San Gabriel Mountains
San Gabriel Mountains
Top 8 Waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains
Best waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains are found within a prominent Southern California range, offering natural escapes into diverse landscapes. This region features rugged canyons, chaparral forests, and trails that often follow shaded creeks. The waterfalls provide a refreshing experience, especially after seasonal rains. Visitors can explore a variety of routes, from accessible paths to more challenging hikes.
Best waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains
- The most popular waterfalls is Etiwanda Falls, a waterfall that offers a short hike close to Los Angeles. It provides a shaded canyon with cool water and scenic views.
- Another must-see spot is Eaton Canyon Waterfall, a waterfall. This 40-foot waterfall is reached via a moderate hike with several stream crossings.
- Visitors also love Trail Canyon Falls, a waterfall nestled in rugged Trail Canyon. This 30-foot waterfall is best visited in early spring after winter storms.
- San Gabriel Mountains is known for 30-foot, 40-foot, and 50-foot waterfalls. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, often involving stream crossings and canyon trails.
- The waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Eaton Canyon Waterfall
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Etiwanda Falls
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You can park your car at the North Etiwanda Preserve Parking Lot which is also the trailhead. The park opens at 6.30 a.m.
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Trail Canyon Falls
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Eaton Canyon Creek
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Whitney Canyon Trail
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Upper Switzer Falls
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Monrovia Canyon Falls
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As of 2021, Monrovia Canyon Park is closed indefinitely due to mudslides and other damage caused by the Bobcat Fire. For more information, visit: cityofmonrovia.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/28/787#:~:text=Monrovia%20Canyon%20Park%20has%20been,water%20main%20can%20be%20repaired.
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Sturtevant Falls
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Tips from the Community
If you come down from Pincrest Dr, cross the bridge and keep right walking a loop to get under the bridge. From here follow the creek by crossing the stream over rocks and trunks around 10 times before you reach the small lake with the waterfall. Have great fun by taking a "shower".
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Whitney Canyon Trail is a really popular trail for running and hiking. It follows a creek basically the entire time and ends at a trail intersection where you have the option of pushing a little further to a small waterfall. It's slightly uphill the entire time in one direction and slightly downhill the other direction, so it's pretty perfect for trail running.
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Eaton Canyon Trail crosses over the creek which is flowing out from the waterfall at the end of the trail. Depending on flow, there isn't rushing water, but enough for your leashed dog to cool off in!
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Falls Trail is a relatively short and easy hike that is nestled in a well shaded valley. You will follow along a steam for most of the hike, and there is a water crossing just prior to arriving at the waterfall. As of 2021, Monrovia Canyon Park is closed indefinitely due to mudslides and other damage caused by the Bobcat Fire. For more information, visit: https://www.cityofmonrovia.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/28/787#:~:text=Monrovia%20Canyon%20Park%20has%20been,water%20main%20can%20be%20repaired.
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This 60-foot waterfall is only a short hike from the carpark and well worth the journey. The falls make a nice spot for a picnic or just cooling off. The trail is dog friendly, but please check trail conditions before making the trek as some wildfires close this area.
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40 foot water fall in the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike up to the falls is moderate with several stream crossings. It can get busy during peak times, but is definitely work the trek up.
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You can reach the upper falls by following the path with the sign that says "Not a trail". It does end as a trail, but at the upper portion of the falls. There's a nice pool of water there and a rope that someone installed to easily access it.
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A moderate 4-mile out and back hike takes you to the stunning 30-foot waterfall nestled in rugged Trail Canyon. The best time to visit the Trail Canyon Falls is early spring after a winter storm, since water might not exist in the dry summer months or fall. The hike is fairly popular, so start early and park your car at Trail Canyon Road. There is a gate that might or might not be open. If it is open, you can drive even further to the actual trailhead and spare 0.3 miles of hiking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular waterfalls to visit in the San Gabriel Mountains?
The San Gabriel Mountains offer several popular waterfalls. Eaton Canyon Waterfall is a 40-foot waterfall reached via a moderate hike with stream crossings. Sturtevant Falls, a 50 to 60-foot waterfall, is known for its scenic trail with historic cabins. Etiwanda Falls offers a short, shaded hike close to Los Angeles. Other notable falls include Switzer Falls and Millard Falls.
When is the best time to visit the waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
The best time to visit is generally in early spring after winter storms, when water flow is strongest due to seasonal rains and snowmelt. Some waterfalls, like Trail Canyon Falls, are particularly impressive during this period. While some falls maintain flow year-round, drier months can significantly reduce their volume.
Are there family-friendly waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. Eaton Canyon Waterfall is highly accessible with a mostly shaded path and a nature center nearby. Millard Falls also offers a relatively flat, short hike, making it a great option for families. Etiwanda Falls is another family-friendly option with a short stroll.
Can I bring my dog to the waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
Many trails in the San Gabriel Mountains are dog-friendly. For example, Eaton Canyon Waterfall and Sturtevant Falls are noted as dog-friendly. Millard Falls is also a good option for those hiking with dogs. Always check specific trail conditions and regulations before heading out.
Do I need a permit or pass to visit waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
Some areas within the San Gabriel Mountains, particularly those managed by the Angeles National Forest, may require an Adventure Pass for parking. It's advisable to check for specific pass requirements for your chosen trailhead before visiting to avoid fines.
What should I wear or bring when hiking to waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
Be prepared for varying trail conditions. Many waterfall hikes involve stream crossings and potentially wet or rocky paths, so waterproof hiking boots with good grip are recommended. Layers of clothing are useful, and always bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. A towel might be handy if you plan to cool off in the water.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming near the waterfalls?
While many waterfalls have pools at their base, the area around the Bridge to Nowhere on the East Fork Trail of the San Gabriel River is particularly known for its swimming holes and several waterfalls, including Allison Gulch Falls and Devil's Gulch Falls. These often involve more rugged, off-trail adventures.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains?
Beyond waterfall hikes, the San Gabriel Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs, as detailed in the Easy hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains and Hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains guides. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the Mount Baldy Cycling Route, which you can explore in the Cycling in the San Gabriel Mountains guide.
Are there any waterfalls with historical significance?
Yes, the trail to Switzer Falls is notable for the ruins of the historic Switzer Trail Camp, adding a unique historical element to your hike through the beautiful chaparral forest.
Are there any less-known or hidden waterfalls worth exploring?
For a more rugged experience, Trail Canyon Falls is nestled in a secluded canyon. The area around the Bridge to Nowhere also features lesser-known waterfalls like Allison Gulch Falls and Devil's Gulch Falls, which require challenging, off-trail adventures to reach.
What makes the waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains unique?
The waterfalls in the San Gabriel Mountains offer a refreshing escape into nature, often featuring trails that follow shaded creeks and involve multiple stream crossings. Their proximity to Los Angeles makes them highly accessible, yet they provide diverse landscapes from rugged canyons to chaparral forests. The presence of historic cabins near Sturtevant Falls and the unique split flow of Millard Falls add to their distinct character.
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