Cancel

Open app

Search

Millard Canyon

4.2 (141 reviews)

Millard Canyon Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Millard Canyon

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Beautiful clear and cooling water
Jessica C.

Love this hike cause it's only .5 (from the big parking lot). The parking pass required (though I'm not sure how often they check because a lot of people park without passes) can be purchased from the Chevron near Arcadia REI (I went to REI and they said they haven't gotten Adventure Passes in 7 months so he told me Chevron has them or a ranger station). I have no idea where the ranger station is so I went to the Chevron and it's only $5!! There is parking available on the cliffside but you have to walk all the way down a long hill. I recommend just parking in the big lot. The hike is pretty much shaded most of the way. It is a lot of crossing rocks and water. In the beginning, there is one "rock wall" to climb up. There is a bathroom at the camp site. I would hold it if I could because that bathroom did not look clean. When it rains a lot, the waterfall gets bigger. I have found salamanders and toads here with my husband before. Today, I found a praying mantis and huge daddy long leg spider nests!! Absolutely terrifying, watch out for them on the rocks! They blend in well.

Thuong T.

If you're looking for a relatively short and shady hike to a waterfall, then this is the spot for you! Things to know before you go: 1. You MUST purchase a "Daily Adventure Pass" before heading there. They DO NOT sell it at the park. You can buy it at the ranger station/main office, but if you're planning to go early, then they don't open until 10AM. After reading a few reviews, I saw that you can purchase it at the nearest Chevron station (907 E Altadena Dr. Altadena, CA 91001), and i was able to buy it early in the morning for $5. But don't expect to get gas there along the way because its ridiculously expensive. The pass is basically your parking pass, that you have to leave on your dash after parking. 2. The main parking lot is very SMALL, get there the earlier the better! 3. It's also a campground, so yes there are people camping there, and there are bathrooms! Only porta potties though, definitely not the cleanest. Bring hand sanitizer and wipes if you can! 4. I do not believe there are any water fountains, so bring water with you! 5. Dogs ARE allowed, but on leash only! 6. Yes, a lot of people bring their babies, toddlers, kids, and dogs here with them, BUT I will warn you now that I didn't know beforehand that the whole pathway is only partially paved. You DO have to CROSS the river stream multiple times, carefully stepping/climbing on wet rocks and fallen wood, and trying not to slip. So UNLESS you're okay with either having to hold your kids or dogs WHILE crossing, then I suggest you leave them at home. 7. Its only about 1 mile hike, but because you have to cross the river and climb rocks, it might take you a little longer, depending on your ability to balance on uneven surfaces. 8. Overall, majority of the hike is super shaded, and its super beautiful and breezy at the end! Don't need to go after the rain, the waterfall is flowing year round!

Waterfall
Jon R.

Right now the waterfall and streams are great! Need an adventure pass to park I believe it's $10-15. Nearest parking area gives you an extra 1-11/2 lower lot is quicker be prepared to get wet, wear shoes that you don't mind getting soaked. I'm a very large guy so some parts were difficult for me, there is a wall you have to hop up on but there are places for shoe holes and rocks that stuck out to go up and over. There is shaded areas most of the way.

Surprised to find a sturdy swing along the hike.
Elizabeth W.

So surprising. Even at 1 pm on a 90 degree August day, it was lovely. Shaded hike with switchbacks over a trickling creek...a tree swing along the way...two waterfalls...easy mellow uphill going to the falls that deadends the hike, easy hike back to parking lot. You'll need a $5 adventure pass to park there...or park up the hill from the parking lot. Lots of families with kids, two picnic tables at the trailhead. There's a toilet near the walk in campsite and there were a half dozen tents there. The toilets were gross so suggest taking care of business before you leave home. I also loved the drive to the short hike at the bottom of the mini mountain there's a trailhead and pull off coming up the mountain that let's you have a longer hike, but glad for the short hike as it was fun, with interesting features to explore. Bring lots of water, a snack. Plan on an hour there and back. I wore desert sandals, so found it served well...waterproof hiking boots if you got em.

Isobel L.

Millard Canyon is home to trails, a campsite, and a waterfall. This would be a great hike on a hot summer day as it's shady and cool. I've visited twice for hiking; it's a lovely half-mile trek up the canyon to the waterfall. It is a rocky hike that crosses the creek back and forth, so wear the right shoes with good tread. To get to the trail to the waterfall, you will pass through the campground; trails are well-marked. Parking is available at the parking lot next to the campsite; an Adventure Pass is required (since you will be in the Angeles National Forest.) Campsites are first-come, first-served. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41706 Check for updates as fire season is approaching. Parking can get busy on the weekends; the early bird gets the worm.

