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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike drops you 1500 foot down into the lush and remote Devil's canyon. For the first couple of miles, the trail works its way down a series of switchbacks to a seasonal stream. The trail then meanders back and forth across this stream as it runs through a densely wooded, deep canyon. At about the 3.5 mile mark the official trail ends at a trail camp. Adventuresome hikers can continue further downstream boulder hopping and bushwhacking, while enjoying cascades and a 20 foot waterfall 2 miles down from trails end. I did this hike in the midst of a drought (June 2002), and there was no water in the stream. I did speak to some backpackers who said it was stunning when they did the hike in the spring with lots of water flowing. Water or not, I enjoyed the sense of remoteness that this hike provided. Note that the trail is quite narrow, with steep drop offs, so watch your step. Trailhead: From La Canada, drive 27 miles up Angeles Crest Highway (2), to just past the entrance to Upper Chilao Campground. You will see a parking area on the left side of the road and a very obvious signed trail marker on the right side of the road. (Lat:34.32372 Lon:-118.00312) Trail Guides for Devils Canyon Trail: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Seco Ranger District (818) 790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Anita S. on 4/20/2009 We hiked this on 4-19-08 in the afternoon. Although it was over 90 degrees at our house near Silverlake, it felt like a pleasant 75 degrees while hiking. It is a mostly shaded single-file path that is easy to follow. There was a lot of water in the creek which made for a lovely site at the bottom of the canyon, although there were a fair amount of gnats buzzing us (but not biting) for much of the hike. Nice Indian Paintbrush, Western Wallflower and Baby Blue Eyes in bloom, plus we spotted a number of butterflies by the creek. Almost no one else was on the trail so it felt secluded. The climb back out of the canyon wasn't too steep, so it seems fair to rate this a moderate hike. We had quite an enjoyable afternoon.
Reviewed by PFung419 on 10/6/2008 Hiked this trail 10/6/08 other than the fact there was no water other than what can only be described as a puddle, the hike was really nice. I was also very interested in the trail campsite, it lies right near the stream, during the right season this would be an amazing place to camp. fyi there are no markers showing the trail campsite other than a fire pit so I am going to assume I reached the site. would hike again during winter. 
Reviewed by Mtn. Mongol Man on 9/11/2008 Hiked on 09/09/08 at 11:32am. The parking & trailhead are about .5 miles past chilao right on the 50.50 mile marker. The temp was about low 80's, mildly hot/warm, nothing unbearable. There was a lot of wind at the start of the trail, but as I descended no wind shortly into the hike. At this time of the year and with the rain season there wasn't any running water. Although I rated it a 3(Pleasant, but wouldn't hike again) I didn't find it very pleasant, but I would hike it again during the spring, maybe, just to see what it can be like. A big factor for the unpleasantness was also the millions of bugs for about 80% of the hike. No exaggeration. I was breathing bugs, some fluttering up in my nose briefly and some ending in my mouth...
Reviewed by Chris on 4/13/2008 Wife, dog, and I hiked on 4-12-08 and lets just say it was a warm day. Beautiful views and little foot traffic in morning. Switchbacks are perfectly graded and the climb back out was not as bad as I feared. Hiked to camp and there seemed to be quite a bit of water. Good hike overall.....watch for ticks.
Reviewed by Anna on 3/23/2008 Went on this trail on 3/22/08 with a few friends. It was really gorgeous, there was a lot of water in the stream. We went as far as the trail camp, and had lunch, and lay on the rocks for a while. Water was freezing though, so we didn't do any more than stick our hands in. And honestly, it's pretty well graded the whole way, so I didn't even feel that the hike out was that bad.
Reviewed by Brian90620 on 3/14/2008 Hiked it on 03/01/08 to about a mile and half past the trail camp. The first water appeared right near the canyon bottom, at this point there was little water but as I kept walking further along the shaded canyon bottom, the water greatly increased with each passing tribtiuary. The first deep pools (about 5 feet deep) were near the trail camp. Past the camp I saw two pools that had to be at least 6 or 7 feet deep, looked like fun to jump into but the water was way too cold. The hike back up was tiring but not to bad with a few short breaks along the way...Overall this was a fun hike, but I did notice a few down tree's along the trail and also had many up close and personal encounters with ticks....So do use caution. 
Reviewed by Hikin_Jim on 10/17/2007 Beautiful canyon. Trail a little sketchy in a couple of places, but not bad. Watch out for poison oak. A lot of beer cans at trail camp but otherwise OK. Overnighted at TC. No water but had place to ourselves; very nice. Water available about 0.75 miles downstream. Bouldering and bushwhacking gets tough about a mile up from falls. Lots of poison oak, nettles, and yucca. Falls lovely. Pool fun to swim in with lots of fish. Don't try to climb down falss unless you know what you're doing. You may get stuck, and there is NO WAY OUT. Beautiful hike. Bun kicker -- all up hill -- on return hike.
Reviewed by eric on 8/17/2007 It seems like nothing going down. bring lots of water and prepare for the butt kicker going back up! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||