Distance (round-trip)
3.1 mi
Time
1.5 hrs
Elevation Gain
638 ft
Season
Spring
Summer
Fall
Weather
–
3.1 mi
1.5 hrs
638 ft
Spring
Summer
Fall
–
Cooper Canyon Falls is a beautiful and relatively easily-accessed waterfall in the San Gabriel high country. Just off the Burkhart Trail outside of the deservedly popular Buckhorn Campground, this is wonderful short day hike if you’re camping in the region, a great introduction to the high country, or a quick stop-over on the longer route to Will Thrall Peak (or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, on the way to the Devil’s Punchbowl).
Begin at the end of the Buckhorn Campground, following the signs for the Burkhart Trail. There are a few parking spots near an outhouse and a very prominent trailhead sign, which also marks the Burkhart Trail as part of the High Desert National Recreation Trail, a 27-mile route from Buckhorn Campground to Vincent Gap via the Mojave Desert.
Now that you’ve gotten that business out of the way, it’s time to enjoy the hike!
If this is your first time in the San Gabriel high country, you’re apt to be a little surprised. Unlike the more accessible and more heavily trafficked front range, the high country is short on the sage scrub and chaparral that make up the majority of the south-facing peaks in the range. Here, towering Douglas fir and Jeffrey pines dominate the landscape, while the higher elevations, northern slopes, and shaded canyons often mean significantly cooler temperatures than what you’d experience back in the city.
Even in the late summer at the tail end of an extended drought, there was plenty of green to go around here:
The trail continues following the creek north through gorgeously wooded and bouldered landscapes. When you get some breaks in the tree cover, you’ll be able to make out towering, rugged peaks in nearly every direction. All in all, it’s an incredibly lovely stretch of trail.
The trail makes a steady but moderate descent and hops across a creek bed at the 1.3 mile mark. At 1.4 miles, stay right at the junction to hop onto the Pacific Crest Trail / Silver Moccasin Trail for a hot minute.
At just past the 1.5 mile mark, the trail makes another descent while the creek flows to your left. Look for a well-worn series of use trails descending to the canyon floor at this point.
When you’re done, return back to the trailhead the way you came in.
For an extra challenge, consider hiking to Will Thrall Peak, or continuing the Burkhart Trail all the way to the Devil’s Punchbowl (assuming you’ve arranged an extra long car shuttle). You can also take the PCT west along Cooper Canyon, which will put you out on the Angeles Crest Highway near Cloudburst Summit. A walk east along the Angeles Crest will return you to Buckhorn Campground.
Very good. The Burkhart Trail is well-maintained this section near Buckhorn Camp is well traveled. There is some scrambling required down to the bottom of Cooper Canyon Falls, and a section where previous visitors have left some ropes tied up in helpful spots.
The Buckhorn Campground has 38 first-come, first-served campsites in a heavily wooded, 6,300-foot elevation, extremely beautiful setting among old pines and cedars. The campground is fairly popular and may fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends. Campground fee is $12 per night with 2 vehicles / 8 people maximum per site. Campground is closed during the winter months.
High country campgrounds may close due to weather conditions. Call the Los Angeles River Ranger District for more information at (818) 899-1900.
Take the Angeles Crest Highway 33.9 miles east of the exit off the 210 in La Cañada Flintridge. Shortly after you pass the Mount Waterman Ski Area, enter the Buckhorn Campground on your left. Drive through the campground, following the signs for the Burkhart Trail. Park in the day-use lot and display your Adventure Pass. If the campground is closed, you’ll have to park on the Angeles Crest and hike in. Note that the Google Maps Directions wants to send you past the Buckhorn Campground.
4 Comments
I went over there yesterday.
The road is so covered with snow you can't even see the difference, it doesn't even look like a road for cars.
Had to walk for at least half hour because of the immense snow it fell.
Couldn't finish the trail in time because it was getting dark and decided to head back to the car.
But I have to say it has the most beautiful amazing views I've ever seen !
It was magic !
Definitely I'm going back there again !
The Station Fire didn't reach up here and it's in beautiful condition! Buckhorn Campground is closed for the season, though, so you won't be able to park at the trailhead. Also be sure to check with CALTRANS for road conditions if you're heading up in the winter months - chains may be required or the road may be closed.
Does anybody know the current condition of the trail and surrounding area? Wondering if recent wildfires have affected the area. Especially considering the damage the station complex fire did out here. Let me know! Thanks.
This is a great hike and my "go-to" hike for taking newbies (a.k.a. third or fourth dates) when you are looking for a great active hike that isn't too extreme.