I am giving this hike 4/5 because of cleanliness of the falls area. There are alot of bottles and trash around the area because it is a popular site for teens and young adults. SO PLEASE TAKE YOUR TRASH WITH YOU!!! The hike to the falls is a shot 1.2 mile hike down the canyon. Make sure you bring lots of water because it gets hot and you'll get real thirsty. Once you reach the falls, you have 2 options. 1: you can take the rope down the side in order to get to the 30 foot drop which is on the opposite side of the canyon. In order to do this you'll need shoes. (if possible bring hiking/trail running shoes) you'll need the grip. option 2: you can jump off the 51 foot jump. The 2 main jumps are the 30 foot and the 51 foot jumps. The 30 foot jump is pretty nerve racking, but even inexperienced cliff jumpers can do this one no problem. If you pencil drop you'll lightly touch the ground. Its a great rush and its fun. *****The 51 foot jump is the one you'll need to cautious about. ****** The jump is really tall but the drop isn't a straight down cut off. There's a ledge that comes out a bit. This is when you need to pay attention. DON'T TRY THIS JUMP IF YOU'RE GONNA CHICKEN OUT AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!! This is a fair warning to all you would be thrill seekers. A girl was EXTREMELY injured today doing this jump.Basically she went for the jump but at the last second she hesitated and stopped. In doing so she lost her balance, slipped, and fell off the ledge. on her way down, she hit the ledge that came out and then fell into the water. Long story short, she couldn't move(possible spine fracture) and she had to get a helicopter air lift. I can't stress this enough. be cautious of the danger here. There has been more than one accident here. Just remember to be safe and if you are doing the tall jump, just run and jump off the ledge and dont think twice about. Hesitation is deadly. read more

Ugh this is literally one of my favorite trails I've done in SoCal so far. I have yet to trek down Sturtevant just because I love hermit so much. Especially with all the rain we just had uuuuuugh it's so luscious and you can head the water rushing as soon as you enter the canyon. obviously the cliff jumping is so fun (took me an easy 20 minutes to gather the courage to leap) and the hike back is a nice little incline work out. Pretty much everything you can ask for in a hike. I only take away one star for the parking situation, if you don't have an adventure pass (I'm sure most people don't) you pay per time you park there- which is totally fine it's only $5 and it's based on the honor system- you wrote your license plate and drop it in a box- doubt that anyone checks it- anyhow, it's super out of the way, and doesn't qualify towards parking near the trail. Maybe I'm just being boujee it's just a little inconvenient. OH AND THE BATHROOMS ARE THE NASTIEST THINGS I HAVE EVER SEEN omg vomit (legit. And Shit everywhere) read more

Hike is about 1.25m, shady, pretty easy. Lots of slobs coming here unfortunately. Throughout the hike there's a lot of water bottles everywhere. Cliff jump is awesome however at the end of the rocks, again, lots of trash. TAKE YOUR TRASH WITH YOU! If you decide to take your kids, take them to the other trails. Its a hang out spot where people drink, smoke, curse and yell. read more

I'd say this place is ok, not worth the hype for sure. The hike down isn't too bad, all you see is a dirt path and a bunch of trash leftover by other hikers. It does get pretty nice once you get down to small creeks and rocks but you will see also see big boulders that is tagged(graffiti) up. Once you get to the falls you will continue to see a bunch of trash(anything from empty beer bottles to swimming trunks) left everywhere. The water is pretty dirty also. The fall is nice to jump into but not worth it. All in all this place is pretty disappointing. watch out, you might see a brown bear and most likely hear/see rattlesnakes. read more

hands down the funnest way to spend a sunday In fact my family and I made an uninformed decision to spend our Easter Sunday here and have no regrets. The hike was incredible, and for a holiday it was the perfect balance of busy enough to know you'll be safe but not enough to disrupt your oneness with nature needless to say my mom panic attacked when I suggested cliff diving but there was this amazing 30 ft tall rock wall that I got to mess around with..at times I felt like I would die since I was wearing converse shoes sans harness, but that was the fun of it we saw this guy rock hopping for a good mile through the middle of the river. he was rad. it was like parkour, nature edition read more

