4 min
Overview
The hike into Devil’s Canyon in the San Gabriel Wilderness will take you into a wooded canyon where a mostly-reliable creek flows past a picturesque and surprisingly secluded backcountry campsite. For adventurous hikers, a waterfall lies further in the canyon as well, and the best part is that most other hikers easily overlook this trail — meaning it’s likely you’ll have the canyon all to yourself. The trail begins near a clearly marked trailhead just before the turnoff to the Chilao Visitor Center. Look for the sign marking Devil’s Canyon and a small parking area with a port-o-potty. The trail itself is very easy to follow – there are no branches or junctions and the trail has been repaired and maintained after the 2009 Station Fire did quite a number on this region. Carefully cross the Angeles Crest Highway and head on down the Devil’s Canyon Trail. As the signs note, you’ll immediately be stepping into the San Gabriel Wilderness, which was designated in 1968. Group size is limited to 25 people here and campfires are prohibited year round (but backpacking stoves are allowed with a free permit). You don’t need a wilderness permit to day hike here, but if you’re staying overnight you’ll want to call the Angeles National Forest / San Gabriel Mountains National Monument HQ in Arcadia at 626-574-1613. You’ll notice this is a canyon-destination trail, which means the highest point of elevation is at the beginning AND end of the hike — so make sure you leave a bit of energy in your reserves for the climb back out to the trailhead. Almost right out of the gate, you’ll have expansive, sweeping views of the San Gabriel Wilderness as it starts its meandering switchback descent — looking down Devil’s Canyon to the south, and to the east you’ll see the massive form of Waterman Mountain and the nearby (and easily recognizable) dual summits of Twin Peaks. The trail here is narrow — and has a tendency to get washed out in heavy winter rains or snowmelt — so tread carefully as you enjoy the shade from old growth bigcone Doug
Trail Stats
9.5 km
452 m
1618 m
1199 m
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Photos
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