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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 8/13/2007 Good workout, but would be much better if there was running water. Went past the camp about one mile and decided to turn around because it was getting hotter and hotter and got tired of dodging poison oak. Overall a good hike and it would be lovely in the spring or winter. Beautiful canyon even in the dry months. Coming back up was definitely a sweat builder.
Reviewed by Rochelle on 5/22/2007 This is a wonderful remote hike with very little foot traffic. I took it on a Tuesday afternoon and had the trail completely to myself. Started from the top at 3pm, got back up by 6:30. I stopped at the camp rather than hiking the last miles - it was too late in the day. Almost all of the hike by the creekbed was without water - only in the last .1 mile when it was close to the camp did water appear. And boy, the creek is just LOVELY. This hike would be much better in January when there is water throughout the streambed. Also, watch out for ticks - I was very glad I wore long pants and sleeves.
Reviewed by Travelmonkeys on 4/4/2007 Hiked it on 3/24 to about a half mile past the campsite, making our hike 8 miles round trip. We passed a small group of hikers just past the trailhead and those were the last people we saw until the campsite. Very remote canyon but a clearly marked trail. Even with this extremely dry winter there was water in the creek at spots, and as you get further down the canyon there's more water. We found one great pool with tadpoles and a downed tree crossing it that would make a perfect nap spot. The scenery on the trail is very pretty but not spectacular. Shortly after starting the trail you'll see a nice panorama of the canyon and then you head down into it. Most of the rest of the hike is shaded, crossing the creek and 2 tributaries. 
Reviewed by J.D. Funari on 3/12/2007 From a sheer remoteness and immersion in nature standpoint, this is by far one of the most enjoyable hikes I've been on. The trail is often times uncomfortable narrow and close to rather dangerous drop-offs, but overall its fairly easy to navigate. I turned around about an hour in after reaching a steep rock section of the trailer. The hike back up definitely works up a sweat. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Dr. Moustache on 3/4/2007 It's an easy walk to the trail camp, but it's worth it to continue downstream. Enough water on 3/3/07 to fill five-foot deep pools. Afoot and Afield generously describes the trail as a "fairly distinct path." A few cairns mark the route, but a mile past the camp and I was bushwhacking through underbrush and clambering over mid-stream boulders. The walk back was a little strenuous, and as I was heading up by moonlight I lost my way a few times. Snow and ice near the trailhead; ferns, moss and a few early-blooming flowers in the canyon. Saw a guy in short-shorts walking his dogs and two backpackers playing Frisbee. Otherwise a solitary journey through gorgeous country. It's more like 10 miles (my time was 7 hours round-trip) to the falls.
Reviewed by Vince R. on 7/7/2006 For those who are only here for a short walk on a trail, do not forget to bring water with you! I ran into a walker who was really struggling wtih the heat & had no water with him.Devils Canyon looks like a nice stroll, but the heat can really pick up quickly & put you in a dangerous situation. Bring plenty of water and enjoy the Angeles Forest, and if you can pick up the trash you see along the way. Thanks
Reviewed by NPS2 on 4/10/2006 Temp was a pleasantly cool 48 at 5500 feet when we got to the trailhead at around 10:15 on 4/9. Trail was beautiful with great vistas as we descended into the canyone. Was disgusted to find litter at the campsite. We scrambled over boulders, moving further downstream but eventually got stopped by a cliff on one side and very fast moving water that would have meant a dunking in order to get across. A moderate hike with relatively mild inclines, a narrow but safe trail with a few dangerous drop-offs. Huge pines at the higher elevations, with oak and sycamore in the riparian areas down in the canyon. On the way up, we walked past an exhausted group of misplaced urbanites hiking in Uggs.
Reviewed by W C on 3/4/2006 Very nice. Little bit chilly in early March. Gets quite warm towards the streams at the bottom. Great to see some frost and snow on the ground. Bring money for the Forest Pass if don't already got one. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||