Los Angeles: Santa Ynez Falls

This 4.6-mile canyon hike features chilly mountain pools, several beautiful waterfalls, and slim sandstone cliffs set in a cool oasis of lush oak and sycamore forests.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.7

Waypoints

SYF001

Location: 34.0931816101074, -118.587326049805

Trail starts on N side of parking lot

SYF002

Location: 34.0921401977539, -118.586929321289

L @ T; look for deer grazing on grassy hillocks

SYF003

Location: 34.0915336608887, -118.584968566895

L @ T; trail heads NE between mixed tree stands

SYF004

Location: 34.0931625366211, -118.582473754883

R @ T onto Santa Ynez Trail

SYF005

Location: 34.092658996582, -118.580924987793

L @ T, then quick L again @ second T

SYF008

Location: 34.0845832824707, -118.568046569824

Bear L to waterfall; follow trail upstream into the cool, forested main canyon

SYF009

Location: 34.0909194946289, -118.568916320801

Sandstone cliffs narrow; use caution while skipping over wet rocks

SYF010

Location: 34.0915756225586, -118.568717956543

Trail ends at grotto below the 15-foot Santa Ynez Falls; return to parking lot

SYF007

Location: 34.0849494934082, -118.574081420898

Trail drops into tributary of Santa Ynez Canyon

SYF006

Location: 34.0903816223144, -118.579208374023

Stay on main trail

SYF011

Location: 34.0916404724121, -118.568717956543

Sidetrip: Experienced hikers can scramble to the top of the falls for a fine view of Topanga State Park to the south