Hermit Falls

When I went there was this girl and she hesitated to jump off the 50ft drop and hit her ankles on the rocks that girl was airlifted to a hospital and I was told she broke both her ankles and sprained her back she was a friend of my sister be very careful when jumping it’s not fun to see people get hurt

The hike is probably the most beautiful hike that I’ve been to in my area, about an hour away from me. So green, very shaded, not a crazy hike but you feel like you’re getting a workout in.
People, please pick up your trash. It made me sad to see how much trash was left all along the hike, and especially at the falls. I will be taking a trash grabber and bag with me next time to try and bring out a bag of trash. If everyone just picks up a few pieces, we could clean it up in no time.
If you jump in, be aware that the hike to get back up the 50 feet to the top is a little difficult. One person we met there said he was going to bring a thicker rope to set up to help people get up. Anyone who has the knowledge to set that up, it would be an amazing help if you could do that.
Great spot, I’ll be back soon!

This hike is an alternative to Stervant falls… same parking, same fire road but not as far down to get to the trail head.
We decided to do both Stervant falls and Hermit falls in the same day, it was one heck of a trek and overall very enjoyable as the weather was perfect.
The trail is well maintained and quite busy but not overly busy, you hike down into the canyon, cross a creek and stay on the trail. Our end of the hike was at the falls, where people jump off rocks into the water. That’s not really my thing but it seems to be popular.
I was very disappointed to see so much trash throughout the end of the trail. There were people smoking weed and drinking beers, someone threw a glass beer bottle at the rocks when they left, which really sickens me. I come from a place where you «pack in and pack out.» I also firmly believe in leaving nature as you found it. There are animals who live in mountains and humans trashing their habitat is absolutely disgusting to me. There is also a lot of graffiti, which makes no sense either. People really disappoint me…
Overall, a great little hike, next time I’ll go down and come right back up. If people continue to litter, smoke and spray paint there, it’ll probably close down.
Such a shame.

If you are in the LA area looking for a new hike with awesome water pools and a cliff jump? Sorry this one is ruined. This hike used to be one of my favorites, about five years ago. within the last three it has become a littered, over crowded mess. The best thing about the hike, the falls and pools at the end, have been overrun by locals who have no respect for keeping the place clean. You will find plenty of smashed beer bottles, thousands of cigarette butts and plastic bags. When I went last there was a soiled diaper floating in the upper pool. as well as massive amounts of graffiti. this place was used by people who did not want to keep it nice and now it ruined. I really wish the park service would just shut the whole trail for 15 years.

Love this trail! Go early because the parking lot does get filled and then you’ll have to park on the side. Don’t forget your adventure pass! Lots of shade, and dog friendly! I also took my friends’ daughter! There were kids on the trail so it’s also kid friendly. Not too strenuous, definitely a chill hike to do!

This place was great one of my favorite hikes for sure. The trail is rather narrow so be very careful and wear a nice pair of hiking shoes. Also make sure to bring a towel because you WILL be tempted to jump in once you get there.
There were lots of really cool hikers enjoying this place today all of which were nice and encouraging.
The water is cold so do make sure you acclimate to the water first before jumping. The water is clear just doesn’t appear to with all the mossy rocks.
The hike up is intense, So prepare yourself mentally for it as it is all steep and uphill.

This is a beautiful canyon to explore, getting to the hermit falls is a little challenge. It’s only 1.2 mile down hill, the fall has clear water and gorgeous, you have to climb down big rocks holding on the rope to get to the pool. It’s all worth it, some trash were left so we clean up! Do not attempt to jump though the pool is deep but too dangerous, there is no signal here in case 911 is needed.

My bf and I hiked to Hermit Falls over the Memorial Day weekend. We came at 2pm and honestly it wasn’t that crowded. A lot of people were leaving actually. For all those people saying you have to wake up super early to get parking — we found parking with no trouble. I suppose just get lucky as well and you’re fine: P. We managed to park at the lot (and didn’t end up paying $ 10 for parking?)
You can grab a Adventure Pass for $ 5 at the Pack Station. And apparently if you donate $ 5 you get a nifty bandana which has a map of all the trails on it.
There’s spotty signal there so make sure you get down directions before you leave lol. We didn’t and ended up getting lost and hiking to the Sturtevant Falls instead. Then we took a random trail which ended up connecting to Hermit Falls luckily.
– DIRECTIONS –
1. From the parking lot you walk over to the WHITE GATE which is the start of most of the trails.
2. VERY SOON after that you’ll pass a sign that says «May your search through nature lead you to yourself.»
3. Then you’ll see a sign on the right side that says Hermit Falls 1.2 miles. Take this route down and you’ll hit the falls soon enough. It’s pretty steep and narrow so be careful. We saw several people get helicoptered out because they went off trail and fell down.
The hike itself is pretty shaded and relatively easy (on the way down). Back up was a bit of a stretch for us.

