Easy Hikes in San Diego With Waterfalls
10 Best Waterfalls in San Diego & Waterfall Hikes
You're in San Diego, known for things like fish tacos and that one zoo and all kinds of outdoor adventuring possible year-round.
Does San Diego have waterfalls? San Diego definitely has waterfalls.
Waterfalls in San Diego aren't as well-known, but that doesn't mean they're not impressive.
I mean, this isn't Yosemite. This isn't Iceland, either. These are Southern California waterfalls.
They're quite fine though if you're looking for that waterfall fix, and during the spring months, even more than fine.
Check out some of my favorites, including the best San Diego hikes with waterfalls as an added bonus.
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Where Are the Waterfalls in San Diego?
The waterfalls in San Diego are all around you. More specifically, there are waterfall hikes that are easily accessible from downtown or a bit further afield, depending on which you choose to target.
My favorites will all require access to a car. Some will be more comfortable in a high-clearance vehicle. I'll get into all that below.
If you're like a Google map of the best waterfalls in San Diego and waterfalls near San Diego, click on the link below.
GIMME THAT SAN DIEGO WATERFALLS MAP!
Cedar Creek Falls (5.6 miles)
Cedar Creek Falls San Diego is my favorite. It's perhaps not as well-trafficked as Three Sisters, but the payoff, in my opinion, is more impressive.
How far is Cedar Creek Falls from San Diego? The Cedar Creek Falls trailhead is just east of Ramona, about a 45-minute drive from central San Diego.
How long is Cedar Creek Falls San Diego? Cedar Creek Falls is a 6-mile round trip trek. That distance will get you to a cascade that's pretty impressive by SoCal standards.
You'll need a permit to hike to the falls. You don't want to risk a fine and being turned away from a ranger tut-tutting you outta there.
Try to time your trip after some rain.
We got a drizzle the morning we headed out there that likely helped conditions at the falls, but can't imagine much water in the summertime.
Is Cedar Creek Falls a hard hike? Cedar Creek Falls is considered not a hard hike, but a moderate one. The "up" part is on the return, much like the Three Sisters Falls hike.
I only had to stop once for a water break despite the 1,000 feet or so of elevation gain, but I can see that bit being a killer in hotter temps, as there's no shade on this one.
Bring lots of water and take your time. It's about the journey or whatever.
As far as the scene at the falls, it was pretty tame when we went, small groups of folks enjoying picnic lunches and quality time. Whatever you bring in with you, just make sure to bring back out.
We saw all kinds of garbage and debris in the pool at the bottom of the falls, including Pringles.
Who would do that?? Pringles belong in your mouth.
It would also appear the fish are used to humans feeding them, as they started to swarm around my feet when I sat down.
Don't be a jackwagon.
Leave. No. Trace.
Is Cedar Creek Falls safe to swim in? People do swim in Cedar Creek Falls and the pool at the bottom, locally known as the Devil's Punchbowl, so it's definitely something that's allowed.
Those chip-filled waters are likely fuller in the hotter months, but the trek back up from the falls prevents me from recommending this one on anything but cool mornings.
Three Sisters Falls (4.1 miles)
I've already talked some smack about these sisters in the Cleveland National Forest. Sorry, ladies.
I'd still highly recommend Three Sisters Falls San Diego as a bucket list hike in the city whether you're seeking out a San Diego waterfall or not…as long as you're prepared for what's to come.
Avoid weekends at all costs.
We had the bad luck of arriving there just after a group of 40 or so. I'm not even joking. These folks were all in one group, having themselves an aggressive Thursday morning.
We waited them out so we had some quiet time at the falls, but I can sense this one can get pretty obnoxious on the weekends.
No matter when you go, get there early. We got to the trail just before 8am, and the lot was nearly full due to the aforementioned group. An early start will give you the best chance of beating the worst heat on the way back, too.
Note: You'll be driving on an unpaved road for the last 8 miles or so to get to the lot. The lot itself is in worse shape than the road, so be careful.
I'm talking deep crevices that you can't just drive over going your usual grocery store parking lot speed.
We navigated it all easily in our RAV4, but can see it being more of a challenge if you're in like, a Smart car.
This is one of those "the up part is on the way back" hikes, so bring lots of water. It definitely felt more challenging than Cedar Creek, and much steeper in sections.
Maybe I was just in a mood as I skinned my elbow at the bottom of the falls upon arrival.
It was very slick down there, and I was the third of three observed visitors to slip down there. Wear shoes with traction, or maybe no shoes at all. I'm honestly not sure.
Can you swim at Three Sisters Falls? You can definitely swim at Three Sisters. It looks quite refreshing, actually.
I just kept thinking about that bumpy road on the way in and how there's no bathroom at the trailhead.
Do with that what you will.
Los Penasquitos (6.8 miles)
The proximity to the city on this one makes it so crowded on weekends, which also makes this one not my most favorite.
The length allows you to get some distance between humans, though, with little elevation gain over the course of your trek, so I wanted to share it with you anyway as a potential family-friendly hike.
Yes, I know it's nearly 7 miles. It's a flat 7 miles, though, and those kids will be passed out the rest of the day.
How long does it take to hike Los Penasquitos? If you're taking things slow, expect to spend about 2-3 hours on your hike to and around Los Penasquitos.
I'm including some buffer time there if you'd like to linger at the falls or have a picnic lunch before the lengthy walk back.
This is also a popular route for mountain bikers, so expect to compete with bicyclists working on their fitness most mornings. Come early on the weekdays for your best chance at avoiding people at the falls.
Once you're at the falls, you'll find it likely flowing no matter the time of year. That's quite the perk in San Diego.
Bring a couple of dollars if you'll be using the lot off of Black Mountain Road. It was a $3 fee on our last visit there.