One of the reason for the lack of star is for the crappy parking! Especially on the weekends! They have a super small lot for the hikers to park, which you have to pay $5 for. But I usually just park on the side of the road. Apparently you can get a ticket for it but it's only $5 from what I've heard. So far I've been lucky and haven't gotten a ticket yet. The hike isn't too hard but we all gotta admit we do it to see the fall at the end. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on their leash. Be careful of snakes because they do tend to rome and also know your poisonous plants you need to be aware of! Take plenty of water and a small snack for the end of the hike if you'd like since its nice to rest and take a quick break before you head back. If you plan on going up to the falls bring some your swimsuit and change of clothes! The most dreadful part of this hike is definitely the concrete road back up that starts from the beginning of the hike which is half way down the mountain. It's always nicer to go down the hill than up towards the end of a hike. Other than that its a really cool hiking trail to check out since its near by the city! read more

I've mixed feelings about this hike. The pros: convenience of purchasing the wilderness pass for parking, the beauty of the hike down to the falls which is lush with greenery and shaded, approximately 2.8 miles in and out, Sturtevant Fall is accessible from this canyon on the opposite trail. Cons: uphill trek back, LOTS of poison oak, lots of graffiti and trash at the actual falls (so disappointing that people can be so destructive, very crowded and parking challenging on the weekend. read more

See all

The hike to Hermit Falls was my first legit hike, not counting the ones I've done on school trips and such. Needless to say, I was very satisfied! Coming from Orange County, the drive wasn't too bad, especially when you're with good company. Upon arriving, you'd need to purchase a parking pass for $5 (if you want to park in the designated area). Not bad. I went with 9-10 other friends, and we were all prepared to conquer the wilderness! /corny The hike itself wasn't bad at all, to be totally honest. I was expecting worse, but it went well for the most part. Arriving at the falls was the most glorious moment though. Initially, I was not planning to jump since I wasn't feeling it that day, but after spending a good half hour to an hour in the sun, I was down to do it, even if I didn't have my bathing suit. Didn't matter. Not going to lie, I freaked out a bit when I saw the 40-50 feet jump (is there an accurate number out there?). That was the big one. The smaller one is about 15 feet. All my friends took their jumps, and we recorded each one. It was great. I took my jump, too, and landed a little weird, so I ended up with a bruise on my right forearm. Compared to my other friends that received bruises on their butts, legs, and back, I'd say I was blessed to leave with just that! Worth the hike though. Definitely fun. Do expect to find some people drinking and getting high though; that was my only downfall, along with the occasional trash lying around. It was somewhat crowded when I went (it was Saturday~), but not that bad. Still funsies! read more

Short, easy hike. It was nice that there is a stream along parts of the path. I saw some people jumping down into the pools of water. There was way too much graffiti. read more

Nice place to hike in So Cal. Some paths were challenged and narrowed, but it's worth when you go down. Definitely recommend to hike here. read more

See all

This hike is great and you can make it as long as you want too. You have to get there early for parking so if you're a lazy hiker you won't like it . You have old cabins, streams and water falls along the hike and if you venture where most people quit you will see camp ground after campground and pure wilderness . Bring water and stay on the trail because once you pass where most people stop and turn around to go back to their cars you will find yourself in the middle of the mountains and go miles deep into the forest. read more

I've seen the trail to Hermit Falls for a while now as I passed it on the way to Sturdevant. Last week I decided to check it out with some friends. The trail wasn't too hard to follow, but it took us a moment to realize we were at the falls as it ends at the top rather than the bottom. We had to do a little rock climbing to get to the pool at the lower falls. Once we were there, it turned out to be a great place to swim, if a bit cold. One of my friends and I tried the big jump from the top. It was scary but very exhilarating.The pool was deep enough for it that day, but I'd check first before actually making the jump. The only reason I am giving it less than 5 stars is because of the amount of trash all over the site. The place is littered with empty beer cans and used lighters, even some shoes and pants. Some people have no respect. Other than the trash though, it's a great destination. read more

