Millard Falls. Not flowing very fast here. Climb...
Description
MUST DISPLAY A FOREST ADVENTURE PASS HERE
Millard Falls is an aid climbing practice location in either an awesome setting (prior to 10 am on weekdays) or a terrible setting (any other time). The climbs ascend the solid very water polished granite right next to Millard Falls. Since this area is only a few minutes from LA and has a 75' waterfall it can get absolutely packed with families, rednecks, rangers, and the general LA populace. The climbs are bolt ladders that are either bomber or really scary. Oh, and your rope will get wet. Unless the falls have dried up, it'll fall right into a pool after you rap off the routes. These routes might even go free! Post up any info about that if you have it.
There are two good routes worth doing and at least one scary one. The Left Ladder is easiest and straightforward. All you need is draws
The Center Ladder (just right of the left one) is good but you'll need to stick clip the first bolt. There is a short section of 5.8ish after the 3rd bolt or you'll need a stick clip. This thing has to go free. If it wasn't for the moves getting to the first bolt, it looks 5.10. The first couple of moves off the ground look really hard. All bolts are good on this one.
The Right Ladder is hard on very poor bolts and ends at a poor 2 bolt anchor. Pro is 5-7 rivet hanges, hooks, Doubloons, and a cheat stick?
I really recommend going early morning on a weekday and you'll have the place to yourself. On the weekend or anytime after mid morning, well.... just be ready for half of LA to be standing around next to you. I won't say you can't go during these times since there are no rules in place, but just think about how a family hiking to see a waterfall will feel about you kicking around right next to it. That being said, it's not really a wilderness experience on the weekend anyway. There are also some houses you pass on the way in up on the creekside, stay on the trail and out of their yards.
Camping: The is a campground here, but not very secluded. It's sort of right next to the main trail / road about 200 yeards from the parking lot. It has picnic tables and fire rings.
Season: Year round. Right after rain, the falls will really be going and while the routes are not under it, you will get a decent amount of spray.
Dogs: Are allowed if kept on leash. I was told that the rangers WILL ticket you $300 if they see Fido off the leash or you don't pick up the poo!
Getting There
From Highway 210: Exit Lake Ave in Pasadena and follow it north all the way to the end (3.5 miles) and follow it as it curves left into Alta Loma. Follow Alta Loma to Chaney Trail (1 mile). Follow the circuitous Chaney Trail road north staying left until you reach the parking area for Millard Falls (1.6 miles, A.K.A. NF-2N65). Follow the Brown Mountain Truck Trail northeast back past the campground and follow the trail that hugs the creek. You'll dead end at the falls (about a 15-20 minute hike). You really can't get lost from the parking lot, just follow the signs.
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