Hermit Falls Hiking Guide
Hermit Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in the Angeles National Forest, rewarding hikers with a shaded canyon creek walk that ends at a rocky waterfall and natural swimming hole. The trail follows Big Santa Anita Canyon through towering oaks and sycamores, making it a refreshing escape from the Los Angeles Basin heat. Spring snowmelt turns the falls into a powerful cascade, while fall brings golden foliage and cooler air. Because of its accessibility and scenery, the trailhead fills quickly on weekends.
Permit: A day-use Adventure Pass or equivalent national forest recreation pass is required to park at the trailhead. No advance lottery is needed, but passes must be displayed on your vehicle. Check the Angeles National Forest website for current requirements before your visit.
Trail Overview and Route Description.
The out-and-back route to Hermit Falls begins at the Chantry Flat trailhead and descends into Big Santa Anita Canyon along a well-maintained fire road before transitioning to a single-track creek trail. Hikers cross the creek multiple times on stepping stones before arriving at the tiered waterfall, which drops into a broad pool. The approximately 3-mile round trip involves relatively modest elevation change, but the rocky creek crossings demand attention, especially after heavy rain when water levels rise quickly. The trail is heavily trafficked on spring and summer weekends, so an early start before 8 a.m. is strongly recommended.
Waterfall and Swimming Hole
The falls drop roughly 25 feet over a granite face into a clear pool that draws swimmers and waders from across the San Gabriel Valley. Water depth and flow vary considerably by season — spring runoff from Mount Wilson snowmelt produces the most dramatic flow, while late summer can reduce the falls to a trickle. The surrounding boulders are slick when wet, and cliff jumping at the pool is prohibited and genuinely dangerous due to submerged rocks. Bring water shoes for creek crossings and the rocky pool area. Rangers periodically patrol the site, particularly on busy spring weekends.
Permits, Parking, and Access
Parking at Chantry Flat requires a valid Adventure Pass or interagency recreation pass displayed on your dashboard. The small parking lot fills to capacity by mid-morning on weekends and holidays, often creating a line of vehicles along Santa Anita Avenue. Overflow parking exists further down the road, adding a short walk to the trailhead. No advance reservation or trail permit is required beyond the parking pass. The access road, Santa Anita Avenue, is narrow and winding — trailers and oversized vehicles are not recommended. Check the Angeles National Forest website or call the ranger district before visiting to confirm current road and trail conditions.
Safety Considerations
Big Santa Anita Canyon is a slot canyon, meaning flash floods can develop rapidly and without warning during and after rain events upstream. Always check weather forecasts for the entire watershed, not just the trailhead area, before heading out. Cell service is limited once you descend into the canyon, so download an offline map in advance. The creek crossings are manageable for most hikers in dry conditions but can become dangerous when flows are elevated. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes — sandals significantly increase the risk of ankle injuries on the uneven rocky terrain. Hiking with a group adds both safety and fun, particularly for first-time visitors.
Dogs on the Trail
Dogs are welcome on the Hermit Falls trail and tend to love the creek environment. Leash rules apply throughout the Angeles National Forest, so keep your dog on a 6-foot leash at all times. The multiple creek crossings can be an adventure for dogs, though strong swimmers should be closely managed near the falls pool, where currents can surprise smaller breeds. Pack extra water for your dog since drinking directly from the creek carries the risk of giardia. On hot days, the canyon's shade makes this one of the more dog-friendly options in the San Gabriel Mountains, but paw pads can still overheat on sun-exposed granite boulders.
Best Times to Visit and Seasonal Conditions.
Spring, typically March through May, is the prime season for Hermit Falls when snowmelt from the higher San Gabriels feeds a full, photogenic cascade and wildflowers line the creek banks. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and sycamore color that turns the canyon gold and amber. Winter visits after rain can be scenic but require caution for high water and potentially closed access roads. Summer crowds are at their peak and heat in the canyon can be significant by mid-morning, making a very early start essential. The trailhead road occasionally closes after major storms or due to fire damage, so always verify access through the Angeles National Forest website before driving out.
Hiking tips for Hermit Falls
- Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends to secure a parking spot at Chantry Flat — the lot fills completely by mid-morning year-round.
- Wear water shoes or sturdy trail runners you don't mind getting wet, as creek crossings are unavoidable and slippery rocks are common.
- Download an offline map of Big Santa Anita Canyon before you go, since cell service drops significantly once you descend into the canyon.
- Check the full weather forecast for the San Gabriel Mountains, not just Arcadia, before visiting — upstream storms can trigger flash floods in the canyon even on a sunny day at the trailhead.
- Bring at least 1.5 liters of water per person even on this short hike, especially in warmer months when the canyon can trap heat and dehydration sets in faster than expected.
Nearby trails to explore
- Sturtevant Falls Trail
- Mount Zion Loop
- First Water Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Planning a trip to Hermit Falls? Use TrailMates to find hiking partners who match your pace, organize a group meetup that meets the 3-person safety minimum, and get real-time trail chat before you drop into the canyon. Download the TrailMates app or download TrailMates from the App Store.