Fish Canyon Falls is an eighty-foot tall three-tiered beauty in the San Gabriel Mountains near Azusa. Spring is the perfect time to visit the dynamic waterfall, but access is limited because there is a rock quarry blocking the trailhead. The creation of the quarry resulted in decades of disputed access to what was once one of the most popular destinations to the range. The quarry chewed up the first mile of the trail, reducing the trek to Fish Canyon Falls to four miles round trip with 400 feet of elevation gain. Even in it’s abbreviated form, this still deserves to be one of the most highly regarded hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Since the quarry operators will not allow you to just stroll through their active work zone, there are only certain days when the quarry opens the trailhead to hikers. Typically, hiking to Fish Canyon Falls is permitted two Saturdays per month throughout the spring. The calendar of these dates is available on the quarry website.
After checking in at the quarry parking lot, a shuttle will drive you to the trailhead. From there, hike straight up the canyon to the falls. The trail takes the left bank of the canyon and climbs above the creek past seasonal wildflowers like sunflowers, wishbone bush, blue dicks, and wallflowers. The trail dips back to the creek where sycamores, bays, and alders provide relaxing shade. Boulders in the creek create small rapids and pools that make the creek that much more soothing.
The trail climbs gradually up the canyon through sun and shade. After a creek crossing, the trail switches to the right bank and approaches Fish Canyon Falls. It is quite a sight! Water tumbles from the lip of the canyon to an upper pool, then pours down a short falls before streaming down the third and longest tier. There is a decent sized pool at the base of the falls and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy a snack. The pool beneath the upper falls is not accessible to hikers, but could make for an adventurous climb for those with proper gear.
For more hiking trails visit Hikes Peak.
WHAT: Fish Canyon Falls
WHEN: Check here
WHERE: 3901 Fish Canyon Road, Azusa, CA 91702
SOCIAL MEDIA: Yelp
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