Awesome walk/hike down a steep winding road, then you go into the Hermit Falls trail to the right which I did. Otherwise Sturtevant Falls up ahead. The trail is winding with minimal difficulty, can get narrow at some points, along with little streams you have to cross and can get wet if you fall over or step in. Plenty of resting spots to hang out or eat lunch along the way. When you get to the falls it's more like flowing water into a lagoon, and can get crowded with youngsters, but I liked the trail and streams more than seeing the falls. Find a stick as the way back up can be a bit tiring so I wouldn't recommend kids younger than 8 years old unless you want to carry them. WARNING: Please go to the top and look for a parking spot, if you don't find one, get the pass ($5) while you are up there or have friend/family go grab it real quick, you can also drop them off after getting the pass so only 1 person has to hike back up. Do not park where it says NO PARKING or let the vehicle be outside the lines as we saw over 10 cars with citations on them. There were cars parked as far as 1 mile down the road so once again definitely recommend dropping kids, etc. off at the top so everyone doesn't have to hike back up, because there are also blind spots where cars are just zooming down the hill. Lots of trees, streams, sound of flowing water, cool cabins, and plenty of shade so you don't really need sunscreen or hat even. And there are not even many bugs all over the place either. Take some water and snacks and enjoy a beautiful trail. read more

This place is awesome and there is usually a good amount of people here. It is a 1.5mile hike down to the falls. Remember always go right! There's also a map at the beginning to show you how to get there. The water was a little cold but was refreshing. Wear shoes though because you don't know what's at the bottom of the water and there is some broken glass. Definitely a spot for cliff jumping and adrenaline junkies! read more

Hermit Falls - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

My first hike! and it was awesome. You need to buy an adventure pass for $5 and park at the designated area. An annual pass for 30$. The hike down hermit falls is not as hard as it is going back up the hill to the parking lot. Since you're going downhill and your excitement for cliff jumping makes you forget how far and strenuous the hike will be. You'll be crossing rivers and jumping off rocks! so its kind of hard if you haven't hiked or not as conditioned. I brought my dog(a pekingnese) and those dogs gets tired easily, so if he could do it, you better be able to as well! haha. If you plan to bring your dog, make sure to bring some water and food and keep them on a leash Anyways, getting to the falls is where the fun begins. You get to rock slide down the two waterfalls and cliff jump. I only jumped the smallest cliff but there are other places where you can jump of that is very high. If you don't want to jump or slide down the rocks, you can waddle or swim in the pools. Overall great experience! I suggest bringing a climber's rope to tie around the tree, so its easier to climb up the slippery rocks after jumping. read more

An incredible trail with enough variation to keep the eye wandering for the duration of the hike. More importantly, this trail culminates with 3 jumping points: one that is 10 ft (a small rock ledge), and two 40-45 ft cliffs. If you hike this trail and don't jump the big one, you're not living. When you get to the jumping point, you'll know that you are there. If you hike during the summer, you'll know that you're there when you see all the high school kids/college kids home for the summer. So, hike and then jump. Jump. Just do it. Is it in you? 45 ft "ain't nothing but a peanut." read more

For the most part a very easy Hike I think this place takes the cake for one of socals best local day hikes. The water is ICE FREAKING COLD during the winter months, I went neck deep in. Yes there are parking fees if you go up to the very top, nice to have friends who have permits/pass. Bathrooms smell so bad, I was gagging the whole time I was peeing and holding back tears. Pair it with Sturtevant Falls for one nice loop! read more

Really fun place to hike. The hike itself is pretty easy. I read that it's 2.4 miles roundtrip, but the parking lot was full on Saturday morning around 11am so we had to park all the way down the mountain making it probably a 3.5+ mile hike. We got lost at first taking the foot trail instead of the horse trail and crossing the river. We went up the river towards some camping sites and got lost there so we backtracked and headed down the river and asked some people where the falls were and they pointed us in the right direction thank God. There usually a good amount of people there at any given point. We were there at 12-2 and there was a constant flow of people. Not many people jumped though, probably only four people did the big one and five others did the small one. All in all, it was a good and fun experience. Plan on doing a Malibu and Julian hike next. read more