I love Mt. Wilson. Any trails in Mt. Wilson is fun and do-​able. I don’t know about jumping in to the pool, but to each their own.
This hike is about 2 miles to and back. Not that strenuous.
Don’t forget to buy your $ 5 adventure pass from the ⁷⁄₁₁ though. Don’t want to end up paying $ 100.

Where Do I Begin, Let Me Start Off By Saying There Is A Couple Of Trails Here. One Of The Popular Trails And My Personal Favorite Is Hermit Falls Trail. As People Should Know, If A Trail Is Just Down Hill They Way Back Is Going To Be Just Up Hill. There Is A Lot Of Nice Scenery For Pictures If You Like Photography. Plenty Of Water Streams That You Have To Cross To Get To Your Destination. Good Hiking Trail Overall.

Loved loved loved this trail. Really felt like i was in the midst of the forest and the water streaming in between, jumping from rock to rock to cross over. it was very fun to bring my younger cousins with. Once we got to the end where the 20ft & 50ft climp jump were, we tried climbing down but it was a bit dangerous so we couldnt reach the bottom unless we jumped the 50ft but we didnt… too scared. lol so we just settled down next to the 20ft jump and ate yummy sandwiches and played in the water. good times.
Only negative comment would be that the parking is small and gets extremely crowded. I bought the permit and didnt even use it. We parked out the road where its free parking, just a long walk to the trail.

It’s a beautiful hike, but also be aware of which trail you’re on. First, you need to pay $ 5 for the adventure pass (or parking ticket), travel about half a mile downward along the mountain where you’ll start to see trees. My boyfriend and I planned to go to the water pit but instead ended up at the waterfall. It gets pretty hot when you’re walking down the road and cold in the shade, that or it’s just me not being able to control my body temperature Anyway, it’s a beautiful hike and I would suggest traveling light. It’s a family trail and other hikers tend to bring dogs. The hike back up the mountain in the end is terrible because I have terrible stamina and an extremely out of shape I was also suspicious of how far we had to travel to get to the trail (about 3 miles along the mountains) and has a beautiful view. Have fun!

Loved this place. If you are looking for a wild hike in LA, definitely this is the place!
The park is well maintained, this hike is beautiful and easy to do. It is around 45 min hiking to get to the falls.
I went there over the weekend, get there early to find parking. This hike was fairly empty despite the park being full.
Definitely will go back to explore the other trails.

FUN and LOCAL Hike!
Very Short trail and very easy to go down. The best part of this trail is at the end there is a pool of water were everyone cliff jumps off. To get down into that area you do have to climb down and there are already ropes set up to help you get down (one person at a time) be very careful cause even though it has the set up it still is a little dangerous. Make sure to bring water shoes and MAKE SURE the WATER level is not to shallow, you only want to jump in of the water level is somewhat high. Have FUN and be SAFE!

To all you avid hikers and nature lovers– DO NOT go on this hike on the weekends or holidays.
I went on this trail with my brother on MLK at 245pm. It was a beautiful trail, especially with the recent rainfall we have been getting in so cal this month. But since it was a holiday it was packed with families and high school/​early college kids. So it was pretty hectic. The 20somethings were playing EDM music on their Bluetooth speakers. kind of obnoxious. Not to mention the excessive amount of weed smoking going on. So if you are looking for a peaceful walk through nature– I would refrain from weekends and holidays.
This trail is labeled as moderate difficulty, but I saw parents walking their toddlers through the trails. I wouldn’t recommend that at all because some of the paths are narrow and run along the edge of a mountain.
Just like everyone mentioned, sadly there are tons of graffiti and litter at Hermit Falls. It is a fairly easy trail (in my opinion) likely why graffiti artists make their way here.
Once you get to the falls, there are ropes u can use to climb down to the water. I have ZERO upper body strength so I just slid down the rock. pretty rough lol
I didn’t time how long it took us to get to hermit falls from the lot, but my brother and I made our way up around 415 and was at the car before 5pm.
Check the website:
There are certain holidays that don’t require you to have the parking permit.
–parking was CRAZY, so get here early to avoid having to park at the bottom of the mountain

Came here a couple weeks ago on a gloomy and cold day. I was surprised there was a lot of people at the location. It was super busy and parking was pretty hectic. You can also try to park along the side of the mountain but be careful! Also, make sure to purchase an adventure pass! It’s $ 5 a day.
There are restrooms and benches out there before you start the hike. As we started the hike, it was pretty easy and do-​able. It’s not too far either. There was a few small streams of water where we had to cross. Not too bad. When we got to the location, it was a nice small waterfall. There are cliffs there and you can jump off into the water. I heard that the water isn’t so deep so be careful! I couldn’t jump or swim in the water because it was too cold. So next time I will come back in Summer!
Oh btw, there are ropes for you to go down to the little waterfall/​lake. It was a kind of scary because I’m afraid of heights… Ughhh. But anyways, going up was more of a struggle. Some guys came and was on their way down so they helped us. Thank you! It was very nice of them! I needed a little boost.
Well this hike was very enjoyable and I liked it. Will be back soon!