Adventure Day Pass ($4.99 @ REI In Pasadena)
Kerry S.

Super fun hike! Plan on about an hour turn around time. Lots of creek crossing along the way. Shoes should not get very wet if you are careful. We saw lots of kids and dogs. May be a little tricky for older adults who don't have great balance. * REI in Pasadena has Adventure Passes for purchase... Day passes are $4.99

Judy G.

We wanted to avoid Eaton Canyon for the crowds so we came her Millard Canyon to see the waterfall. It was a quick hike about 45 mins round trip. There wasn't a crowd and there was a small waterfall. I parked all the way down the hill where there is plenty of parking but if you are looking for the longer trail, it would be at the top of the hill. Parking was limited and alot of cars parked on the side of the mountain.

Millard Falls
Zan L.

Millard Falls Hike. An easy but really enjoyable trail with lots of shade, small cascades and rock pools all leading up to a beautiful, 3-story Horsetail Waterfall at the end of the trail. We went on 1/14/22 and the water was really flowing. People of all ages, pets and children could easily make it the whole way as it's only a .5 mile slightly uphill trek from the trailhead @ the Camp Site. You could easily do it in 45-60 mins but we spent about 90 minutes as we weren't in a rush at all, rather the opposite. You have to cross the stream a few times back and forth but it's only an inch or two deep and each crossing has rocks and logs already laid so if you balance you won't get wet at all. Snacks aren't necessary and water would only be needed in the summer or warmer months, it's honestly a really easy hike. Easiest place to park is @ the parking lot at the bottom; but some opt to park on the hill to make it a longer trek. I would recommend and will be back.

Chester C.

Now a days it's rough to locate a easy access waterfall especially if you have a child. Since most of the other fall hikes are closed due to the fires from a couple years ago. Parking options one at top and one at bottom. If you park up top. It's a 3+ mile hike. At the bottom out and back is about 1.5+ mile hike. There are a few stream crossings. Depending on the rainfall it gets pretty deep and will get your feet wet. Extra sock and shoes for the ride home is probably necessary. If you hiked the Eaton Canyon falls before this is a much shorter hike. Not a tough hike at all and probably can be done in an hour. Only downside is the limited parking spots and definitely need an adventure pass to ensure you won't get a ticket.

Snake
Luke M.

Saw a Snake And a Frog Highly recommended this place. Heard a guy singing Coldplay with his guitar right next to the stream which was a plus.

Darlynn C.

Gorgeous. We went just after some big rains hit Southern California so the creek was rushing and the waterfall was flowing. Getting to this hike can be confusing. Here's what we did. Directions from Pasadena, CA: Travel Interstate 210 north, exit Lake Avenue and go north to Loma Alta Drive. Turn west (left) on Loma Alta and drive to the Chaney Trail (flashing yellow light). Turn onto Chaney trail. The road is windy and a little narrow. Nothing too sketchy. Follow that up for a bit. Go past the first parking area. (Millard Parking Area). That parking area won't lead you to the hike to the falls. Keep going to where Chaney TRL meets Mt. Lowe Rd. There is a teeny tiny parking lot and thats the trailhead. If there isn't parking in that lot, turn around and park along the road. (You can do it!) K. So go back to the trail head and walk along a paved fire road for a short time. You'll take the first trailhead on your left. Leaving the fire road and descending into a canyon for .8 miles. At the bottom of that trail, you'll arrive at Millard campground and the creek. Turn right and head upstream. (There are bathrooms and picnic benches here). After a short walk you'll see the trail for Millard Falls on your right. After a fun .5 miles of criss crossing the creek (your feet might get wet if you slip! Part of the fun!) you'll arrive at the falls. Head back the way you came, and back up the canyon to your car. Splendid gorgeous hike. Enjoy!

Sharon K.

Nice hike to the waterfall. Not too tough. The area is use for camping as well. There are a few camp sites right before getting to the trail of the waterfall. The paths can be narrow at some areas. Pros + short hike from the upper parking lot (10-15 mins) + lots of shade throughout the hike. It gets pretty cold, check the temperature before you go! + Beautiful waterfall! + Nice place to take photos too. Cons - parking is limited, come early. There's a parking in the lower part and some right before the bridge. I recommend to download the Alltrails app!

Ben A.

