Jessica C.

Love this hike cause it's only .5 (from the big parking lot). The parking pass required (though I'm not sure how often they check because a lot of people park without passes) can be purchased from the Chevron near Arcadia REI (I went to REI and they said they haven't gotten Adventure Passes in 7 months so he told me Chevron has them or a ranger station). I have no idea where the ranger station is so I went to the Chevron and it's only $5!! There is parking available on the cliffside but you have to walk all the way down a long hill. I recommend just parking in the big lot. The hike is pretty much shaded most of the way. It is a lot of crossing rocks and water. In the beginning, there is one "rock wall" to climb up. There is a bathroom at the camp site. I would hold it if I could because that bathroom did not look clean. When it rains a lot, the waterfall gets bigger. I have found salamanders and toads here with my husband before. Today, I found a praying mantis and huge daddy long leg spider nests!! Absolutely terrifying, watch out for them on the rocks! They blend in well.

Thuong T.

If you're looking for a relatively short and shady hike to a waterfall, then this is the spot for you! Things to know before you go: 1. You MUST purchase a "Daily Adventure Pass" before heading there. They DO NOT sell it at the park. You can buy it at the ranger station/main office, but if you're planning to go early, then they don't open until 10AM. After reading a few reviews, I saw that you can purchase it at the nearest Chevron station (907 E Altadena Dr. Altadena, CA 91001), and i was able to buy it early in the morning for $5. But don't expect to get gas there along the way because its ridiculously expensive. The pass is basically your parking pass, that you have to leave on your dash after parking. 2. The main parking lot is very SMALL, get there the earlier the better! 3. It's also a campground, so yes there are people camping there, and there are bathrooms! Only porta potties though, definitely not the cleanest. Bring hand sanitizer and wipes if you can! 4. I do not believe there are any water fountains, so bring water with you! 5. Dogs ARE allowed, but on leash only! 6. Yes, a lot of people bring their babies, toddlers, kids, and dogs here with them, BUT I will warn you now that I didn't know beforehand that the whole pathway is only partially paved. You DO have to CROSS the river stream multiple times, carefully stepping/climbing on wet rocks and fallen wood, and trying not to slip. So UNLESS you're okay with either having to hold your kids or dogs WHILE crossing, then I suggest you leave them at home. 7. Its only about 1 mile hike, but because you have to cross the river and climb rocks, it might take you a little longer, depending on your ability to balance on uneven surfaces. 8. Overall, majority of the hike is super shaded, and its super beautiful and breezy at the end! Don't need to go after the rain, the waterfall is flowing year round!

Jon R.

Right now the waterfall and streams are great! Need an adventure pass to park I believe it's $10-15. Nearest parking area gives you an extra 1-11/2 lower lot is quicker be prepared to get wet, wear shoes that you don't mind getting soaked. I'm a very large guy so some parts were difficult for me, there is a wall you have to hop up on but there are places for shoe holes and rocks that stuck out to go up and over. There is shaded areas most of the way.

Isobel L.

Millard Canyon is home to trails, a campsite, and a waterfall. This would be a great hike on a hot summer day as it's shady and cool. I've visited twice for hiking; it's a lovely half-mile trek up the canyon to the waterfall. It is a rocky hike that crosses the creek back and forth, so wear the right shoes with good tread. To get to the trail to the waterfall, you will pass through the campground; trails are well-marked. Parking is available at the parking lot next to the campsite; an Adventure Pass is required (since you will be in the Angeles National Forest.) Campsites are first-come, first-served. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41706 Check for updates as fire season is approaching. Parking can get busy on the weekends; the early bird gets the worm.

Elizabeth W.

So surprising. Even at 1 pm on a 90 degree August day, it was lovely. Shaded hike with switchbacks over a trickling creek...a tree swing along the way...two waterfalls...easy mellow uphill going to the falls that deadends the hike, easy hike back to parking lot. You'll need a $5 adventure pass to park there...or park up the hill from the parking lot. Lots of families with kids, two picnic tables at the trailhead. There's a toilet near the walk in campsite and there were a half dozen tents there. The toilets were gross so suggest taking care of business before you leave home. I also loved the drive to the short hike at the bottom of the mini mountain there's a trailhead and pull off coming up the mountain that let's you have a longer hike, but glad for the short hike as it was fun, with interesting features to explore. Bring lots of water, a snack. Plan on an hour there and back. I wore desert sandals, so found it served well...waterproof hiking boots if you got em.

Kerry S.

Super fun hike! Plan on about an hour turn around time. Lots of creek crossing along the way. Shoes should not get very wet if you are careful. We saw lots of kids and dogs. May be a little tricky for older adults who don't have great balance. * REI in Pasadena has Adventure Passes for purchase... Day passes are $4.99

Judy G.

We wanted to avoid Eaton Canyon for the crowds so we came her Millard Canyon to see the waterfall. It was a quick hike about 45 mins round trip. There wasn't a crowd and there was a small waterfall. I parked all the way down the hill where there is plenty of parking but if you are looking for the longer trail, it would be at the top of the hill. Parking was limited and alot of cars parked on the side of the mountain.

Zan L.

