Hermit Falls

Hidden amidst lush tropics at the Angeles National Forest, Hermit Falls is a premier waterfall hike in Sierra Madre with a swimming hole. The unique natural formation and significant depth of water afront the falls makes it a popular spot for cliff jumping and other thrilling activities during spring and summer.

The trail begins with a small hamlet, Roberts Camp, offering luxury camping facilities, cabins and picnic tables. The hiking route crosses the babbling Hermit Creek, then climbs along the east bank and finally drops down on shallow pools above Hermit Falls. Bordered by ledges and flat rocks cut to jump from and for sunning, the waterfall cascades to form a natural, smooth waterslide in the middle. If you plan to explore the falls on a bike, you can start the exhilarating venture from adjacent Santa Anita Canyons and reach Hermit Falls via the captivating mountain trail open to bikers. These mountains and canyons are densely forested with giant pines and alders, creating perfect destinations for nature walks, wildlife watching and spotting rare Californian wildflowers. For its easy hiking terrain and relatively flat trails, Hermit Falls is reputed as a very family-friendly hangout with abundant shady picnic spaces.