I’ve been an avid hiker for many years, and I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Los Angeles. From the towering Eaton Canyon Falls to the secluded Sturtevant Falls, there’s a waterfall hike for everyone in this city.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, I highly recommend the Eaton Canyon Trail. This 3.5-mile loop trail takes you through a lush canyon, past a series of waterfalls, and to the base of Eaton Canyon Falls. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it does have some steep sections, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Eaton Canyon Trail
I’ve hiked the Eaton Canyon Trail countless times, and it never disappoints. This 3.5-mile loop trail takes you through a lush canyon, past a series of waterfalls, and to the base of Eaton Canyon Falls, a towering 80-foot cascade. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it does have some steep sections, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
I usually start my hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The trailhead is located at the end of Eaton Canyon Drive in Pasadena. From the trailhead, the trail follows a paved path along the Eaton Canyon Creek. After about a mile, you’ll reach the first waterfall, a small but picturesque cascade. Continue hiking upstream, and you’ll soon reach the second waterfall, which is larger and more impressive. The trail then becomes steeper as you climb towards the base of Eaton Canyon Falls. The final ascent is challenging, but it’s worth it when you finally reach the top and are rewarded with stunning views of the waterfall.
I always pack a lunch and plenty of water for my hike to Eaton Canyon Falls. There are a few picnic tables located near the base of the waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy your lunch while taking in the views. After lunch, I usually take some time to explore the area around the waterfall. There are several large pools of water where you can swim or wade. You can also climb up the rocks behind the waterfall for a different perspective.
The Eaton Canyon Trail is a great hike for all ages and fitness levels. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike, and the views of the waterfalls are simply breathtaking.
Sturtevant Falls Trail
The Sturtevant Falls Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall in the Angeles National Forest. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and rocky terrain. But the stunning views of the waterfall make it all worthwhile.
I hiked the Sturtevant Falls Trail on a hot summer day, but the trail was mostly shaded by trees, which made the hike more bearable. The trailhead is located at the end of Sturtevant Falls Road in Arcadia. From the trailhead, the trail follows a well-maintained path through a lush canyon. After about a mile, you’ll reach a fork in the trail. The left fork leads to Sturtevant Falls, while the right fork leads to the top of the falls. I took the left fork and soon reached the base of the waterfall.
Sturtevant Falls is a beautiful 50-foot cascade that plunges into a large pool of water. I spent some time admiring the waterfall and taking pictures. I also waded into the pool of water to cool off. The water was cold and refreshing, and it felt great to relax after my hike.
After lunch, I decided to hike to the top of the falls. The trail to the top is steep and rocky, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding canyon. From the top of the falls, I could see for miles in every direction. It was an amazing view, and it made me feel like I was on top of the world.
The Sturtevant Falls Trail is a great hike for anyone looking for a challenging but rewarding hike. The waterfall is beautiful, and the views from the top of the falls are simply breathtaking.
Fern Dell Trail
The Fern Dell Trail is a short but beautiful loop trail that takes you through a lush fern canyon and past a series of small waterfalls. The trail is easy to follow and is perfect for a leisurely hike or a nature walk. I hiked the Fern Dell Trail on a sunny spring day, and the trail was alive with the sound of birds singing and the water flowing over the waterfalls.
The trailhead for the Fern Dell Trail is located at the end of Fern Dell Drive in Griffith Park. From the trailhead, the trail follows a paved path through a dense forest. After about a quarter mile, you’ll reach the first waterfall. The waterfall is small, but it’s still a beautiful sight. The trail continues to follow the stream, and you’ll soon reach a second waterfall. This waterfall is larger than the first, and it’s a great place to stop and take a break.
After the second waterfall, the trail begins to climb up out of the canyon. The climb is short but steep, but it’s worth it for the views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains; At the top of the climb, you’ll reach a junction with the main trail. You can either turn left to continue on the Fern Dell Trail, or you can turn right to return to the trailhead.
I decided to continue on the Fern Dell Trail. The trail continues to follow the stream, and you’ll soon reach a third waterfall. This waterfall is the largest of the three, and it’s a beautiful sight. I spent some time admiring the waterfall and taking pictures. I also waded into the pool of water at the base of the waterfall to cool off. The water was cold and refreshing, and it felt great to relax after my hike.
The Fern Dell Trail is a great hike for anyone looking for a short but beautiful hike. The trail is easy to follow and is perfect for a leisurely hike or a nature walk. The waterfalls are beautiful, and the views of the canyon are stunning.
Switzer Falls Trail
The Switzer Falls Trail is a moderately challenging 3.5-mile loop trail that takes you to the base of Switzer Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Los Angeles. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it does have some steep sections, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
I hiked the Switzer Falls Trail on a warm summer day, and the trail was relatively quiet. I started my hike at the trailhead on Hastain Trail in the Angeles National Forest. The trail follows a dirt path through a dense forest of oak and sycamore trees. After about a mile, the trail begins to climb up a series of switchbacks. The climb is challenging, but the views of the surrounding mountains are worth it.
At the top of the climb, the trail levels out and follows a ridge line. The trail then begins to descend, and you’ll soon reach Switzer Falls. The waterfall is beautiful, and it’s a great place to stop and take a break. I spent some time admiring the waterfall and taking pictures. I also waded into the pool of water at the base of the waterfall to cool off. The water was cold and refreshing, and it felt great to relax after my hike.
After taking a break, I continued on the Switzer Falls Trail. The trail follows the stream for a short distance, and then it begins to climb again. The climb is short but steep, but it’s worth it for the views of the waterfall and the surrounding mountains. At the top of the climb, you’ll reach a junction with the main trail. You can either turn left to continue on the Switzer Falls Trail, or you can turn right to return to the trailhead.
I decided to continue on the Switzer Falls Trail. The trail continues to follow the ridge line, and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. After about a mile, the trail begins to descend, and you’ll soon reach the trailhead.
The Switzer Falls Trail is a great hike for anyone looking for a challenging hike with beautiful scenery. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, but it does have some steep sections, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
dreamtravel