My Top 4 San Diego Hike: Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls, San Diego River Canyon

San Diego River Canyon is one of San Diego County's hidden treasures. There are several waterfalls along the river gorge, one of them is Cedar Creek Falls, which is a spectacular waterfall plunging 80 feet into a large pool of water surrounded by rock walls.

Cedar Creek Waterfall

Why I like this hike: It is like a nearby escape from civilization, where the trails are tucked back in the backcountry hills of eastern San Diego. Aside of course from the waterfall, I can't get enough of the views of the surrounding mountains hugged by low lying clouds.

Cedar Creek Falls Trail

Me, Beside a Huge Rock Along The Trail

During spring, the trails are beautifully adorned by wildflowers.

Yellow Mustard and Surrounding Mountains @ San Diego River Canyon

Owls Clover

Lupines @ The Bottom of Canyon

These sights may look very un-San Diego to the visitors, since a lot of people visiting San Diego comes for the ocean, not for its backcountry trails. I can't blame them, since actually 2 in the remaining top 3 of my top San Diego hikes are trails along the ocean.   

Now, for some basics of this hike:

 Trailheads (permit area hike, click here for permit requirements )

option 1,  from the west: 15531 Thornbush Road Ramona, CA 92065 

Hike From Ramona

option 2, from the east: off Eagle Peak Rd, Julian, CA 

Mildred Falls ( near the trailhead from Eagle Peaks Rd, Julian )

The Hike: This is a reverse hike that starts from higher elevation. Distance to the swimming hole- about 4.5 miles round trip, 1200 ft change in elevation. 

Swimming Hole @ Cedar Creek Falls 

( swimming is allowed, but the cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to diving and jumping )

Distance to the top of the falls- about 6 miles round trip, total of 1400 ft change in elevation.

wildflower and waterfall ( between the swimming hole and top of waterfall )

Cedar Creek Falls from the Top

Best Time to Hike: spring ( not only there are wildflowers, but spring is also the time of the year where the waterfall is at its fullest )

Some Hiking Info: the trail would require at least 3 stream crossings.

One of the Stream Crossings in the Trail

The following would be helpful but not necessarily a must have ( just good if you have them ):

1. Hiking Pole - helps in determining the depth of water when you cross the stream, haha! Actually, helps in balancing when crossing the streams.

2. Waterproof Hiking Shoes- if the water levels are not really that deep, it's a lot easier crossing the stream with shoes since it helps alot in balancing on slippery rocks.

3. Waterproof Sandals - I do change to waterproof sandals with good traction at the bottom of the canyon when the water is deep since water would enter shoes from above. However, I am not comfortable hiking with sandals all the way, so I wear my hiking shoes back once we start uphill back to the trailhead.

It's always a joy to be OUT.

No nature's beauty is too far if you have the energy, the time, the health, and the will power. This applies to achieving your dreams as well.

~ Betchai ~

♥♥