Lytle Creek Recreation Area
A refreshing mountain escape near LA, featuring the stunning Bonita Falls and a lively creek perfect for family fun and scenic drives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Lytle Creek Recreation Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing mountain escape near LA, featuring the stunning Bonita Falls and a lively creek perfect for family fun and scenic drives.
"It's a great place to stop with your kids and have a picnic. "
Pack out your trash! :recycle:
Help keep Lytle Creek beautiful by taking all your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Day pass needed? :ticket:
Check if a day pass is required for parking before your visit. Arrive early for better parking options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bonita Falls
Lytle Creek Road
A massive, beautiful waterfall accessible via a hike. One of Southern California's highest and most stunning cascades.
Lytle Creek
Along Lytle Creek Road
Enjoy the refreshing creek waters, perfect for picnics and wading. Families often create natural pools with rocks.
Scenic Mountain Drive
Lytle Creek Road
A beautiful drive through the mountains, offering glimpses of waterfalls and nature from the car.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Crowds & Trash
Permits & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack out your trash! :recycle:
Help keep Lytle Creek beautiful by taking all your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Day pass needed? :ticket:
Check if a day pass is required for parking before your visit. Arrive early for better parking options.
Family-friendly fun :children_crossing:
Great spot for families to picnic and play in the creek. Kids love building rock pools.
Hike to Bonita Falls :hiking_boot:
The hike to Bonita Falls is rewarding, offering stunning views of a massive waterfall. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack out your trash! :recycle:
Help keep Lytle Creek beautiful by taking all your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Day pass needed? :ticket:
Check if a day pass is required for parking before your visit. Arrive early for better parking options.
Family-friendly fun :children_crossing:
Great spot for families to picnic and play in the creek. Kids love building rock pools.
Hike to Bonita Falls :hiking_boot:
The hike to Bonita Falls is rewarding, offering stunning views of a massive waterfall. +1
Be aware of surroundings :eyes:
Some visitors report feeling uneasy due to lingering individuals. Stay aware and keep children close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lytle Creek is a beloved, easily accessible natural escape, praised for its beautiful creek and the impressive Bonita Falls. It's a popular spot for families and offers a refreshing break from the city. However, visitors frequently note issues with crowds and litter, urging for greater respect for the environment.
"Yes it can get crowded, yes…people leave trash (ugh, why??!!)…still a great place with a beautiful creek, so convenient to access. Don’t go expecting spectacular beauty….go with appreciation and hope for some tranquility and easy-nature connection (especially on the right day crowd-wise and if you drive further along the main road to a less busy spot). Best to go on a non weekend or non-perfect weather day if not in the mood for human interaction!"
Brenda Manning
"Many families at Lytle but plenty of room! Families create there own pool by placing rocks as a wall! Really cool, tranquil and refreshing!"
NeNe Pratt
"It's beautiful right now. It's a great place to stop with your kids and have a picnic. There is a big waterfall that you can see from the road but it's way up in there. There was also a couple little waterfalls on the side of the road when you first pull in to Lytle Creek. Roll the windows down and you can hear them."
Chas Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lytle Creek is about an hour's drive from Los Angeles. Take the I-15 North and exit onto Lytle Creek Road. Follow signs for the recreation area.
A common address for Lytle Creek is 2512 Lytle Creek Rd, Lytle Creek, CA 92358. However, the area is extensive, so use this as a starting point.
Public transport options are very limited for Lytle Creek. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, Lytle Creek offers off-road and 4x4 routes for adventurous visitors.
Lytle Creek is located near the Cajon Pass, and some maps might direct you there. Be sure you are heading to the correct Lytle Creek Recreation Area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a day pass is often required for parking at Lytle Creek. It's advisable to check the latest requirements before your visit.
While entry to the general area is free, parking often requires a day pass. Costs for these passes can vary.
Lytle Creek Recreation Area is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities might have different hours.
Permits for stoves can be obtained at specific locations, such as 701 N. Santa Anita Ave. Arcadia, CA 91006.
Reservations are typically not available for general access or parking. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can hike to Bonita Falls, enjoy the creek for wading and picnics, or simply take a scenic drive through the mountains. +1
Yes, Lytle Creek offers hiking opportunities, most notably the trail to Bonita Falls, which is a significant waterfall. +1
You can wade and play in the creek waters, and families often create small pools. Swimming in deeper areas might be unsafe.
Absolutely! Lytle Creek is very family-friendly, with shallow creek areas for kids to play and picnic spots.
Visitors have spotted small fish and tadpoles in the creek. Be mindful of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Bonita Falls is a prime photography location. The creek itself, with its clear water and rock formations, also offers great shots. +1
Yes, Bonita Falls is a spectacular waterfall, making Lytle Creek an excellent destination for waterfall photography enthusiasts.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography, especially near the creek. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the local forest service for any restrictions before flying a drone.
The hike to Bonita Falls leads to viewpoints of the waterfall. Some views are accessible from the road, but the best are from the trail. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Day-Trippers from Los Angeles
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Beauty and the Burden: Lytle Creek's Environment
Despite the trash issue, many still find Lytle Creek to be a valuable and accessible natural escape. Its proximity to Los Angeles makes it a convenient destination for a quick nature fix.
Navigating Lytle Creek: Parking and Access
For those seeking different experiences, Lytle Creek also offers routes for off-road vehicles and 4x4 enthusiasts, adding another dimension to its recreational offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit