Devil's Canyon
Water to your earlobes is the only way to endure summer heat at the mouth of Devils Canyon. Steep walls discourage shade trees and the flat horizon of the reservoir below means light continues to grill the swimming hole well into the afternoon. But if you visit in the spring, there’s a sweet, sweet pool. It’s eight to ten feet deep with pale green water that’s cool as jade. Further proof that nature is merciful: A little alder clings to a ledge, providing the barest umbrella of shade right over the deep end of the pool.
An extremely narrow constriction in the canyon helped produce this feature. The pool is fed by a small cascade that runs between steep walls less than 40 feet apart at the top. Gorgeous views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains through the canyon’s rifle-sight notch. If you continue up-canyon, there are at least one dozen tubs, a few pools and all the solitude you need. The best spot is a small tub where the water makes a tight 180-degree turn, running over your shoulders, across your belly and through your toes before rushing back up your leg and exiting downstream. The adjoining slabs are polished smooth and tilted at a perfect angle for an afternoon nap.
There are only three maintained trails in the San Gabriel Wilderness, and this isn’t one of them. Plan to get wet during the approach. Privacy is just about guaranteed in the upper tubs.
Copyright Running Water Publications 1997