|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: I really enjoyed this hike through Trail Canyon along the banks of Gold Creek. The trail starts out on a fire road, with several cabins from the 1920's dotting the landscape. After about 3/4 of a mile the trail narrows and begins a half mile long gradual accent through a lovely alder lined stream bed. The trail then leaves the stream bed moves up along the slopes of this amazingly deep canyon. At 1.5 miles in from the start, the lovely falls come into to few. I found a several somewhat steep side trails that dropped into the base of the falls. This is a spectacular setting, not to be missed! After the falls, the trail continues for another 2 miles or so to Tom Lucas Camp. The hiking is pleasant and the terrain quite lovely. I was not successful in spotting the camp, and wound up walking at least a mile past it supposed location on the map. All the guide books say it there, and other hikers I talked to say they have been there, but I sure didn't see it! Trailhead: From the 210 freeway in Sunland, take the Sunland exit and head north east to Mt Gleason Avenue. Turn left and follow Mt Gleason to a T intersection with Big Tujunga Canyon. Turn right and follow Big Tujunga 4.5 miles to Trail Canyon Road on the left. Note that Trail Canyon is a fairly narrow dirt road, a bit bumpy, but passable. Follow the dirt road to the parking area/gate. (Lat:34.30564 Lon:-118.25527) Trail Guides for Trail Canyon - Tom Lucas Camp: Hike Los Angeles Volume 2 by Dennis Gagnon (Western Tanager Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Trails of the Angles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, (818) 899-1900 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 12 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MAF on 1/21/2013 You people are such whiny babies. If the gate is closed, just park there at the road and walk in.
Reviewed by Gil B on 1/14/2013 I realized from my last post, I didn't reach the actual campground, but its old location. I attempted Tom Lucas Camp again with a group. About a mile away from the Camp's coordinates, the trail disappeared and reappeared through the brush. About a third of a mile away, fallen trees blocked the path to the camp and looked very difficult to pass. We turned around at that point but it may have been passable by traveling up the stream.
Reviewed by Gil B on 1/5/2013 Gate was open today. Hike to the falls, both to and above, was fun and worth the effort. The hike beyond was rough but the stone trail markers really helped. I ended up hiking past Tom Lucas Camp, expecting a bigger camp site. After about 2.4 miles past the falls, I was fed up with trail searching and bushwacking and returned to the little one stove campground to rest. Later, It was a welcome surprise to know that was actually my destination. 
Reviewed by GH on 12/30/2012 You may wanna call first. I saw on their website it may be closed. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41688&actid=29 
Reviewed by mountainman on 11/24/2012 11/23/12: Gate is now open. Very long gopher snake blocking the road. Gorgeous day. Many skeleton trees, but generally recovering from the fire. Oaks seem to be doing the best, but much greenery everywhere. Much of the cabins have survived too. Trails in pretty good shape. Only a few areas in disrepair in the climb to the falls. Creeks and falls flowing. Trail rough past the falls. Hard to follow, but I placed many markers. About a mile above the falls it becomes impassable, just before the lower camp. Much spiny brush covers the creek. Can't tell where the bottom is, resulting in scratches and bruising. Very disappointed, but still worthwhile to the falls.
Reviewed by BigQuiche on 7/28/2012 Gate was closed and we mistakingly drove by, turned around 4 miles later, realizing we missed it, and it was open when we came back. LUCK! NO ONE ELSE was on the trail the entire hike. A solo hiker pulled in when we were heading out. WATER LEVEL OF COURSE REALLY LOW. Pretty stuff though. Great colors. Miss all the trees from years ago! Didn't go much too further past the falls. Pictures on blog: http://wp.me/p20vxx-tD
Reviewed by AD on 7/21/2012 Went there today and was disappointing to find the gate still close. Went to Switzer Falls instead. Hope next time in the near future the gate will be open.
Reviewed by Brad P on 6/7/2012 Went to explore as it just opened. The gate as closed, so limited parking at the entrance road. A lot of the cabins burt down and some are being rebuilt. Expected a rough go but the trail to the falls was not bad. A few washouts, and one in my party slipped a little. But the fall was pretty and we had fun. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
