Is swimming allowed at San Antonio Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at San Antonio Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

San Antonio Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at San Antonio Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at San Antonio Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for San Antonio Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking. Passes can be purchased online or at local vendors.

California • 75 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Angeles National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

simonov CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About San Antonio Falls

San Antonio Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered cascade tucked into the foothills near Mount San Antonio (commonly called Mount Baldy) in the San Gabriel Mountains. The falls drop roughly 75 feet and sit within the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Mount San Antonio itself is the range high point at 10,064 ft (3,068 m) and the tallest summit in Los Angeles County and the Los Angeles metropolitan area, so the surrounding ridgelines provide dramatic backdrops for this short outing. The most direct approach follows the USFS Baldy Bowl Trail (Trail #237W02). The Forest Service maps that trail at about 1.07 GIS miles; hikers commonly report roughly a 1.4-mile round-trip with about 300 feet of elevation gain, making this an easy, popular stop for families and day hikers. If you’re planning an overnight, the Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites are nearby (about 4.89 km away), offering convenient primitive camping within the same National Forest.

The Setting

San Antonio Falls sits at 6,598 feet within Angeles National Forest, in the high mountains of California. The falls drop 75 feet.

Height: 75 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bonita Falls (160 ft) lies 7.9 miles to the east.

Bonita Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.4 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Baldy Bowl Trail (#237W02), a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

BALDY BOWL TRAIL #237W02

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

1.07 mi

Trail Description

Trail: Baldy Bowl Trail (USFS Trail #237W02) — managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Angeles National Forest. Type: out-and-back; reported round-trip length ~1.4 miles with ~300 ft elevation gain; USFS GIS length ~1.07 miles. Difficulty: easy; Class: 2. Surface: native material (the path is short and largely dirt, with paved approaches in places). Typical grade: 12–20%. The route is short and well-used, gaining moderate grade over native-surface tread to reach viewpoints at the falls.

What to Expect

The falls drop 75 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at San Antonio Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking. Passes can be purchased online or at local vendors.

🏊 Is There Swimming at San Antonio Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. However, the falls can be enjoyed year-round, with reduced flow in late summer and fall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Angeles National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be icy or muddy during winter and early spring. Always carry sufficient water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

16.49 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

CUCAMONGA C NR UPLAND CA

USGS 11073470

6.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 10 sq mi

Altitude: 2,356 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CUCAMONGA C NR UPLAND CA (11 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

5 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wrightwood hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 386 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 75 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 6,588 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 285 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 185 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around San Antonio Falls near Wrightwood, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around San Antonio Falls near Wrightwood, California, showing about 386 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 6,588 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 386 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

San Antonio Falls is located near Mount Baldy Village in the Angeles National Forest. From Mount Baldy Road, park at the Manker Flats Campground area and follow the trailhead leading to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at Manker Flats Campground. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park in this area.

Elevation

6,598 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.271949° N, -117.634499° W

Land Management

Angeles National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be rocky and uneven. Bring water and sunscreen, as parts of the trail are exposed to the sun.

This trail sits at 6,598 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.4 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites

3 miles away · 0 sites

These remote camping sites offer isolated scenic locations ideal for tent and car camping or a relaxing picnic far from the crowds. Other than a pit for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served.Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires m

Book on Recreation.gov