Fish Canyon Falls Is the Best Place to Hike with Your Dog

How do 3-tiered 80 foot waterfalls, ruins of cabins from the 1900s, and scenic paths filled with wildflowers next to a soothing creek sound? If this is your idea of a perfect weekend adventure, you are in for a treat in California’s Fish Canyon Falls!  These are the basics for this one-of-a-kind hike.

1. When is this place open?

Fish Canyon Falls is open to the public April – September 7 am to 7 pm & October – March 7 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week.  Your furry friend is only allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, but that’s the only time we can go adventuring anyway so it’s not a problem for us!

The trailhead is located at the Vulcan Materials Plant in Duarte, CA so the hours of operations are strictly enforced and trail gates close when hours end. A good size parking lot is available at the trailhead and it is free.

 
2. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Fish Canyon Falls trail is well-maintained and clean. Awesome! Let’s keep it that way. There are no side trails to get you confused on the way to the waterfalls. Friendly trail signs are there to guide you!

 
3. Do you like history?

Fish Canyon was a popular vacation spot during much of the 1900s. In the first half of the hike, you will come to signs like this telling you the history of Fish Canyon and its residents. It’s fun to imagine what it would’ve been like back then!

 
4. Hike along the creek and indulge in the sounds and smells.

The first 1/2 mile or so of the trail is in the property of Vulcan Materials. Don’t be discouraged by it. Once you pass the bridge, you will soon forget about the quarry.

5. Spring is the prime time to visit for the flowers.

I recommend all seasons for this hike except summer when the heat can be intense. But our favorite time would be the spring time. So many flowers to sniff!

 
6. When you need to escape the crowds, go early.

I like to enjoy nature in silence. If that sounds like you, I recommend you go early. This hike is popular due to the waterfall attraction. We started around 7:20 am and we were alone most of the time going to the waterfalls and were able to enjoy the nature at our pace. Another bonus is Xena can hike off-leash.

 
7. It’s all worth it for the 3-tiered waterfalls.

You made it! Take a break and enjoy the waterfalls. And take some pictures with the waterfalls, of course!

Whenever you are ready, you can turn around and go back the way you came in. The total distance is 5 miles.

Happy Hiking!