Chilao to Devil's Canyon - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Chilao to Devil's Canyon
Country:	United States
State:	California
Nearby Town:	La Canada-Flintridge
Rating:
Directions:	24 Miles north of La Canada on Angeles crest HWY (CA2) Park at turnout/restroom directly across from large "Devil's Canyon" sign. -National Forest Adventure Pass Required-
Total Hike Distance:	7.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	At signed trailhead near Chilao campground
Trails Used:	Devil's Canyon Trail, San Gabriel Wilderness
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Angeles National Forest 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006 626-574-1613 www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	#57 In John W. Robinson's Trails of the Angeles 1500' elevation loss/gain This hike travels into the Beautiful San Gabriel Wilderness. You begin at a well marked trailhead on Angeles Crest HWY. The trail switchbacks down into the canyon, giving excellent views of the canyon itself, and the surrounding peaks. The descent is mostly shadeless. Keep this in mind as you walk farther down the canyn. You will need to climb back up on the way out. An early start in hot weather is recommended. The trail leading down to the canyon is fairly well maintained but, narrow in spots. Once in the canyon you enter a riparian woodland. The trail crosses the stream at several points. This may cost some additional effort after rains or spring snow melts. The beautiful shaded stream opens at spots to allow views of the surrounding canyon walls. In a few areas the trail is washed out and you must follow the dry runoff streams which criss cross the bottom of the canyon. The gaps are pretty short and you should be able to find the trail agin without too much difficulty. At 3.5 miles you reach the wilderness trail camp. The trail ends here but you can explore about two miles further downstream with a little scrambling. After 2 miles the canyon drops down and cascades into pools. Those experienced in rappelling could follow the canyon further with some short drops. I have not explored farther than the first set of falls, but have heard it is well worth the effort. How far you travel down canyon is up to you. Just keep in mind that the return is almost entirely uphill.