Trail to the Falls

Hike to Trail Canyon Waterfalls in Los Angeles County

Named not for the path leading to it, but for the trail of gold dust that once dominated this area, Trail Canyon Falls just outside of Burbank (Sunland, specifically) is now rich with a liquid asset: a gorgeous 30-foot waterfall. Reach it on a 5.2-mile (round-trip) hike.

After parking on the dirt road leading up to the trailhead, follow signs (left first, right second) at the two intersections to stay on track. Throughout the hike, yucca, wild flowers, and aromatic herbs cover the ground while trickling falls and green, spongy moss line several damp cliffs above. While the first leg of the hike is moderate, the stream flowing alongside the trail requires crossing—a total of eight times during the ascent.

Rocks and logs serve as fairly predictable stepping-stones, but hikers should be prepared to get wet (hiking poles and an extra pair of socks are useful). After the final stream crossing, the trail heads sharply uphill, and at 1.3 miles Trail Canyon Falls comes into view. The vista behind is beautiful as well, with a clear view of the valley below, and Mount Lukens to the south. Follow the trail up to the main overlook directly above the incredible 30-foot gusher.

Tip: Just before reaching the overlook, there’s a small path that leads to the foot of the falls. A bit of scrambling down boulders is required for those who want to stand on a small sandbar in the middle of the pool that allows hikers to get within several feet of the falls (take caution, especially after recent rains).

NOTE: While this waterfall is especially great after lots of rains, we suggest waiting for rain to stop before going, since the water crossings are likely to be much wetter and more slick. Use good judgment. To get to the Trail Canyon Falls trailhead, from the I-210 take Sunland Blvd. east, which soon turns into Foothill Blvd. After a mile, turn left onto Oro Vista Ave., which merges right into Big Tujunga Canyon Rd. after another mile. Follow this for 4.5 miles before turning left onto Trail Canyon Rd. (Forest Rte 3N29) and look for signs for the trailhead. A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

    View
  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

    View
  4. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

    View
  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

    View
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View