See all

Great place to hike early morning. Get there before 8:30 to get parking, after that you'll have to wait for someone to leave. Also, to go to hermit falls don't go all the way down the normal hiking road, LOOK OUT for a sign that points the way once it becomes DORT ROAD. Love the trees and sound of the creek. Beautifully breathe-taking!! read more

See all

Nice hike. Simple and short. Meandering through sun and little fern forests on the switch back before dropping to the well shaded creek below. Everything is perfect until you get to the falls where taggers (not graffiti artists) have decided their desperate and pathetic need to be noticed is more important than millions of years of nature and all the rest of our desires for beauty. read more

Hermit Falls - Beautiful alligator lizard on side of trail. - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

Love this trail! Go early because the parking lot does get filled and then you'll have to park on the side. Don't forget your adventure pass! Lots of shade, and dog friendly! I also took my friends' daughter! There were kids on the trail so it's also kid friendly. Not too strenuous, definitely a chill hike to do! read more

Hermit Falls - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

If you guys want to get to this location make sure you look at the signs. There is a sign that our group and I missed which is at the very beginning of the trail (before the signs that says chantry flats, sturtevant, and mt wilson trails) so if you see this sign.. you've already missed the initial trail to hermit falls! But if you are at this sign already.. then you can take the route to "first water" which will take you straight to hermit falls. Once you get to the end you will be at the pools that people are known to jump into. I advise against jumping. There are many rocks around the target where it is safe to land and even then the water is shallow. many people that jumped said they felt the bottom when they jumped (from 100 feet) so many things can go wrong here. Its not worth it! If you are going to jump. Make sure you assess the area and watch someone that is experienced do it before you go and do it yourself. Educated decisions people. Go into the water first and see how deep it is before you jump in. If you are going to jump don't go feet first are you might break your legs!! read more

I personalty really liked this hike, it wasn't too long of a walk. I got there around 11 and left around 3 this was because I was hanging out by the waterfall for a couple hours. I would defiantly recommend you go hike this trail at least once! P.s make sure you put gas in your car before you drive up the mountain. There is a $5 fee for parking. & make sure when you jump the cliff you land straight. read more

Hermit Falls - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

Size of falls depends on rainfall/snowpack melt. Takes about 30 minutes to get to it, and a lot longer to get back depending on your health. So don't be a sad when it is a dry period. Every girl that comes out with me seems to over-romanticize the idea of a waterfall in LA expecting some Hawaii tourism commercial and then walk away sad when you have to explain the water is mainly from snow melting while they ponder snow in LA. Most people chicken out at jumping in too. The crowds vary, never expect any alone time out there. Most folks that make the trek are actually pretty chill, so say hello, make a friend Expect temperatures to be high 80's in the late spring, and easily hitting 90's-100's mid summer. Smog is pretty bad too. Edit: on 5/8 I went out with some friends. It was packed, but there was plenty of water in the falls to enjoy it. I brought extra waters and gave them out for that last long hike up the hill to a family that camped overnight. Also gave a jump to some poor guy that found out rangers there don't have jumper cables. You wouldn't think of it, but yeah, jumper cables are a big deal out there. Not much wildlife this late in the spring, the ducklings have all hatched, there are garter snakes and loads of lizards. Watch out for poison ivy and poison oak. Dog friendly hikers too, the dogs will bump in to you on narrow points. read more

I went on this hike with a friend early Sunday morning (7/24/11). What a beautiful hike....not too hard, but a good workout. And the payoff??? A beautiful waterfall....and a wonderful pool of water to jump into! I did it...took me a few minutes to find my courage, but it was an amazing experience. I am proud to say I did it....at age 42 even! I can't wait to get up there again and take this hike again. Word to the wise: arrive early or you'll be parking down the mountain, bring bug repellant and sunscreen! Have fun!! read more

I really love these place... it is awsome to hiking which isn't hard to hike. Moreover, 50 ft jumping is awsome. I don't know how to explain it, but if you want to take advantage to yourself, these place is perfect try for you! read more

