Falling Springs, Duarte, California, CA 91008

## Overview Falling Springs is a natural mountainside spring located along California State Route 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road) in the San Gabriel Mountains, within the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, California. Situated at approximately 4,000 feet in elevation, this roadside spring has long been a welcome sight for cyclists, hikers, and motorists making the scenic climb toward Crystal Lake and the Angeles Crest Highway. The spring emerges from the rocky mountainside and flows naturally into a drainage ditch alongside the road. It has historically been used as a drinking water source by passing cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors have reported the water tastes clean and refreshing — a welcome reward on the demanding uphill ride. The spring's popularity among the cycling community in particular has made it something of a local landmark along this challenging route through the San Gabriel Mountains. The San Gabriel Mountains are composed largely of granitic and metamorphic rock, and springs in this range typically emerge where underground water encounters impermeable rock layers and is forced to the surface. The geology of the area contributes to the natural filtration of the water as it percolates through layers of mountain rock before emerging at the spring. ## Directions 1. From Azusa, head north on CA-39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road / North Crystal Lake Road) into the Angeles National Forest. 2. Continue climbing steadily up the winding mountain road. 3. Watch for the **4,000-foot elevation sign** on the right side of the road. 4. The spring is located on the mountainside just before a curve in the road, near the 4,000-foot marker. 5. The water flows from the rock face into a ditch beside the road — look for the wet rock and flowing water on the uphill side. 6. **GPS Coordinates:** 34.300473, -117.84384 *Note: CA-39 is periodically closed due to storm damage, rockslides, or fire. Check Caltrans road conditions before heading out, especially during winter and after heavy rains.* ## What to Expect Falling Springs is a simple, roadside spring — don't expect a developed facility or signage. The water flows from the natural mountainside and collects in a ditch along the edge of the road, making it easy to access directly from the roadway. There is enough flow for filling water bottles, though flow may vary seasonally, with stronger output during and after the wet season (typically November through April) and potentially reduced flow during late summer and fall. This is an especially popular stop for cyclists tackling the long, steep climb up CA-39. The route gains thousands of feet of elevation over its length, and the spring near the 4,000-foot mark offers a natural refueling point roughly midway through the ascent. Motorists and hikers also stop here to enjoy the mountain air and take in views of the surrounding San Gabriel Canyon. Parking is limited to the road shoulder, so use caution when pulling over, particularly on weekends when the road sees heavier traffic from recreational visitors. The area around the spring can be slippery due to wet rock and runoff, so watch your footing. The surrounding landscape features rugged chaparral-covered slopes and dramatic canyon views typical of the Angeles National Forest.