Bailey Canyon Falls

Park Info Page

Driving Directions

• Exit 210 Freeway @ Baldwin Avenue and head North toward the mountains
• Turn Left @ Grandview Ave
• Turn Right @ Grove Street and take that straight into Bailey Canyon Park

Today, I am lucky enough to be accompanied by my hiking buddy Daniel and my cousin Ricky.

Parking is free in the little lot allocated for Bailey Canyon Park (always a good thing) and the trailhead was easy to find, marked on the west side of the lot by a map and sign. The park section of the trail cut through randomly disbursed picnic tables overrun by high grass, and promptly ejected us through a turnstile to a road that made us wonder if we went the wrong way. However, after a few feet we got back to the trail, which wound into the canyon. After passing the most random handicap parking spot ever and a sign giving us a choice between: Canyon View Nature Trail (Waterfall) and Bailey Canyon Trail we were well on our way.

Now, I usually count the number of stream crossings on any particular hike, but this hike crossed it so many times that I lost count. At some points the trail actually seemed to be through the stream rather than crossing it. They were not difficult crossings by any means as Daniel cleared them in single jumps at times (not too bad for a 4 year old), however waterproof hiking boots would not be a terrible idea.

It was a short easy hike with not a great deal elevation change so its good even for younger kids. Daniel managed it pretty effortlessly and Ricky too was able to navigate the trail pretty easily in some Adidas, so I trust it was nothing too rugged. We got to the base of the waterfall reasonably quick and I soon assessed there was not a lot of dry flat ground to post up for lunch. Thus, sandwiches and Clif bars were consumed while standing and wandering around.

The Waterfall

While not a potent waterfall she is majestic in her own way. The stream flows off the top and takes an uninterrupted freefall all the way down to create an ever-present mist at the base pool. The menacing walls surround not just the fall herself, but also her accenting sounds. The plunging white cascade elegantly contrasts the black intricate rock walls creating a gorgeous scene that I simply had to stand and stare at for a while... 

After which I promptly begun to scale the aforementioned walls ;)