Monkey Canyon | Palmdale, California

Details

Heres a great place to go jumping right outta los angeles. It also has a water hole right next to it that is great to go swimming in. There are three jumps, 25', 30' 56'. The depth of the water is an easy 30'

Driving from La Canada:

From the intersection of Foothill Blvd. and Angeles Crest Highway / address 4593 SR-2:
Go north on Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2 N) for 9.3 miles.
Turn left (north) onto Angeles Forest Highway.
After 6.0 miles you should reach the main turn out for Monkey Canyon.

Park here if you have a parking pass, otherwise keep going for 1.8 miles. Stop at the cafe and ask for a day parking pass (~$5).
Head south on Angeles Forest Highway for 1.8 miles and park at the turn out.

Driving from Sunland:

From the intersection of Foothill Blvd. and Oro Vista Ave / address 10515 Ora Vista Ave.:
Go north on Oro Vista Ave. for 0.9 miles.
The road changes names to Big Tujunga Canyon Rd after the really sharp turn.
Continue east on Big Tujunga Canyon Rd for 12.0 miles.
Turn left (north) onto Angeles Forest Highway.
After 2.2 miles you should reach the main turn out for Monkey Canyon.
Park here if you have a parking pass, otherwise keep going for 1.8 miles.
Stop at the cafe and ask for a day parking pass (~$5).
Head south on Angeles Forest Highway for 1.8 miles and park at the turn out.

The Hike:

On the north side of the street you'll see a couple openings in the bushes. Take one.
Use the ropes to help you down the hillside, along the big log, and down the slippery wet rocks.
Once you hit the creek bed turn left and head into the creek.
Exit the creek bed on the left as soon as you can.
Go over the large rocks / boulders.
Eventually you'll use the boulders to cross over the creek to the right side of it.
Cross back over the creek toward a large boulder that forms a crevice with the mountain.
Ease your way down the crevice.
Continue heading down stream by swimming through the creek.
As soon as you can find a safe place to get out on the right side, do.
Walk along the creek until you have to get back in it.
Swim downstream until the creek becomes shallow.
Walk downstream and exit it on the right side whenever you can.
Go over the boulders and keep heading down stream.
Soon you'll see the cliffs of Monkey Canyon.