Millard Canyon Waterfall in Altadena
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Millard Canyon Falls Trail

4.8
·250 reviews·Altadena, United States

A scenic 2.8-mile hike in Angeles National Forest leading to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall, perfect for families and nature lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late Winter - Early Spring

Peak waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
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Millard Canyon Waterfall in Altadena

Millard Canyon Falls Trail

Best Time

Late Winter - Early Spring

Peak waterfall flow

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 2.8-mile hike in Angeles National Forest leading to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall, perfect for families and nature lovers. TikTok

4.8
(250 reviews)

"A lovely and fairly short hike to a beautiful waterfall! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Carpool to Save Parking

Parking is very limited, especially midday. Carpooling is highly recommended!

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is rocky with stream crossings. Waterproof boots are ideal after rain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Millard Canyon Falls

Millard Canyon Falls

End of the main trail

A beautiful 50-foot waterfall cascading into a serene pool. Best seen after rain.

TikTok
Lush Canyon Scenery

Lush Canyon Scenery

Along the trail

Enjoy a shaded, green trail with gentle stream crossings and abundant nature.

TikTokReddit
Campsite Charm

Campsite Charm

Mid-trail

A picturesque campsite nestled within the canyon, perfect for an overnight escape.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Waterfall Views

Visit Millard Canyon Falls Trail in late winter or early spring for the most spectacular waterfall views, especially after a rainstorm. Summer visits may mean a trickle or no waterfall at all. Reddit

Parking & Trail Conditions

Parking is scarce, especially midday. Consider carpooling. The trail is rocky with stream crossings, so wear appropriate footwear. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Late Winter - Early Spring
Why
Peak waterfall flow
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
After Rain
Why
Epic waterfall views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Escape to Millard Falls, a serene 2.8-mile hike in Angeles National Forest! 🌿 Perfect for beginners and families, this trail winds through lush greenery, stream crossings, and a charming campsite, leading to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. Pro tip: If it’s rained recently, expect epic views and a bustling trail! 🎒🐾 #WaterfallAdventures #HiddenGemHikes #NatureEscape #HikingLife #SoCalTrails #Adventur...
@midnightporter
106 likes • 2K views

🚗 Carpool to Save Parking

Parking is very limited, especially midday. Carpooling is highly recommended! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is rocky with stream crossings. Waterproof boots are ideal after rain. TikTokReddit

Millard Trail #altadena #millardfalls #waterfalls #hikingtrails #trailhead #fypsounds #fyp #california
@imehz0
131 likes • 4K views
Millard canyon falls trail 🥾 #trail #canyon #outside #nature #losangeles #altadena #ca #hiketok #hiker #where #backpacking #traveltips
@souzaa.may
70 likes • 1.2K views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Reddit

🍄 Mushroom Hunting Spot

This trail is known for its mushroom hunting opportunities, particularly in certain seasons. Reddit

Went exploring this weekend and found a beautiful waterfall hike in Altadena CA. It's called Millard Canyon Falls. It's super easy, about 2 miles rounds trip, and is great for kids as well as dogs. Great way to start your morning ☺️ A must try! ◽ ◽ ◽ ◽ ◽ ◽ #hikes #blackgirlswhocamp #blackgirlswhohike #outdoors #granolagirl #waterfallhikes #millardcanyonfalls #sunday #wanderlust #blackgirlsblo...
@gabelisabeth
45 likes • 3.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Carpool to Save Parking

Parking is very limited, especially midday. Carpooling is highly recommended! Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The trail is rocky with stream crossings. Waterproof boots are ideal after rain. TikTokReddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months. Reddit

🍄 Mushroom Hunting Spot

This trail is known for its mushroom hunting opportunities, particularly in certain seasons. Reddit

🏕️ Camping Available

You can camp here! Go early or late to secure a spot and enjoy nature. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(250 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Millard Canyon Falls Trail for its beautiful waterfall and shaded, accessible path, making it ideal for families and casual hikers. While parking can be a challenge and the waterfall's flow is seasonal, the serene canyon environment and camping opportunities are significant draws. TikTokReddit

"Decent hike. I actually came for the waterfall and it was beautiful. Noting extreme but it was very nice. The water is a decent temperature and you may encounter some wild life on the way, but nothing that really puts you in danger. Went here with some family and had a lot of fun hiking to the waterfall. Just follow the stream and it will lead you there!"

Christina Gray

"Nice place but no waterfalls. Unfortunately! Probably because we came at summer. But there is not too much water. Although the place is clean. I only didn’t understand the use of some old pipes on the territory. Probably someone has to take care of them. It was a nice walk for our dog. The trail is very easy and all the time we were in the shadow. So it was pretty cool. We spend almost 2 hours. It is 4 km total"

Anna Shtatskaya

"A lovely and fairly short hike to a beautiful waterfall! We went midday and parking is very scarce. Would recommend riding together if possible. Plenty of shade even on a hot day. Lovely stream path to hike along. Not a very hard trail, but it is very rocky as in literal rocks to walk across. Totally worth the hike to the end with a beautiful waterfall."