Growing up in Pasadena next to the San Gabriel Mountains, I have spent decades exploring, hiking, camping, fishing, and otherwise enjoying The different zones and areas within this incredible range. And while its juxtaposition with a huge urban area definitely shows the signs of impact, there are still a few places that at the very least, feign nature and remoteness. Millard Canyon is one of those places. Thanks to a paved road for access, visitors can enjoy easy hikes in a classic San Gabriels riparian environment: a babbling Creek meandering through decomposed granite, in the shadow of California laurel trees and scrub oaks. Despite the heavy traffic, there is still a natural feeling to this place, and the balance and battle between those who bring spray paint and those who pick up other people' trash wages on. Our most recent visit here was simply to get a hill walk in, so we parked down on Loma Alta, and walked the length of the paved road all the way to the Millard Canyon parking lot. Good thing too, because the lot was full, and folks were parked along the side of the road all the way to the intersection with a few other trails, Fully a half mile away from Millard Canyon proper. There are a few campsites here, along with a pit toilet, a couple of trash cans, and a "camp host" Who from the looks of it, is a permanent resident. If you are looking for the closest campsite to civilization and her urban impacts, this may be it. As we walked by towards the waterfall, there was a rather loud and large group burning a lot of wet wood, creating plenty of smoke to go with their amplified rap music. 10 kinds of awesome, right there. But like most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, The longer you walk on them, the farther you get away from that sort of thing. Fact is, I like getting out into nature to spend a few moments away from crowds of people. Millard Canyon does not offer that, so short of a quick exercise jog, or maybe a picnic with an hour to kill... And a forest adventure pass hanging from my river... I tend to skip this one. No one else does though.

Millard Canyon Falls

See all

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Thuong T.
3180
1950
13349

2 years ago

Helpful 21
Thanks 13
Love this 16
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 3
Love this 5
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 8
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 3

2 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 22
Thanks 0
Love this 18
Oh no 1
Photo of Mel H.
37
48
10

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Judy G.
114
978
3397

4 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 3
Love this 4
Oh no 2

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ben A.
4994
1741
5071

6 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 12
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 10
Thanks 0
Love this 11
Oh no 0
Photo of Omar A.
785
352
2232

6 years ago

Helpful 16
Thanks 0
Love this 9
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Yelp Y.
75
186
222

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 17
Thanks 0
Love this 18
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Megan R.
4865
950
3723

6 years ago

Helpful 43
Thanks 0
Love this 34
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

9 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 8
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 4

Ask the Community - Millard Canyon

What time open the gate in the morning on the weekend?

They normally open at 8am!

The campground is open now?

Yes.

Is this going to be open on Fourth of July day & weekend? Please say Yes!🇺🇸

Trail is open but you can't drive up there. You'd have to walk about 2 miles up the mountain on the road to get to the trailhead. Not much shade so calculate about an hour extra of hiking and bring enough water.

Is this area busy? Is it open now (June 2020).. not sure if closed bc of covid..

Just went yesterday 6/21/2020 it was open but pretty crowded might have been because of father's day or because it was the weekend.

Is this trail open right now?

As of 7/3/20, trail is open but you can't drive up there. You'd have to walk about 2 miles up the mountain on the road to get to the trailhead. Not much shade so calculate about an hour extra of hiking and bring enough water.

Are there water spigots at the campgrounds?

Not to my knowledge, however there is a stream and you can just treat the water before use.

Where do you get the adventure pass to go to Millard Canyon?

Any sporting goods store, Big Five, REI, etc will carry it. It's $5 for a day or $30 for the year.

How many miles until one reaches the waterfall?

.8 from sign and about 1 mile(ish) from parking

View All 15 Questions

Review Highlights - Millard Canyon

One of my favorite hikes as a child, today (4/23/12) we took our daughter to the Millard Falls and it was CLOSED.

Mentioned in 10 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Parks 24,481 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon

(191 reviews)

Long and difficult hike but worth the view! About 10 miles…read moreround trip from Cobb Estate. Bring a hat, lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and BUG SPRAY. Me and my husband started around 7:30am and finished the whole hike around 1pm at a steady pace with about an hour break when we got to Inspiration Point. The hike from Cobb Estate to Echo Mountain was a breeze for us, but the hike from there to Inspiration was a whole other story. I recommend wearing long pants as the second half of the hiking path isn't as clear and pretty narrow on some parts. We took our time and treaded lightly but still got some minor scratches on our legs from all of the branches and leaves. My husband started getting irritated from walking into all of the spider webs lol. Not sure if the actual hike was 2 miles from Echo Mountain because it felt so much longer than that. We started getting really tired near the end from all the incline. We almost gave up until my husband saw the view of Inspiration Point. Once we got there, the views made it all worth it! Would we do it again? Maaaaaybe lol.