Hermit Falls - Awsome!! - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

Quick, cute and easy hike (about 3 miles RT, 2 hrs RT). The hike starts off downhill, which means the way back is primarily uphill. Even so, I'd classify this hike as easy-moderate. The trailhead is obvious and easy to spot and all the trails are well marked. Parts of the hike are shaded but be sure to bring a hat and wear sunscreen on a sunny day. We went when it was somewhat gloomy, but nice and chilly, which are personally my favorite hiking conditions. Also, because of the rain this past year, there's a lot of luscious greenery that you can appreciate during your hike, and the waterfalls at the very end are actual waterfalls! The only bummer is that at the falls, there's a bunch of graffiti at the end, which is pretty disappointing and a bit upsetting. Even so, it's still worth doing the hike if you need a quick easy work out while catching up with a buddy! Will be crowded on the weekends so parking can be tough. But you'll eventually find a spot if you look hard enough. Word to the wise, an adventure pass is only needed to parking in the trail lot, the rest of the spots downhill of the trailhead are open spots and no parking pass is needed (save your 5 bucks!) read more

Really Beautiful Views. Great place to go swimming and if you're a daredevil to jump off a cliff at your own risk. There are two cliffs one that is pretty short and the other one is much higher up and from the experience of my friend you have to take a rope to get back up. It's a bit hard to find though and that would be my only negative. read more

Hermit Falls - This picture is from the cliff to the water - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

Came here for the first time this summer with my friends to have a new experience. This place will take your breath away the moment you start driving up the mountain! the waterfalls are definitely worth the miles of walking. The only downside is the parking is very very small, so you either get there really early or park on the edge of the hill... read more

Hermit Falls - One of the waterfalls - Hiking Near Me - Arcadia, California

See all

I really enjoyed this hike an i will be back to do the jumps off the cliffs. Unfortunately i wasnt prepared the last time i went so i was not able to do it then. But definitely a place to go for all of us adventure seekers read more

See all

Came here around 10 am on a Sunday morning after it had rained all day Saturday and luckily it wasn't packed with people when we got there. We found parking in the chantry flats lot and paid $5 for the parking pass. There are restrooms available if you need to use it beforehand. From there we entered the hermit falls trailhead (1.2 miles one way). The hike itself wasn't too difficult and had a fair amount of incline and decline. There are a couple streams we had to skip rocks at, but the surroundings were beautiful. By the time we actually got to the falls we had to climb down a rope on the side of these vertical rocks to actually get a good view of the falls. We had small children with us so we didn't think it was too safe. Instead, we went across and squeezed in this little area between boulders (where there is another rope that allows you to walk on a very narrow pathway around a rock- literally was leaning my body on the rock and tiptoeing around lol) to get a better view of the falls. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this hike for really small children because the ending gets a little iffy, but the weather was great and the falls were strong because it just rained! I'd come back as it was a good 2-2.5h hike with some nice views. read more

This place is one of my favorite places to hike! The incline back kicks you with a great workout! My dog loves this trail! There's a couple to choose from when you get there! I usually use the $5 parking area. I feel like it's safe and not too bad! Check this hike out for yourself! A lot of scenery and nice viewd read more

