Cedar Creek Falls is one of San Diego’s most popular back country day hike destinations. Once a little-known place, the rise of the Internet and social media has turned this into a heavily trafficked, must-see selfie spot. There is good reason for this popularity, waterfalls are few and far between in arid San Diego, and not only is this one of the area’s more consistent and dramatic falls, it also has an idyllic pool perfect for swimming.
Of course this notoriety has its downsides. Rescues are frequent in the area due to unprepared visitors attempting the hike. The hike involves a steep downhill descent into the San Diego River Valley, where summertime temperatures can often reach 115 degrees. It’s only at the end of the hike, after many visitors have run out of water and spent all their energy playing in the water and climbing rocks, that people realize they have to make the long, arduous climb back out – usually in the hottest part of the day. In addition, there have been numerous injuries and even deaths as a result of people climbing the cliffs surrounding the pool and jumping into the water below.
There are two potential routes to access Cedar Creek Falls: the more popular and easier to access is the San Diego River Gorge Trail beginning in Ramona. The route detailed in this hike is less visited as it starts at the more remote Saddleback trailhead near Julian.
Regardless of which route you take, you’ll need to get a US Forest Service permit before you begin. The permits cost $10 and are good for up to 5 people. You can get your permit ahead of time by visiting www.recreation.gov and printing out the permit.
You’ll also want to know the rules for visiting Cedar Creek Falls and make sure you’re properly prepared for the trek:
- Bring sufficient water! Individual needs will vary, but 3 liters per person is a reasonable starting point.
- Check the weather – Yes, swimming in the pool on a super hot day is refreshing, but you will have to hike up over 1000 feet in the hot afternoon sun when you’re done. Pick a cool day for this hike. I really don’t understand why anyone would want to do this hike in summer when its 100 degrees and the falls aren’t even flowing. Seriously, go in winter or spring, its much better.
- Don’t wear yourself out swimming and playing at the falls, the hard part (hiking out) is still ahead.
- Think twice about bringing your dog. You think it’s hot for a human? Try wearing a fur coat! Seriously, many dogs have died on this trail due to heat stroke… please think hard about whether its appropriate to bring your dog on this hike. If you do bring your dog, make sure you have large quantities of water for him as well.
- Be aware that the water flow is very seasonal. By mid to late summer the falls are normally dry and the pool is stagnant and full of algae.
- Climbing on the cliffs and jumping/diving into the pool is not allowed.
- Leave the alcohol and party favors at home.
- Don’t forget your permit!
Having procured our permit, we made the long drive to the Saddleback trailhead on a cool, overcast morning. The long drive meant we weren’t getting as early a start as we would have liked, and we knew it would be pretty crowded at the falls by the time we got there.
The trailhead was to the right at the 4-way junction at the end of the road, and there was a large informational kiosk with details about the hike. We went through the gate and set off downhill.
The trail was an old, overgrown dirt road with just a narrow path going through the brush.
On our right, in the distance, we could see the currently dry Mildred Falls. These falls are usually only active right after it rains, and that certainly wasn’t the case today.
The spring flowers were starting to bloom. We were probably a little early for the full show, but what was there still quite beautiful.
We also had impressive of views of Ritchie Canyon and the San Diego River Gorge.
The trail wound its way along the mountainside, travelling steadily downhill. Around .9 mile we rounded a corner and got a fantastic view of the river valley to the south.
At 1.5 miles we noted a single-track trail splitting off on the right. This trail leads to upper Cedar Creek and the top of the falls. It’s a nice little side trip through a beautiful valley, but watch out for poison oak along the creek if you go check it out. Also be aware that climbing the rocks at the top of the falls is also prohibited.
The main attraction is still the pool at the bottom of the falls, so we stayed straight and continued downhill.
We could see the Ramona trail on the opposite side of the valley, zig-zagging down the hill. We could just make out a large group of hikers making their way down (and as we got closer, could hear them as well).
At 2.2 miles we reached the valley floor and found a 4-way intersection. The Ramona trail came in from the right. We turned left to head to the falls – beyond this point is where a permit is required.
The trail here was wide and well-groomed.
As we progressed, there were a couple of easy creek crossings. Obviously these may be more dramatic after significant rain, but today it was easy to step across the rocks and keep our feet dry.
The path got a bit rockier as we continued, and we found more and more trees shading the trail.
Finally we reached the falls area where, as expected, there were a couple dozen people sitting on the rocks and enjoying the views.
We spent some time enjoying the cool air and sounds of rushing water. When we were done, we retraced our route back to the car.
Directions:
From Highway 79, just east of downtown Julian, head south on Pine Hills Road. Follow Pine Hills Road for approximately 1.6 miles and turn right onto Eagle Peak Road. Follow Eagle Peak Road for approximately 9.4 miles until you come to a 4-way intersection (the other roads will be blocked by gates). This is the Saddleback trailhead. Park here taking care not to block the road or any gates, and find the trailhead to the right. map
| Total Distance: | 5.2 miles |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Total Ascent: | 1150 feet |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs are allowed, however dogs are NOT recommended if it is at all warm out. Numerous dogs die from heat stroke on this hike each year, please don’t let your pet be one of them. |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes allowed |
| Facilities: | None |
| Fees/Permits: | A special day use permit is required to enter the falls area. $10 for up to 5 people. |
For more information, visit:
View route or download GPX from CalTopo
