Monkey Canyon — cliff jumping spot in Palmdale, California
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Monkey Canyon

Palmdale, California · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Conveniently located near Los Angeles, this spot features a swimming area adjacent to the jumping location. The site offers three distinct jumps measuring 25 feet, 30 feet, and 56 feet, with water depth reaching 30 feet. From La Cañada, starting at the Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway intersection (4593 SR-2): Head north on Angeles Crest Highway for 9.3 miles, then turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway. Travel 6.0 miles to reach Monkey Canyon's primary turnout. If you lack a parking permit, continue 1.8 miles to the cafe to obtain a day pass for approximately $5, then return south on Angeles Forest Highway 1.8 miles to park at the turnout. From Sunland, beginning at Foothill Boulevard and Oro Vista Avenue (10515 Oro Vista Ave): Drive north on Oro Vista Avenue for 0.9 miles until it becomes Big Tujunga Canyon Road at a sharp curve. Follow this road east for 12.0 miles, then turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway. After 2.2 miles, you'll reach Monkey Canyon's main turnout. Without a parking pass, proceed 1.8 miles to the cafe for a day pass, then backtrack 1.8 miles south to park. The approach begins on the street's north side where vegetation openings provide entry. Descend using available ropes along a fallen log and wet rocky terrain. Upon reaching the creek, proceed left and exit immediately to traverse boulders. Cross the creek rightward and then back toward a large boulder creating a crevice against the mountainside. Carefully navigate through the crevice and continue downstream via swimming. Exit on the right at the earliest safe opportunity. Alternate between walking along and swimming through the creek as conditions allow. Move over boulders heading downstream until the cliffs emerge.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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