Cloudburst Summit

The Cooper Canyon Falls trail, accessed via the Pacific Crest Trail, offers a journey into a shaded canyon known for its unique scenery. You'll find yourself among old-growth pines, alders, and oaks, with the surprising presence of redwood trees, creating a Sierra-like atmosphere in the San Gabriel Mountains. The path is a narrow dirt track, leading to the picturesque Cooper Canyon Falls, a 25 to 50-foot cascade that flows into a cool pool, providing a refreshing reward at the end of your descent.

This 3.1-mile (5.0 km) hiking route is rated difficult, despite a minimal 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The challenge comes from the terrain, which can include burn scars, loose rocks, and stream crossings. The final approach to the falls involves a steep, slippery scramble, often with ropes to assist, making it suitable for hikers ready for a bit of adventure. Plan your visit for spring, especially April and May, when snowmelt makes the falls particularly impressive.

What makes this trail truly stand out is its blend of accessibility and wildness; it's a segment of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail that feels far removed from urban sprawl. The presence of redwood trees in Southern California is a notable natural feature, and the year-round flow of Cooper Canyon Falls makes it a reliable destination for waterfall enthusiasts. It's a great option for those seeking a relatively short but technically engaging hike with a significant natural landmark.

The Cooper Canyon Loop via Burkhart Trail and PCT offers a refreshing escape into the Angeles National Forest, winding through mixed conifer and deciduous forests. You'll follow Little Rock Creek, enjoying the sounds of water, before reaching the impressive 25-foot Cooper Canyon Falls. The trail provides glimpses of the towering San Gabriel Mountains and a chance to walk a segment of the famous Pacific Crest Trail, making for a varied and scenic experience.

This moderate 6.4-mile (10.4 km) loop involves 1335 feet (407 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes. The route starts with a descent into the canyon, meaning the significant uphill climb occurs on the return journey, so be prepared for a good workout. Trailheads are usually found off Angeles Crest Highway, and an Adventure Pass is generally required for parking.

This loop is a great way to experience a section of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, which forms part of the route. The area is known for its diverse forest, including "redwood-like trees" (likely incense cedars), and the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp offers a well-maintained wilderness campsite for those interested in backpacking.

Hike the easy 2.7-mile Winston Peak loop from Cloudburst Summit for scenic views and diverse forest terrain in Angeles National Forest.