Lytle Creek!!

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Lytle Creek was named in 1851 after Captain Andrew Lytle a Mormon settler. The creek runs southeast from the San Gabriel high country down the canyon and out across the valley to join the Santa Ana river. The creek has three major forks. The North fork, the Middle fork, and the South fork. In the North fork just above the split with the other forks is the tiny town of Lytle creek. Above the town the North fork stretches out straight for a long distance passing the shooting range and eventually getting to the split with the Coldwater canyon tributary. Getting into Coldwater canyon requires 4wd, but it's a beautiful little canyon. Above Coldwater you get to Stockton flats a big flat forested area that was once planned to be incorporated into the Mt. Baldy ski area above it, but has remained a public "yellow post" camping area.

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Map of Lytle Creek

Lytle Creek in the valley

Lytle Creek near the fork split

Overlooking Coldwater Canyon from the north side of Gold Ridge

Waterfall in Coldwater canyon

Camping in Coldwater canyon

Stockton Flats

One of the main attractions of Lytle creek is it's many beautiful waterfalls. The most popular of which is Bonita Falls about a half mile up the South fork. There is no trail up the South fork but lots and lots of people make the walk up the canyon to Bonita falls. Beyond Bonita falls the South fork is rarely explored even though there is lots more to see in the canyon including some old mines and a bunch more big waterfalls!

Sign with a map at the mouth of the South fork

Bonita falls

Powerline falls

Old Mine in the South fork

Lower South fork falls

Upper South fork falls

But in my opinion the Middle fork is the gem of Lytle creek. From the split you follow a dirt road a few miles up the canyon to the Middle fork trailhead. From there you enter one of the most beautiful areas of the San Gabriel mountains. Lots of water, big trees, big cliffs, big mountains, tons of wildlife including a herd of Bighorn sheep... the Middle fork has it all. The trail follows up the canyon passing three great trail camps (Stonehouse, Third Stream Crossing, and Comanche Camp) and some incredible waterfalls along the way and eventually ends at the top at Icehouse saddle. I've taken lots and lots of trips up and down the Middle fork and have explored all over the canyon!

Overlooking the Middle fork from the Three T's trail

Third Stream falls

A canyoneer rappelling down Third Stream falls

The swimming hole at Comanche falls

Winter in the canyon

Snow camping at Comanche camp

To wrap up this post I'll leave you with a video I made in 2012 while camping for a few days at Third Stream crossing where I highlight many of the waterfalls in the Middle fork!