Millard Falls Hike. An easy but really enjoyable trail with lots of shade, small cascades and rock pools all leading up to a beautiful, 3-story Horsetail Waterfall at the end of the trail. We went on 1/14/22 and the water was really flowing. People of all ages, pets and children could easily make it the whole way as it's only a .5 mile slightly uphill trek from the trailhead @ the Camp Site. You could easily do it in 45-60 mins but we spent about 90 minutes as we weren't in a rush at all, rather the opposite. You have to cross the stream a few times back and forth but it's only an inch or two deep and each crossing has rocks and logs already laid so if you balance you won't get wet at all. Snacks aren't necessary and water would only be needed in the summer or warmer months, it's honestly a really easy hike. Easiest place to park is @ the parking lot at the bottom; but some opt to park on the hill to make it a longer trek. I would recommend and will be back.

Chester C.

Now a days it's rough to locate a easy access waterfall especially if you have a child. Since most of the other fall hikes are closed due to the fires from a couple years ago. Parking options one at top and one at bottom. If you park up top. It's a 3+ mile hike. At the bottom out and back is about 1.5+ mile hike. There are a few stream crossings. Depending on the rainfall it gets pretty deep and will get your feet wet. Extra sock and shoes for the ride home is probably necessary. If you hiked the Eaton Canyon falls before this is a much shorter hike. Not a tough hike at all and probably can be done in an hour. Only downside is the limited parking spots and definitely need an adventure pass to ensure you won't get a ticket.

Luke M.

Saw a Snake And a Frog Highly recommended this place. Heard a guy singing Coldplay with his guitar right next to the stream which was a plus.

Sharon K.

Nice hike to the waterfall. Not too tough. The area is use for camping as well. There are a few camp sites right before getting to the trail of the waterfall. The paths can be narrow at some areas. Pros + short hike from the upper parking lot (10-15 mins) + lots of shade throughout the hike. It gets pretty cold, check the temperature before you go! + Beautiful waterfall! + Nice place to take photos too. Cons - parking is limited, come early. There's a parking in the lower part and some right before the bridge. I recommend to download the Alltrails app!

Darlynn C.

Gorgeous. We went just after some big rains hit Southern California so the creek was rushing and the waterfall was flowing. Getting to this hike can be confusing. Here's what we did. Directions from Pasadena, CA: Travel Interstate 210 north, exit Lake Avenue and go north to Loma Alta Drive. Turn west (left) on Loma Alta and drive to the Chaney Trail (flashing yellow light). Turn onto Chaney trail. The road is windy and a little narrow. Nothing too sketchy. Follow that up for a bit. Go past the first parking area. (Millard Parking Area). That parking area won't lead you to the hike to the falls. Keep going to where Chaney TRL meets Mt. Lowe Rd. There is a teeny tiny parking lot and thats the trailhead. If there isn't parking in that lot, turn around and park along the road. (You can do it!) K. So go back to the trail head and walk along a paved fire road for a short time. You'll take the first trailhead on your left. Leaving the fire road and descending into a canyon for .8 miles. At the bottom of that trail, you'll arrive at Millard campground and the creek. Turn right and head upstream. (There are bathrooms and picnic benches here). After a short walk you'll see the trail for Millard Falls on your right. After a fun .5 miles of criss crossing the creek (your feet might get wet if you slip! Part of the fun!) you'll arrive at the falls. Head back the way you came, and back up the canyon to your car. Splendid gorgeous hike. Enjoy!

Ben A.

Growing up in Pasadena next to the San Gabriel Mountains, I have spent decades exploring, hiking, camping, fishing, and otherwise enjoying The different zones and areas within this incredible range. And while its juxtaposition with a huge urban area definitely shows the signs of impact, there are still a few places that at the very least, feign nature and remoteness. Millard Canyon is one of those places. Thanks to a paved road for access, visitors can enjoy easy hikes in a classic San Gabriels riparian environment: a babbling Creek meandering through decomposed granite, in the shadow of California laurel trees and scrub oaks. Despite the heavy traffic, there is still a natural feeling to this place, and the balance and battle between those who bring spray paint and those who pick up other people' trash wages on. Our most recent visit here was simply to get a hill walk in, so we parked down on Loma Alta, and walked the length of the paved road all the way to the Millard Canyon parking lot. Good thing too, because the lot was full, and folks were parked along the side of the road all the way to the intersection with a few other trails, Fully a half mile away from Millard Canyon proper. There are a few campsites here, along with a pit toilet, a couple of trash cans, and a "camp host" Who from the looks of it, is a permanent resident. If you are looking for the closest campsite to civilization and her urban impacts, this may be it. As we walked by towards the waterfall, there was a rather loud and large group burning a lot of wet wood, creating plenty of smoke to go with their amplified rap music. 10 kinds of awesome, right there. But like most trails in the San Gabriel Mountains, The longer you walk on them, the farther you get away from that sort of thing. Fact is, I like getting out into nature to spend a few moments away from crowds of people. Millard Canyon does not offer that, so short of a quick exercise jog, or maybe a picnic with an hour to kill... And a forest adventure pass hanging from my river... I tend to skip this one. No one else does though.