Close to civilization but a world away, the short and shady Millard Canyon Falls hike follows a lush riparian habitat to a spectacular waterfall. The hike starts on a gradual downhill offering views into the foothills of Angeles National Forest, then heads through Millard Trail Camp and up through a richly biodiverse area to the fifty-foot waterfall. A shorter option cuts the hike down to about a mile and a half. It's an excellent hike for families and those wanting a quick outdoor fix without a long trip into the forest.
Getting to Millard Canyon Falls
Millard Canyon Falls is in Angeles National Forest, and you need to leave a parks pass or Adventure Pass in your car when you park. If you are doing the full hike, use this trailhead address: Brown Mountain Truck Trail, Altadena, CA 91001
The road to the trailhead is small and enters Angeles National Forest from Altadena.When you get to the trailhead area, make the right toward the white gate.There's a small parking area at the trailhead. If the parking area is full, you can park on the dirt turnoffs down along the road.
There's a big parking lot at the bottom of the hill.There are bathrooms at Millard Trail Camp, which is on the hike. They're not the greatest, so go before you get here if you can.
Gear for the Hike
You can do the hike to Millard Canyon Falls in light hiking gear or fitness clothes. There are stream crossings and occasional overgrowth. Having waterproof shoes or shoes that can get wet is your best bet. Using trekking poles will help at stream crossings.
If you have kids, they will probably get wet when crossing the streams if there's water flowing.
There's an abundance of wildlife in Millard Canyon, but if you're loud, you'll probably scare it away. Keep your eyes open for the coast range newt, a local inhabitant and threatened species. Photo Greg Schechter
Millard Canyon is one of the most biologically diverse areas around Los Angeles. The abundance of water, shade and vegetation make it home to everything from tree frogs to mule deer. It's so close to suburban SoCal, but in a few minutes you feel like you are a world away.
A few years ago a black bear scratched a camper at Millard Trail Camp and was later put down. Locals see black bears rooting through trash cans occasionally. Don't worry about it; you won't see them on the hike unless you're leaving a trail of food trash behind you. If you're worried, check out my easy guide to bear safety here.
The entire area of the hike had burned in the 2009 Station Fire, one of the largest in California History. Today you would never guess that there was a fire here.
Usually there's at least a trickle coming down the falls. After it rains you'll get the best flow.
Millard Canyon Falls Hike Directions
Go through the gate at the end of the parking area to start the hike.You'll be hiking up Mt Lowe Road for a short stretch. If you were to follow this road straight you'd eventually reach Inspiration Point in about 5 miles.But we're going to make the first left turn onto the Sunset Ridge Trail.Here's the start of the Sunset Ridge Trail at that turn. Hop off the road and onto the trail. It's 0.8 miles of downhill to Millard Trail Camp.The trail twists and turns into the canyon.When the trail comes out of the trees you'll get some nice views into the foothills of Angeles National Forest towering above Millard Canyon.Follow the switchbacks down to the end of the hill.And soon the Sunset Trail will follow the bigger Channey Truck Trail.
If you're coming from the short route, you'll be walking down the larger road (above) from the parking area.
At the junction you'll see a sign pointing you toward the falls.Join the road and head through Millard Trail Camp, which is on your left as you hike. The campground is first-come, first-serve if you'd ever like to stay the night.Hike straight through the campground, past the bathroom on your right.At the end of the camping area make the right onto the well-marked trail to Millard Falls.Climb up the small stone wall and hike along the trail.For the next 0.5 miles you'll be crossing back and forth over the stream multiple times. Look for the trail heading up the canyon in the distance.The trail follows the creek up Millard Canyon. Just keep following the Millard Creek.Some areas have multiple options to cross. Just pick what works best for you.Keep hiking over the crossings as the trail starts to wind around to the left.And then, around a corner to the left, you'll hear the falls in the distance.And here you are, all 50 feet or so of Millard Falls!Enjoy the area around Millard Falls, it's beautiful. Don't try to climb the falls; it's a fairly common spot for injuries.
After you enjoy the falls, just turn around and hike back the way you came.