This could be a really beautiful spot if not for the horrible people who have littered it with trash and graffiti on all the rocks at the falls. Seriously? Thanks for spoiling what could have been a great spot.
I found this hike slightly more challenging than the one to sturtevant falls. the hike to the falls also wasn’t as nice as the sturtevant fall trail, but still beautiful.
once my boyfriend and I got to the falls, we sat on the rocks and tried to just enjoy the moment… but the trash and graffiti definitely killed it. i’m surprised there are people who would jump into the water… i looked at it and because of all the trash i saw, it made my skin crawl. i hope you guys got a tetanus shot afterwards.
Seriously though, be careful. We saw empty class beer bottles everywhere… most of which was broken

Hermit falls is geared more towards the thrill seeker. You can make an invigorating, albeit dangerous jump on either a ~20 foot ledge or a more daring ~50ft ledge. The trail itself turns from hillside to a foresty area. You may even encounter a stream here or there and pass several dams.
Notes:
– The hike is approx 2.6mi round trip to Chantry Flats.
– There is a 600 ft elevation change. You will be going mostly downhill towards the fall and uphill back.
– The rocks by the falls are slippery, be careful or wear shoes with good traction.
– The trail can get narrow at times. Not fun on a busy day.
– You need an adventure pass (5) for parking. Not too far from the trail head.
– Keep an eye out for poison oak/​ivy (I found alot by the Dams and along the trail).
– Here is a map to the falls (note you start at Chantry Flats):
– If you plan on doing both the Falls, here is where you’ll find information on Sturtevant Falls:
– It never hurts to bring an extra pair of socks since you may step in water.
Overall, quite a short hike (if you only plan on doing Hermit Falls) and might be disappointing if you don’t plan on jumping. The water can be full of trash at times, and the rocks graffiti-​ed up.
This is one of the trail ends that you reach a paradox wherein one must risk ones life in order to feel alive. I don’t recommend the jump for the feint of heart or the fearful of heights, otherwise, Good luck and make them memories!

Bombs away *SPOOOOOOOOLSH* a few seconds later…
Picnics, fun times, bad language, little bit of clothing, and catching some serious hangtime… what more is there to love about somewhere than that… ohhh I know be careful and don’t hit the rocks or you will be smooshed like a piece of rotten fruit.
Thankfully I haven’t seen any of the smashed up folks, but some of my friends have. I have jumped too, but it is a thrill and only something an adrenaline junkie or an idiot should do. Fortunately, I am both =D
This is a very easy and short hike. You have a couple of cliff jumping spots into pools of various depths from various heights. I have jumped, just not off the highest spot as I don’t know the right place to take off as of yet. None the less I will at some point.
Their are a couple of ways to the splash zone. All involve short hikes. You can likely make it there and back in well under 2 miles. It starts at Chantry Flats and you can start off down the main downhill towards Sturtevant Falls and hang a right at the base or halfway down you can take the switchbacks that lead to Hermit Falls impact zone.
It is a unique place and be sure to bring water shoes and a towel. Hiking in wet gear sucks. So if your not wearing the wicking dryfit attire, you will be super sore and chaffed if you don’t dry off. I suggest the shoes only because I did it without them, and totally regretted it. There are a few broken bottles around the jumping pools and no one wants to end up with a sliced open foot with a 1 ½ to 2 mile hike uphill. Let alone you have to rope climb to get out of the lower jump zone and it helps on the rocks to have shoes on. Just trust me on this one.
So be careful, have fun, stay safe, and jump, just jump second ;)
Overall its an easy fun hike with a great bit of excitement at the end. Cheers and happy cannonballing…

This hike should be 5 stars. Nice elevation, beautiful canyon, and a picturesque waterfall. Not to mention the 50 foot cliff jump into one of the many pools along the granite rocks.
Unfortunately, the trail is heavily littered with hundreds of water, beer, and Gatorade bottles. The waterfall and rock area is covered in graffiti. People suck and this place is more depressing than enjoyable.