Wow, what a ridiculous crazy adventure. Let me tell you a story. I've hiked these mountains enough times, from Chantry flats to Bridge to Nowhere to Echo Mountain, been up and down these rocks many a time. By no means am I a professional or anything, but I really enjoy outdoors-ing it, and sometimes you just NEED to breathe in some fresh mountain air (know what i mean?) Anyway, a few weeks back some friends and I decided to go cliff jumping here. We took around 15 ppl and planned out this trail that wasn't too bad. We would start at Chantry, hike roughly 3 miles northwest to Sturtevant Falls and then around 4.5 miles southeast to Hermit falls to cliff jump. Hike-wise, this was probably one of the easier, simpler, safer hikes I've done. I've had much, much more dangerous hikes than this one. HOWEVER. Just goes to show you luck plays a big part. Let's start with the easy hike to Sturtevant. We're hiking criss-cross diagonally downhill on this trail when 5 of us decide to take a shortcut..basically go off trail and straight down the mountain. It's fun, and not nearly as dangerous as so many other things we've done. I'm second in line going down, and all of a sudden I hear behind me "OH SHIT." Turn just in time to see 4 huge rocks the side of my head BOUNCING down from behind me in this avalanche of dirt and rocks. First one clips my ankle, bruising and cutting it, and I manage to stop from trying to swat the rocks away (my first instinct) and dodge the next two Indiana Jones style. The last one hits me on my butt (thank God not my spine) and it hits so hard I start sliding... All I remember is falling, not being able to stop, and thinking in my head (i kid you not) WHAT WOULD BEAR GRYLLS DO. I dug my upper body and my hands into the dirt as much as I could, trying to maximize surface area, and finally stopped after 50 feet or so. I remember dirt everywhere, and the face of my friend in complete shock trying to grab me, but unable to reach. Needless to say, we cussed the hell out of the top two guys and made them stay still for 5 min while the rest of us got down safely. Get to first Sturt falls, then we get to Hermit falls. Now...I've been cliff jumping before, been sky diving, bungee jumping, and in my mind was pretty confident/cocky...you know all manly-growl-roar-ballsy-ness. I saw the 30 foot drop into this clear pool and though man no problem. That's when I found out there's ANOTHER drop. I swear...the second jump was like 80 feet or something, and when I looked down my heart dropped into my stomach my manly ballsiness shriveled up and my pride immediately started pussying out. No more manly roars. It was SCARY. Then...one friend just ...jumps it. Get's a good 4 - 5 seconds of freefall He's fine, and about to make the long, dangerous climb back up when another friend jumps from the left side. When HE comes up...he crawls to another rock, and we see from the top that one ankle is twice the size of another. Needless to say, he fractured his ankle on a rock at the bottom, we had to climb down and climb UP with him which took an hour, and the hike back which should have taken half hour took almost 3. It was ridiculous, with a lot of improvising, and at one point I was pulling him up the rock when (because it was wet) I slipped again, and this time ended up 2 feet away from a cliff edge into rocks. (Bear Grylls saved me again). Such a crazy trip, just goes to show you can never be too careful. Everyone's okay now...but one day soon I'll go back because Hermit Falls, you still have my balls. read more

WARNING. Do NOT jump off the cliffs into the pools. Just witnessed a kid jump off and hit a rock and bone went through his leg and hit his head hard. I called 911 and Life flight had to come get him. Hope he got the help he needed. 2 weeks ago a guy broke his neck and died jumping. Please don't do it it's not worth it. read more

first off, BUY YOUR ADVENTURE PASS from your local sporting goods store, look for the closest one here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5181410&width=full it's $5/car and it's basically for parking. this saves you a trip on the mountain. most people say to go early because parking is difficult/limited, but honestly, a lot of us are just not morning people. i am not a morning person, and i am friends with a group of laggers..so just keep in mind, parking can be difficult, or you might just get lucky and snatch a spot of one of those morning people on their way out, like we did (we arrived around 11:30am). we saw people parked down the mountain so they had to walk pretty far to the trails. for this trail, we got lost like a few others did, lol. at one point when the paved road ends and splits to the left or right, there was a sign saying the path to the right was "horse trail," so naturally, we went the direction of the "foot trail." we went in a big circle. take the right fork even though it says "horse trail." the hike was kind of scary/dangerous. in some places, one wrong step and you'll be tumbling a far way down over rocks and branches. you cross a few little streams, but they weren't too bad. the rock arrangements were convenient and you could cross without even getting a toe wet. a few others mentioned there was a lot of trash and nasty stuff on the trail, but when we went this past weekend, it wasn't bad. i didn't notice much garbage. the falls were a bit disappointing, to be honest. i guess i'm not that adventurous (read: i love life, have no death wish), but the cliffs looked pretty dangerous and scary. we've cliff jumped before at a spot in san diego, which plunged into a bowl of water, but this one, it's not a wide open space with a rope swing. this is a slightly narrow opening, jump and pray you're in a deep enough area and that you don't hit any rocks on your way down kinda spot. i love waterfall hikes, but this one was only 'okay' for me. lots of vibrant green scenery as you hike and a good beginner's hike (not too easy, but definitely not difficult). if you're riskier than i am, you'd appreciate it and get better views of the waterfall, but i was too scared to slip on rocks, so i viewed from a safe distance, haha. but if you want to experience an awesome waterfall hike, definitely check out cedar creek falls in san diego! TLDR: novice level hike, mediocre level waterfall, great for risk-takers, not so great for pansies like me :p read more

