Harding Canyon Falls
Orange County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 35 ft (10.7 m)
- Location
- Orange County, California
- Access status
- Partial guide: older firsthand use-trail route; current conditions and land status unverified
- The walk
- About 7.9 to 8.5 miles return
- Ground & access
- Strenuous. Use trail that fades, boulder scrambling, fallen trees, stream crossings and poison oak. Rattlesnakes were encountered.
From the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary at the end of Modjeska Canyon Road, go uphill past the gate on Harding Truck Trail, then take the left fork that descends toward Modjeska Reservoir in less than half a mile. At the bottom, turn right and follow the use trail up Harding Canyon. The trail fades in and out; stay in the main canyon and avoid side canyons. A large pool lies about half a mile below the falls. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Harding Truck Trail and Harding Canyon use trail to Harding Canyon Falls
Source figures from two firsthand visits by the same author: 7.9 miles round trip (2015) and 8.5 miles round trip (2018), on dirt road, use trail and cross country.
Strenuous. Use trail that fades, boulder scrambling, fallen trees, stream crossings and poison oak. Rattlesnakes were encountered.
Where to start
The author parked free at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary and notes a few roadside places on Modjeska Canyon Road if the lot is full. Whether the canyon route crosses land with access limits was not confirmed.
Timing & water
Seasonal. The author found the falls dry in an August drought and flowing in late March after rain. Current trail conditions are unknown; the firsthand accounts are from 2015 and 2018.
Before you go
The author reports free parking. Current fees and permit requirements unknown.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Canyon FallsOrange County, CA4.3 miSE
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