Cristine

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Shaded trail
Easy hike

What People Dislike

Scarce parking
Seasonal waterfall flow
Rocky terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead is located in Altadena, California, within the Angeles National Forest. Follow signs for Millard Canyon Campground. Parking is available at the campground, but it fills up quickly. TikTok+1

Yes, an Adventure Pass is typically required for parking in the Angeles National Forest. Some visitors have reported difficulty obtaining them at local stores. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Millard Canyon Falls Trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Reddit

While camping is permitted, hiking at night can be challenging due to the rocky terrain and darkness. If you do, ensure you have reliable headlamps. Reddit

Follow the stream, and it will lead you to the waterfall. The trail is generally well-defined but can be rocky. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no direct entrance fee for the trail itself, but an Adventure Pass is required for parking in the Angeles National Forest. Reddit

The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. The campground has specific hours, and overnight camping requires reservations. Reddit

Tickets are not required for the trail. However, if you plan to camp, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements. Reddit

The best time is late winter to early spring when rainfall ensures a spectacular waterfall. Summer visits may result in a dry creek bed. Reddit

The trail can be subject to closures due to fire restrictions or other forest management activities. Always check current conditions before visiting. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike to the main waterfall is relatively short, often described as a mile or less. The total loop can be around 4 km (2.5 miles). TikTokReddit

Yes, it's considered an easy hike, perfect for beginners and families with children. TikTok+1

You might encounter various wildlife, but encounters are generally not dangerous. Reddit

Yes, the trail is well-shaded throughout, making it comfortable even on hot days. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the Millard Canyon Campground. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at the trailhead. You'll need to bring your own food or dine in nearby Altadena or Pasadena. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the area clean. Reddit

Snacks, water, and firewood are recommended if you plan to camp or spend an extended time. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The waterfall itself is the main attraction for photos. The lush canyon and stream also offer beautiful scenic shots. TikTok+1

Yes, the waterfall is easily accessible. Consider visiting after rain for the most dramatic effect. Reddit

Morning light can be beautiful, but the shaded canyon offers good photography conditions throughout the day. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Millard Canyon Falls Trail is an excellent choice for families looking for an easy and rewarding hike. The trail is short, well-shaded, and features gentle stream crossings that kids often find exciting. TikTok+1 The main attraction, the waterfall, is a beautiful sight that will captivate young adventurers. Reddit Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for rocky terrain. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and make parking easier. Reddit The presence of a campsite also means families could potentially turn this into a short overnight trip, offering a deeper immersion in nature. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Millard Canyon Falls Trail is a great spot to bring your furry companions. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are kept on a leash. Reddit The shaded path and the opportunity to splash in the creek (seasonally) make it an enjoyable outing for dogs. Reddit Be sure to bring extra water for your pet and keep an eye on them, especially on the rocky sections. Reddit

Remember that while the trail is generally easy, some parts are rocky, so ensure your dog is comfortable with this type of terrain. Reddit The presence of wildlife means keeping your dog close is always a good idea. Reddit

🏕️ Campers

For those looking to extend their nature experience, Millard Canyon offers a campsite. Reddit To ensure a spot, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning or late at night. Reddit Packing essentials like firewood, warm clothing, and plenty of food and water is crucial for an enjoyable camping trip. Reddit The campsite provides a unique opportunity to wake up surrounded by the natural beauty of the canyon. Reddit

Be mindful of the trail conditions, especially after dark, as it can become difficult to navigate. Reddit Planning your camping activities to maximize daylight hours is advisable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Waterfall Experience

Millard Canyon Falls is a stunning 50-foot waterfall that is the primary draw for many visitors. The best time to witness its full glory is during the late winter and early spring months, especially after significant rainfall. Reddit During summer, the falls may be reduced to a trickle or even dry up completely. Reddit The hike to the waterfall is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Reddit The sound of the cascading water provides a soothing soundtrack to your adventure. TikTok

When visiting after rain, be prepared for a more crowded trail but also for the most impressive waterfall display. TikTok The water temperature is generally pleasant, and the surrounding environment is serene. Reddit For photographers, the waterfall offers a beautiful subject, with opportunities for capturing its power and the surrounding natural beauty. TikTok

It's worth noting that the trail can be rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential. TikTokReddit While the main waterfall is the highlight, the journey through the canyon itself is also a rewarding experience, with lush greenery and the gentle sound of the creek. TikTok

Trail Navigation and Conditions

The Millard Canyon Falls Trail is generally considered an easy to moderate hike, suitable for beginners and families. TikTok+1 The path is approximately 2.8 miles round trip, with the main waterfall being less than a mile from the trailhead. TikTokReddit The trail is characterized by its rocky terrain, requiring careful footing, and often involves crossing a seasonal creek. Reddit Many visitors recommend following the stream as a natural guide to reach the falls. Reddit

Despite its accessibility, the trail can become challenging after rain, with slippery rocks and higher water levels in the creek. Reddit Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended during these times. Reddit The trail is predominantly shaded, offering a cool respite even on warm days, which is a significant advantage for hikers. Reddit Some sections of the trail can be quite rocky, with literal rocks to walk across, so proper footwear is key. Reddit

For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail can be extended by connecting to fire roads or other trails in the Angeles National Forest, such as the Mt Lowe Fire Road or the Dawn Mine Trail. Reddit However, these extensions can increase the difficulty and require more hiking experience. Reddit

Camping and Extended Stays

Millard Canyon offers a designated campsite, providing an opportunity for an overnight nature experience. TikTokReddit Visitors who wish to camp are advised to arrive early in the morning or late at night to secure a spot, especially if they want to enjoy the solitude of nature. Reddit The campsite is nestled within the canyon, offering a unique ambiance. Reddit

If you plan to camp, it's essential to be prepared. Recommended items include snacks, plenty of water, a warm coat, shorts, extra socks, and firewood. Reddit The experience of waking up surrounded by nature can be incredibly rewarding. Reddit However, be aware that the trail can become very dark at sunset, and the rocky, meandering path can be difficult to navigate even with headlamps, so planning your camping activities around daylight is advisable. Reddit