | Yes |
Accessible | No |
Highlights
- Pretty waterfall
- Shady hike to beat the heat
- Views of Millard Canyon
Hike Summary
Possibly due to their rarity, waterfalls are a staple of Los Angeles hiking. Millard Falls provides the scenic destination you crave without having the massive crowds of other waterfalls like the nearby Eaton Canyon Falls. This hike is also a treat thanks to its ample shade, allowing you to hike in the part of the Angeles National Forest closest to the city even when temperatures are hot in the San Gabriel Valley. Look no further if you want a short, beautiful hike!
The trail starts by heading uphill on the paved forest road on the other side of the locked gate. At the crest of the hill, you'll pass barbed wire fencing on the right side and reach the viewpoint pictured below. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Santiago Peak in Orange County, and a sign at this location details some of the history of the Mt. Lowe Railway, an attempt to make the view from nearby Echo Mountain accessible to everyone that was eventually foiled by fire.
Don't miss this hike near Los Angeles! You'll enjoy the all the waterfall views with fewer crowds. Connect with me using the social media links below and share your adventures!
Important Information
Dogs are allowed on leash. This particular route to the falls is not kid-friendly due to the uphill climb on the way out of the canyon, but you can also start from the campground at the bottom of Millard Canyon (assuming you can find a parking spot) for a kid-friendly 1.2-mile roundtrip hike. You can hike here in all seasons thanks to the low elevation and ample shade throughout the hike. This is a popular trail (but not as popular as other waterfalls), so start in the morning to ensure you can park!
Directions
From Pasadena, head west on Interstate 210 towards La Canada Flintridge. Take the exit for Lincoln Avenue, then turn right. Turn right onto Loma Alta Drive, then turn left onto Chaney Trail. Follow the road as it snakes uphill, then park by the locked gate (and most likely a few other cars) just before the road turns sharply left and starts heading into the canyon.
Google Maps Directions
Parking, Fees, and Facilities
A National Forest Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) is required to park here; you can purchase one at a variety of locations throughout Southern California, online, by phone, or by mail -- see the Forest Service webpage for more information. Federal interagency passes are also accepted in lieu of the Adventure Pass. There are no facilities here, but there are restrooms further down the trail in the campground.
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