Updated review: I've been to Inspiration Point twice now, most recently after the great Los Angeles…read more"blizzard" of early 2023. And how super intense and cool (figuratively and literally) it was! Total about 10mi from the top of Lake - Echo Mountain - Castle Canyon trail - Inspiration Point - Sam Merrill trail - Echo Mountain and back down to Lake. DEFINITELY a strenuous hike and would highly recommend hiking poles, sunscreen, water, and snacks! The view is incredible, especially with tons of fresh snow everywhere. Hiked this early March 2023 and the Castle Canyon trail leading off from Echo Mountain (a decent hike in its own right) is pretty challenging, if not a bit brutal in some areas: slippery snow, downed trees and bushes blocking the path, and a heavy incline. Again, highly recommend poles. Once at Inspiration Point the view is phenomenal. The Pacific Ocean, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and even Anaheim and Irvine are all visible from the top, and downtown LA too of course. Lots of picnic benches and photo-op-worthy view finders for major Southern California sites. Gorgeous San Gabriel mountains in the background. The Sam Merrill trail leading down the backside of the mountain (and then curving back around to the south/west) is much more tame (but still a bit precarious with 2+ feet of snow) and very sun-exposed all the way back to Echo Mountain. All in all probably one of the more butt-kicking Los Angeles hike. Takes about 4-5hrs round trip depending on your pace.

Dawn Mine Hike

Dawn Mine Hike

(69 reviews)

This hike had a lot to offer. Pretty green mostly covered trails a lot of crossing water when it…read morehad rained before. About a 6-7mile hike round trip depending on your starting point we started around Altadena area by fair oaks street. Bring- a lot of water depending on how you handle hiking Adventure pass is needed to park I don't use them but some walking / trek sticks could be useful in some parts. I'm a large guy it took a lot out of me to get there it's a moderate to hard hike for me. With more exercise and a few more hikes under my belt to get back into shape I would hike it again. A lot of connecting places to hike through to as well. Echo mountain connection - inspiration point .

One of my favorite hikes in LA. I would rate this as Moderate given the elevation change and rocky…read morepaths but it's possible for all ages and skill levels. You get to hike through many different zones including goat paths on the side of the mountain, paved roads at the beginning, and multiple creek crossings and some minor boulder climbing. Parking is at the top of where you turn left to go down toward Millard Falls and there are only 6 spaces available so that area fills up quickly. We arrived @ 7:30AM and didn't have any issues parking and didn't encounter anyone until our hike back out. It's easy to follow the path as it's marked well. The first landmark you'll see is a formerly used cabin as you descend down into the canyon and as you follow the canyon to the end you will see many old mining equipment and plumbing strewn near the creek you are walking parallel to. You have to cross the creek a few times but it's only a few inches deep and there are rocks already placed for crossing. There are portions with pools deep enough to dunk in and even a section with 3 small pools with water slides into each pool. Something worth checking out when the weather is warmer. The mine at the end is underwhelming because it's blocked off with steel bars and is very low to the ground and is flooded with water. I would say the walk to the mine is the best part not the destination. Overall a great hike with beautiful scenery and hiking with the sound of running water the whole time is a real treat.

Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

Switzer Falls - USDA Forest Service

(293 reviews)

Perfect hike for a hot day…read more I love waterfall hikes and listening to the sound of calm, running water. The added challenge on these hikes is the multiple stream crossings. I brought some hiking poles which helped with balance and probing for loose rocks and logs. If you want to get parking in the lower lot, it's best to come before 8AM. We found parking in the second lot. An Adventure Pass or Day Pass is required. Parking is enforced. A car received a ticket for being in a No Parking zone. The start of the trail is nicely shaded. The second half is a hilly, narrow, sun exposed path which routes back into the canyon toward the Lower Switzer Falls. I'm glad they had fencing on some narrow and steep parts of the trail. We encountered an active rattlesnake which headed down the mountain, so be on the lookout. Overall, the hike takes about 3 hours for 5.5 miles. The additional hike back up to the parking lot was about 1/4 of a mile. Note: if you need to use the restroom, it's best to bring your own toilet paper and to go before you start your hike. It was kind of smelly, but if you gotta go... you gotta go.

This place is great for fully appreciating nature! The trail is around 5-5.5 miles round trip,…read moredepending on where you park. What impressed me most about this trail is that it's almost fully covered by shade. We went in the late afternoon, and I'd say probably 80-85% of it is covered. Very impressive! Here are some useful tips: 1. There are three parking lots: two are next to the highway, and one is near the hiking entrance. I'd recommend getting a parking pass if possible. 2. There are only three restrooms at the beginning of the trail, so use them when you see them. 3. If you're aiming to go to the waterfall, make sure to look for the signs. Some signs aren't very clear, so we had to stop and ask other hikers frequently. Luckily, people there are super friendly and happy to help. Just pay attention to your surroundings. 4. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash. 5. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended. All in all, it's a fun trail. It's a great place for a picnic and camping, and it's very close to the stream. Great for kids, families, and pets!

Millard Canyon - parks - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...