The hike was pretty easy and you get to step on rocks and cross the river which I think it's a really good experience for people! The river water was clean and cold which made my day pretty good! I will definitely go there again!! read more

Best place to hike. Best part about the hike is the jump. It's a small jump but once you get in the water you feel refreshed and powered up for the hike back up. I would say that this was one of the best hiking place that I've been to in a while. read more

Hiked this trail on Sunday for the first time with my sister and an old friend. We showed up a little after 2pm and had absolutely no trouble finding parking at the top lot. Hah... I guess everyone who had arrived before 9am were leaving at 2ish. A sign at the top parking lot warns you that parking is now $10, but upon paying for my pass the cashier said it was still $5. :D Very nice people up there, btw. Gave us directions to Hermit Falls even though I had already printed out a guide from Dan's Hiking Pages (http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/hermit.html) . After passing the "HERMIT FALLS 1.2 MILES" sign and before reaching the bottom of the canyon, we encountered an injured 17-year-old girl laying on a towel, surrounded by family and over half a dozen passerbyers. * A little boy had told us that she received the injury at the fall; that someone had jumped before she could move out of the way. * She was being carried back until the trail got too steep. A handful of us managed to catch the rescue copter's attention (not sure if the rescue team had, at the time, already known of the girl's location) and waved the items in our hands towards the location of the girl. Shortly after, four firefighters approached the site in their yellow coats and helmets. We thought of staying to witness the rescue, but when another 15 minutes of playing the waiting game went by (the firefighters were waiting for more rescuers) I suggested we best get going. After crossing the creek, three rescue members came towards us in their red helmets from the direction of the fall, each carrying a huge backpack of some sort. They glided over the creek so swiftly, the three of us just went WOW. When we reached the fall, we were relieved there weren't too many people crowding the site and everyone there was friendly, fun, and made our visit even more memorable. We watched three boys make the highest jump before I made mine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Sgiphdlr8). The most terrifying parts were: 1) preparing for the jump and 2) the butterflies that keep on coming seconds into your jump making you think, "God, what have I done?!" Haha... The proper technique, not sure if there is an official proper technique, for landing this painlessly would be to enter the water feet first (flat, not pointed) with your legs slightly bent and your arms bent and pulled in or held straight up over your head (otherwise they'll be super red and a bit itchy and swollen, even bruised if done multiple times). My sister and friend landed in a seated position and ended up with extreme chest pains - if it feels like someone punched you in the chest, stretch it out - you will be sore for a few days (this is according to a friend who instructs lifeguarding and scuba diving). Anything worse than that you may have to see a doctor. As far as the cleanliness of the trail, we didn't find any trash on the trail, but we did come across an enormous pile of trash just off the trail in between an upper path and lower path (if that makes any sense). I woudn't recommend going down there in shorts. But, if you do see any trash on the trail, please help maintain this wonderful place on your way back up. :) read more

This is one of my favorite hikes of all time. I came here with my girlfriend and it was amazing.It was a little sad seeing the water falls drying up because of the drought but besides this its a canvas. Its full of scenery images. The hike in general is simple going down the hill but coming back up is the real struggle but at the end is totally worth it. The only down side is parking. It get filled up really quickly so I would recommend arriving as early as possible. read more

Listen. If you are 18, like cheap beer, being loud, tagging, and grew up with no respect for nature, then head for Hermit falls and you will have a great time. You'll be among your kind. For everyone else -- READ THIS REVIEW. If you are looking for a peaceful hike to a nice swimming spot, being out in nature, clean water, the quiet of the countryside, solitude, etc. Hermit Falls is NOT the place. This is an otherwise beautiful location that has been overrun with homeboys and homegirls yelling and shouting, with their cans of spray paint and their speakers blasting music from their backpacks in the woods. The parking, logistics, scenery, etc. won't matter because this place is just a slum. There is trash strewn everywhere and not even a place to sit if you don't feel like joining in with the high school mob crowded around the cliff-jumping pools. Be advised. read more