Holy Jim Waterfall
Falls Canyon Waterfall
Looking for a quick getaway? Have I got the spot for you. Located just a few minutes from both the city of Orange and Rancho Santa Margarita is a place called Trabuco Canyon . This natural wonderland is home to two of my favorite local waterfalls.
The first of the two is Holy Jim Waterfall which is around 4.25 miles round trip from the parking lot and back. (If you continue left on Holy Jim Rd, which is the road that’s directly behind the information board, you can drive about 3/4 of a mile further in and park at the Trailhead) This a short but rewarding hike. Lined with Oak, Sycamore, Maple and Fig Trees, this trail is very shady, great for hiking in the summer months. The trail begins after a slow and bumpy 4.5 mile drive up Trabuco Creek Rd which brings you to the Holy Jim Parking lot. From here go up the steps that lead to the trail and continue left. (Between here an the waterfall you will cross the creek about 6 times) You will soon find yourself walking along a trail lined with rustic cabins. When u reach the Holy Jim Trailhead follow this trail until you reach the Main Divide/ Holy Jim junction, continue right for a short distance until you reach the waterfall. Once here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the 20ft wonder hidden in the canyon.
The 2nd and more impressive waterfall measuring at about 40ft is Falls Canyon Waterfall. This trail is a bit tricky to find because it is tucked away in a small canyon on the opposite side of the creek. To reach this trail one must start at the beginning of Trabuco Creek road and drive for approx 3.4 miles, (set your odometer). There is a small turnout on the right hand side that fits about 3 cars, park here, hike down to the creek and look for the smaller creek that feeds into Trabuco Creek. That is where the trail begins. After .4 miles you will reach Trabuco Canyons hidden gem!
I strongly recommended wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt for the falls canyon waterfall hike.
Here are the coordinates for Falls Canyon Waterfall 33.6790,-117.53446
- high clearance vehicle required
- waterfall
- Creek
- Poison oak
- Adventure pass required
- bug spray
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Your Favorite Hiker 
Hi Alex,
Thank you so much for posting directions to the waterfalls. I amgoing to check it out today. All these years I have been exploring Trabuco Canyon, I have never went further than Holy Jim so I am very excited. It’s amazing that this beautiful place is only a half hour away. Thanks again!
Alli
Thank you for reading. Have a fun and safe hike. Beware of poison oak. Wear pants and a long sleeve shirt just to be safe. Have fun!
Great Article. What kind of vehicles do you recommend I take there? I drive a Honda Accord. Would that work? Could we just park somewhere and walk the 3.4 miles to the Waterfall? Would love to hear your suggestions. Thank you!
Thank you for reading. the first 2.8 miles are on county road which is nice and smooth. You can park anywhere on the county road. once you see the “welcome to Cleveland National Forest” sign you will need a forest adventure pittas.. Before that sign No Adventure pass is required. After the 2.8 miles the road becomes very bumpy with dips and potholes. Wouldn’t recommend taking your car. If I remember correctly there is a parking area right around the 2.8 miles mark. Have fun! Thanks for stopping by!
I’d like to find out more? I’d love to find out more details.
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