Rubio Canyon Waterfalls
A steep, rugged canyon hike with seasonal waterfalls and remnants of historic railway structures, offering an adventurous escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are most impressive
Rubio Canyon Waterfalls
Best Time
Waterfalls are most impressive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A steep, rugged canyon hike with seasonal waterfalls and remnants of historic railway structures, offering an adventurous escape.
"It was a great little hike to a pretty waterfall, we did it on memorial day and the weather was perfect."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking shoes with good grip; the trail is rocky, sandy, and can be steep. Pants are recommended for sharp brushes.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Stay hydrated throughout your adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rubio Canyon Falls
End of the main trail
A beautiful seasonal waterfall cascading down the canyon, offering a rewarding sight after a challenging hike.
Pavilion Ruins
Near the end of the trail
Discover remnants of the historic Rubio Pavilion, a testament to the area's past, adding a touch of history to your hike.
Leontine Falls
Deep within Rubio Canyon
A majestic 100-foot waterfall, often requiring rappelling to access, offering a truly adventurous experience.
Thalehaha Falls
Within Rubio Canyon
An impressive 80-foot tall waterfall that is a highlight for canyoneers and hikers seeking stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footing
Waterfalls & Best Viewing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking shoes with good grip; the trail is rocky, sandy, and can be steep. Pants are recommended for sharp brushes. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Stay hydrated throughout your adventure.
🗺️ Use a Navigation App
The trail isn't always well-marked. Apps like AllTrails are helpful for staying on track.
⚠️ Safety First on Steep Sections
Some areas require using your hands for balance. Assess your skill level before attempting advanced sections. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Wear hiking shoes with good grip; the trail is rocky, sandy, and can be steep. Pants are recommended for sharp brushes. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The hike can be strenuous, especially in warmer weather. Stay hydrated throughout your adventure.
🗺️ Use a Navigation App
The trail isn't always well-marked. Apps like AllTrails are helpful for staying on track.
⚠️ Safety First on Steep Sections
Some areas require using your hands for balance. Assess your skill level before attempting advanced sections. +1
🚗 Street Parking Available
Parking is typically free on the street in the residential area near the trailhead.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rubio Canyon offers a rewarding, adventurous hike with beautiful seasonal waterfalls and historical remnants. While the trail can be steep and rocky, requiring good footwear and caution, many find the challenging terrain and stunning scenery well worth the effort. It's a popular spot for those seeking a bit more excitement than a typical park trail.
"A historic route with remnants of old railway structures if you look closely. After rains, the waterfalls are really pretty. The trail can be rocky and requires attention to footing. It’s adventurous without being too long. Highly recommend for a weekend morning"
Alexander Ordowski
"This trail is short yet interesting to explore. You park the car on the street and go straight to the trail head. We were welcomed by a big dog on the hill side at the trail head. Then we see clear skyline of downtown LA. At mile 1/8, the trail splits, we took the top trail and did a loop and came back from the bottom. If you keep going deep into the canyon, you will see lots of trees, low bushes and giant rocks. There is a water pipe in the canyon. There are multiple waterfalls, I was able to reach the last fall, but it is steep and requires a lot of rock climbing. If you decided to go, please be safe"
Shumin Guo
"1.5 Miles out and back to ruins of Rubio pavilion with a waterfall at the end. Some steep drop offs. Bring lots of water and sturdy hiking shoes as part of the trail goes to dried creek beds which was so rocky. Lots of free street parking"
Anthony Ibarrola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in a residential area in Altadena, typically accessed from Altadena Drive. Parking is usually available on the street.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching the trailhead directly. Driving and parking on the street is the most common method.
Since the trail can be unmarked, using a navigation app like AllTrails is highly recommended to stay on the correct path.
While specific road closures can vary, the trail itself is generally accessible, though conditions can change after weather events.
The trailhead is often found between houses in a residential neighborhood. It's best to use GPS and look for signs or common starting points mentioned by hikers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no specific ticket or permit is required for hiking Rubio Canyon, as it's part of the Angeles National Forest. However, always check for any current forest service regulations.
Rubio Canyon is an open trail and does not have set operating hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, but hiking in the dark is not recommended.
There is typically no entrance fee for accessing Rubio Canyon. Parking is also usually free on the street.
The waterfalls are most impressive after significant rainfall. Visiting during or shortly after a storm will offer the best views.
While official guided tours might be rare, local hiking groups or private guides may offer excursions. It's also a popular spot for canyoneering groups.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately challenging due to its steep, rocky, and sometimes overgrown terrain. It's about 1.5 miles out and back to the main waterfall. +1
The hike to the main waterfall typically takes about 30-60 minutes one way, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Restroom facilities are generally not available at the trailhead or along the Rubio Canyon trail. Plan accordingly.
You can expect views of the San Gabriel Mountains, lush canyon vegetation, and clear skyline views of downtown LA from certain points.
While the main trail to the first waterfall is manageable for adventurous beginners, some sections require hand use and good footing. Advanced falls are not for beginners.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls themselves, the Pavilion ruins, and panoramic views of the canyon and downtown LA offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, the rugged terrain, waterfalls, and mountain vistas make it a compelling location for landscape photographers, especially after rain.
Early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the canyon's atmosphere, while midday can be harsh. Golden hour before sunset can also be stunning.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. Commercial photography or filming may require permits from the Angeles National Forest.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and canyon. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures in lower light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main waterfall is a good destination, be aware that some sections of the trail can be steep with drop-offs, so keep a close eye on younger children. The experience of reaching a waterfall and exploring the canyon can be very exciting for kids, making it a memorable outing if approached with caution and preparation.
⛰️ Adventurous Hikers & Canyoneers
+2Experienced hikers will appreciate the rugged terrain and the historical remnants of the Mount Lowe Railway. The ability to navigate off-trail sections and manage steep, rocky ascents and descents makes Rubio Canyon a rewarding destination for those with advanced outdoor skills.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Early morning light offers soft illumination, while the rugged canyon landscape itself presents opportunities for compelling shots. Be prepared for varied terrain and bring appropriate gear, such as a wide-angle lens, to capture the scale and beauty of this unique natural and historical site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Mount Lowe Railway
The railway ascended steep grades, with Rubio Canyon serving as a key access point. The Pavilion itself was a grand structure, a hub for visitors before they continued their journey up the mountain. Exploring the canyon offers a chance to connect with this fascinating past, imagining the bustling activity that once took place here.
While much of the railway infrastructure is gone, the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore these mountains remain. The trail follows parts of the old railway's path, making the hike a journey through both natural beauty and historical significance.
Navigating the Canyon: Trail Conditions and Safety
While the main path to the first waterfall is manageable for adventurous hikers, some sections require using your hands for balance and support. For those seeking to reach higher, more secluded waterfalls like Leontine Falls, canyoneering skills such as rappelling are often necessary. It's vital to assess your own abilities and experience level before venturing beyond the main trail.
+2Safety is paramount in Rubio Canyon. The trail is not always clearly marked, so using a navigation app like AllTrails is highly advised to ensure you stay on course. Always carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days, and be mindful of the steep drop-offs and uneven terrain.
The Allure of Rubio's Waterfalls
Beyond the main fall, the canyon hides more ambitious cascades like the 80-foot Thalehaha Falls and the impressive 100-foot Leontine Falls. Reaching these higher falls often involves more technical routes, including rappelling, making them a draw for experienced canyoneers.
+2The sound of cascading water and the cool mist create a serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Even when the falls are not at their peak, the canyon's natural beauty and the journey itself provide a fulfilling outdoor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit