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Cooper Canyon Falls


Highlights:

Pine and cedar forest, 35ft waterfall, lovely creek, mountain views, high desert
Near:Tujunga, CA
Scenery:
Distance:7.09 miles
Elevation Gain:1796 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Point to Point


Summary: This is one of the most enjoyable hikes around the Los Angeles area. The hike moves through pristine wilderness area along a magnificent section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Fragrant pine and cedar forests loom overhead with the soothing sound of trickling water in Cooper Canyon creek just dazzles the senses. After crossing the creek in Cooper Canyon you will see a large waterfall up to the left which is accessible by using a steep trail down to a large pool at the base. Cooper Canyon Falls just roars in the springtime! Continuing on, soon you will see Mt. Williamson emerging in the background and you will arrive at Little Rock Creek, a great place to have lunch before starting the final ascent up the trail. On the way back up you will encounter Rattlesnake Spring, a lightly cascading waterfall that sounds like a soothing indoor fountain and a much needed respite as you grind your way back up to Eagle's Roost parking area.
Trailhead: From the 210 Fwy drive north up the Angeles Crest Hwy for approximately 37.5 miles past Buckhorn Campground to Eagle's Roost. Leave one car at Eagle's Roost parking area then drive the second car back down 5.4 miles past Buckhorn again to Cloudburst Summit parking area. (Lat:34.35163 Lon:-117.9345)
Trail Guides for Cooper Canyon Falls:
Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles
by Jerry Schad  (Wilderness Press)

Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels
by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press)

Best Seasons: Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest 818-899-1900
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Eric Altizer, who has posted  13 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by MM on 12/1/2008
Crispy cold morning on 11/28. It was about 34 degrees. Snow was there and frost on the trail. Trail was very well maintained with few recent broken trees, but it added more adventure. The stream water was cold and refreshed my legs. I am not hiker, I am a Trail Runner and this couse was so beautiful and very challenging. Any one who loves Trail Running, I recommend to run this trail. I will go back there again very soon.

Reviewed by PK on 11/6/2008
While the water is still flowing, there isn't much of it at this time, be advised.

Reviewed by Yaneth on 9/19/2008
Cold morning, but turned out to be beautiful!!

Reviewed by JS on 9/8/2008
Tried to backpack down this trail to spend a night at Cooper Canyon Camp this past weekend (September 6 &7) but it turned out the whole section from Eagle's Roost is closed. Before you set out, check with a ranger to make sure it's open.

Reviewed by Jemil on 7/17/2008
GREAT HIKE! NICE WATERFALL AND POOL AT END. THE SCENERY IS AMAZING AND CHANGES AS YOU HIKE DOWN THE CANYON. CANT WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN AND OVERNIGHT IN THE CAMP DOWN IN THE CANYON.

Reviewed by PK on 5/17/2008
Good news, Buckhorn is open! Also, bug repellent and a good sunscreen are both HIGHLY recommended.

Reviewed by PK on 5/15/2008
Everything Ken (see directly below) says still holds true, except that there's no snow there now. Be sure you go straight at the fork (the other way goes to Cooper Canyon Campground); pass the first wood-metal hillside support after the fork to a rocky, narrow, spur trail leading down to take a more direct route to the base (there's a fat tree in the way). The way back is 95% up, up, up!

Reviewed by Ken on 4/6/2008
There is plenty of snow on the trails. Some parts of the trail were very dangerous, but the roaring falls along the trail made it worth the risk. The Buckhorn campground is closed so you must park off the main road and hike in.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes

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