Finding outdoor adventure and ways to enjoy swimming is abundant throughout the vastness of California. The Golden State has no shortage of mountain paradises and waterfalls to explore, including the region known as the “Waterfall Mecca,” and one of those is somewhat hidden near Mount Baldy. Unlike many falls which you should only admire from a distance, Stoddard Canyon Falls is different — you can swim in this downright gorgeous waterfall.
Mount Baldy, which sits at over 11,000 feet and is the highest peak in Los Angeles, is located about 44 miles outside the city. Stoddard Canyon Falls are near the Los Angeles National Forest, also known as Baldy Slide, and are 40-foot tall, along a 1.25-mile out-and-back trail. It’s near the former site of an 1800s Mount Baldy Retreat called Stoddard’s Camp, and the San Antonio Falls are located further up the creek path, making the trails a great place to explore the region’s waterfalls. While the route has been somewhat hidden over the years, the hype on social media sites, such as TikTok and Instagram have brought increased interest and traffic to the area, especially to those desiring to attempt the slide.
Getting to the Stoddard Canyon Falls waterfall and swimming hole
Finding the exact location of the hike and the correct path to the canyon falls and swimming hole is likely your first challenge. The good news is that a quick scan of social media, particularly specific YouTube videos will offer instructions to get you there. There’s no fee at the falls, but you’ll need an adventure pass to explore the area.
An ideal way to find the falls is by using the intersection of Mt. Baldy Road and Barrett Stoddard Truck Trail where there is a small parking lot. The Stoddard Peak Trail is nearby, and both offer views of Mount Baldy. If you’re daring enough to attempt the slide portion of the trail, it’s located slightly further up than the base, but use caution on the potentially slippery ground…