Hike Buckhorn Campground to Cooper Canyon Falls

Saturday, June 9

Buckhorn Campground to the Waterfall

Buckhorn Campground to Cooper Canyon Falls, is only 3.0 miles round trip, with 800 feet elevation gain/loss. This is a beautifully scenic route, and very easy to do. It is all downhill to the waterfall, and all uphill coming back, but you can take it slow and easy coming back, as there are many things to see and do along the way. You will see another little waterfall with a gorgeous pool, which is a nice place to stop for lunch or snacks, and lots of wildflowers to photograph. There are also great views, so bring your camera!

Bring: Water, snacks, camera, shoes with good tread, poles are helpful if you have them. Wear sunscreen, hat, bug net (if you have one), and bug spray.

Meet at the trail head at 9:00 AM for an 9:15 AM departure. Adventure passes MUST be displayed to avoid a ticket. Day passes are available at any ranger station, and most sports stores (Sport Chalet in Stevenson Ranch usually has them). Cost $5. For a day pass, $30. For an annual pass.

Directions: From Santa Clarita, take the 5 south to the 210 east (direction Pasadena). Exit the 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), and turn left over the 210 freeway. Take the Angeles Crest Highway to the turnoff to the campground, which will be about 34.3 miles. The road to the campground does not have a name. All you will see is a gate (that will be open) that has a sign on the right side of it that says, “No Parking Anytime.”

The road to the campground is located between mile marker 58.19 and 58.25, on the left side of the road. If you see mile marker 58.25, you have gone too far. The GPS coordinates for the turnoff are 34°20.601N and 117°55.273W. There will be a sign for Buckhorn Campground on the right side of the road with a small arrow sign pointing to the left. Your total drive time will be about an hour and a half.

Once you turn on the road to the campground, proceed down the road about 0.4miles. You will then see the first campsite. Continue driving on the road, and follow the signs to the trail head at the far end of the campground. Signs will say either “Burkehart Trail Head”, “Trailhead Parking”, or “Day Use Parking”.

Leader: Linda

Rated: Easy