Little Falls
San Luis Obispo County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- San Luis Obispo County, California
- Access status
- Partial guide: distance to the falls unknown; trail in poor condition
- The walk
- Distance from the trailhead to the falls not published
- Ground & access
- Wilderness trail, poorly maintained, eroded and hard to follow in places. Rattlesnake and poison oak country.
The Little Falls Trail in the Santa Lucia Wilderness starts off Upper Lopez Canyon Road and follows Little Falls Creek toward the Big Falls Trail junction. Recent visitor surveys report the trail in poor condition and hard to follow, with erosion and fallen trees. The trailhead road has creek crossings.
Plan your visit
Little Falls Trailhead on Upper Lopez Canyon Road up the Little Falls Trail along Little Falls Creek
Hike Los Padres gives 2.81 miles for the whole Little Falls Trail to its junction with the Big Falls Trail, not the distance to the waterfall. No distance to the falls is stated here.
Wilderness trail, poorly maintained, eroded and hard to follow in places. Rattlesnake and poison oak country.
Where to start
Trailhead off Upper Lopez Canyon Road at 35.24618, -120.48839. A 2023 visitor said the creek crossings on the drive are significant and would not try it with a car.
Timing & water
Flow is best in winter and spring. Recent trail condition reports are poor.
Before you go
Current fees and pass requirements not confirmed.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Big FallsParking and waterfall approach details unconfirmedSan Luis Obispo County, CA1.9 miNW
- Reservoir Creek FallsTrailhead and short path to the falls documentedSan Luis Obispo County, CA8.4 miW
- Storybrook FallsSan Luis Obispo County, CA11 miE
- Islay FallsPublished state park trail route; seasonal flowSan Luis Obispo County, CA21 miW