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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow

Millard Canyon Falls Trail
Best Time
Peak waterfall flow

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

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Millard Canyon Falls
End of the main trail
A beautiful 50-foot waterfall cascading into a serene pool. Best seen after rain.

Lush Canyon Scenery
Along the trail
Enjoy a shaded, green trail with gentle stream crossings and abundant nature.

Campsite Charm
Mid-trail
A picturesque campsite nestled within the canyon, perfect for an overnight escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Waterfall Views
Parking & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months.
🍄 Mushroom Hunting Spot
This trail is known for its mushroom hunting opportunities, particularly in certain seasons.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on your hike, especially during warmer months.
🍄 Mushroom Hunting Spot
This trail is known for its mushroom hunting opportunities, particularly in certain seasons.
🏕️ Camping Available
You can camp here! Go early or late to secure a spot and enjoy nature.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, an Adventure Pass is typically required for parking in the Angeles National Forest. Some visitors have reported difficulty obtaining them at local stores.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Millard Canyon Falls Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
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.
Follow the stream, and it will lead you to the waterfall. The trail is generally well-defined but can be rocky.
🎫 🎫 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.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. The campground has specific hours, and overnight camping requires reservations.
Tickets are not required for the trail. However, if you plan to camp, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements.
The best time is late winter to early spring when rainfall ensures a spectacular waterfall. Summer visits may result in a dry creek bed.
The trail can be subject to closures due to fire restrictions or other forest management activities. Always check current conditions before visiting.
🎫 🏞️ 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).
Yes, it's considered an easy hike, perfect for beginners and families with children.
You might encounter various wildlife, but encounters are generally not dangerous.
Yes, the trail is well-shaded throughout, making it comfortable even on hot days.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Millard Canyon Campground.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the area clean.
Snacks, water, and firewood are recommended if you plan to camp or spend an extended time.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall itself is the main attraction for photos. The lush canyon and stream also offer beautiful scenic shots.
Yes, the waterfall is easily accessible. Consider visiting after rain for the most dramatic effect.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the shaded canyon offers good photography conditions throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and make parking easier. The presence of a campsite also means families could potentially turn this into a short overnight trip, offering a deeper immersion in nature.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember that while the trail is generally easy, some parts are rocky, so ensure your dog is comfortable with this type of terrain. The presence of wildlife means keeping your dog close is always a good idea.
🏕️ Campers
Be mindful of the trail conditions, especially after dark, as it can become difficult to navigate. Planning your camping activities to maximize daylight hours is advisable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Waterfall Experience
When visiting after rain, be prepared for a more crowded trail but also for the most impressive waterfall display. The water temperature is generally pleasant, and the surrounding environment is serene. For photographers, the waterfall offers a beautiful subject, with opportunities for capturing its power and the surrounding natural beauty.
It's worth noting that the trail can be rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential. 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.
Trail Navigation and Conditions
Despite its accessibility, the trail can become challenging after rain, with slippery rocks and higher water levels in the creek. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended during these times. The trail is predominantly shaded, offering a cool respite even on warm days, which is a significant advantage for hikers. Some sections of the trail can be quite rocky, with literal rocks to walk across, so proper footwear is key.
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. However, these extensions can increase the difficulty and require more hiking experience.
Camping and Extended Stays
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. The experience of waking up surrounded by nature can be incredibly rewarding. 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.
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