Valley Forge Trail

From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make a right onto Mt. Wilson road. About 1,000 up the road and onto the right is a pull off and dirt par...

At 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in three directions – take the trail next to the old water tank, which will take you all the way to San Gabri...

Parking: Parking is available at the Switzer Falls Picnic Area, or in the two overflow lots on the hill. You will need an Adventure Pass to leave your car parked here. Make sure to follow posted signs - there are some parking spots that do not allow overnight parking. Amenities: Bear Canyon has a small campground (about 3 sites) at the end of the trail to hitch up your tent. There are picnic t...

Just off the Angeles Crest highway, you’ll find one of LA’s best waterfalls. There is a parking lot just next to the trailhead. If you go on the weekend and run into a crowd, there’s parking near the highway, adding a little distance to your trek. Once you’ve walked through Switzer picnic area, and made it to the trailhead, start heading out on the Bear Canyon Trail. The beginning of the trail...

To get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers right and follows the creek.You'll have to traverse the creek several times as the trail winds throug...

If you are new to canyoneering and want to do an adventure like this, reach out to the guys and girls at The Blue 8 target="_blank" who guided us through Rubio Canyon. They are a dedicated team of stunt professionals who train and offer personal instruction on everything action-adventure from canyoneering, to parkour, martial arts, and even tactical ops. Even if it is just to learn a new trick ...