Kitchen Creek Falls (4.6 miles)
Just a 45-minute drive from the city near Pine Valley is the hike to Kitchen Creek Falls, a lovely series of cascades that will be way less competitive than most waterfall hikes in these parts as far as booty space for that picnic lunch.
How long is Kitchen Creek Falls? Kitchen Creek Falls is a nearly 5-mile hike. Arriving early is always a great idea, and ideally after some rain.
We got there by 9am on our hiking day to six cars in the lot. That number doubled by our return, which doesn't sound too crazy. The paths are just pretty narrow here, so every human feels like three.
Fun fact: We used our AllTrails app on the recommendations of folks who use it religiously, and are so happy we did. There's a turn you don't want to miss that comes off the Pacific Crest Trail down to the creek.
Once you make that turn, though, stop following the app.
Mixed messaging, I know.
Follow the dotted line, instead, to get down to the water, or just use your judgement as to what appears to be the safest way down. There are a few paths.
Don't be embarrassed about having to go on all fours to navigate that last section of slick rock near the water. It can get precarious., and that's what I had to do.
Weir Trail (2.7 miles)
It's more of a cascade at the end of the Weir Trail San Diego waterfall hike, but the trip there is so whimsical, likely without another soul in sight, that I had to include it here.
You access the trail from Palomar Mountain State Park. If you don't have a state park pass or a father-in-law who has his lifetime veterans pass, you'll need to pay $10 to access the park.
There was no one manning the gate when we arrived, so they have an honor system-style situation set up that you should acknowledge.
There are alpine meadows here to explore — take the Doane Valley Nature Trail on your way back from the water feature at the end of the Weir Trail for a taste of that — and all kinds of green trees that I couldn't list off for you.
I'm not a botanist.
Fun fact: Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the area. We saw deer and a skunk on our way back to the car, which felt very Bambi.
None of the hikes we did were too challenging, although the trail up to Scott's Cabin was a little steeper than we expected. Skip that one for the Weir Trail if you're short on time, though.
There's no longer a cabin at the old homestead, but a pile of logs where it used to be.
Green Valley Falls (0.4 miles)
This is the least aggressive of the waterfall hikes in San Diego, reached in just under half a mile.
The falls are accessible from the Green Valley Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. You'll need to pay a fee to access the park of $10 per vehicle.
Note: If the campground is closed when you arrive, the other option is to park nearby — the Cuyamaca Rancho Eastside Trail is an option — and hike in.
The short jaunt to the falls makes this a popular hike, so expect some youths swimming in the pools once you arrive.
If you have more time in the Cuyamaca state park, there are plenty of hikes to choose from.
Our favorite is the Stonewall Peak Trail, 5.4 miles to an excellent view within spitting distance of Julian. Harper Creek is another option in the area if you're looking for more water flow.
Yes, you should get yourself some Julian pie after.
Cottonwood Creek Falls (1.6 miles)
This easy trail will take you is a fun family-friendly option, as there are some rocks for climbing along the trail as you make your way to the falls.
Try to go to Cottonwood Creek after some rain to get the most bang for your buck. This trail can get a bit overgrown, so hiking pants aren't a bad move over bare legs.
To get to the falls, you'll head in the direction of Pine Valley about 45 minutes east of central San Diego. You'll find the actual trailhead at a turnout at the edge of a turnout marked on your Google map.
I strongly suggest watching the AllTrails guide to the trail as you start moving so that you don't miss the turn toward the end.
If you cross a stream, you've gone too far!
Wear shoes with good traction, as you'll want to get closer to the water once you've made it…and it is slippery!
Maidenhair Falls (5.6 miles)
Getting to Maidenhair Falls is a bit of a haul from San Diego County, but we've done it on a day trip from the city to check out the super blooms in the desert and it wasn't too big a deal.
To get there, you'll be driving to Anza-Borrego State Park, a worthy destination all its own thanks to all of the weird bronze sculpture art strewn about and all kinds of desert hiking potential.
You'll want to head out that way in any season other than the summer unless you like hiking in 100-degree temperatures.
Take the Hellhole Canyon Trail to get to the falls.
It's just the name, guys. The trail itself is relatively easy and quite lovely.
As you approach the water, you'll notice the landscape change quite a bit to more of a desert oasis.
The falls are small, but you'll see the intrigue once you get there. You have to get your feet wet to get really close, which will certainly wake you up a bit following that desert trek.
Don't stick your hand in any of the cacti on the way in, by the way. I seem to have issues with body awareness when I'm in the desert.
Oak Canyon Waterfall (3.2 miles)
This seasonal waterfall in Mission Trails Regional Park is an easy trek outside of the city at just over 20 minutes of drive time to get there.
As with most of the hikes within the park, expect crowds, particularly on warm weekends.
You'll want to head out to see this one outside of the summer months for your best chance at running water. The view above is from our visit in April.
Additional notes of intrigue on this are the dam and stream you'll pass as you get to the cascades, also more impressive outside of the summer months.
Horsethief Canyon (3.2 miles)
This moderate trail near Alpine is about a 45-minute drive from central San Diego. Visit in the fall, winter, or spring to see the watering hole and cascades flowing over the rocks at the bottom.
You'll climb down some 500 feet to get down into the canyon on this one, so take a rest in those lush surroundings before heading back up.
Yes, the "up" part is on the return here.
Finding the trailhead is easy. It'll be labeled on your Google maps as the Horsethief Canyon Trailhead. To get to the waterhole, you'll be following Horsethief Canyon until you reach the banks of the creek.
You'll essentially choose your own adventure from here, navigating the boulders for the best view and a spot to rest.
Horsethief Canyon is in the Pine Creek Wilderness, which is part of Cleveland National Forest. Purchase an Adventure Pass online to hike the area in a legal fashion.
Did I miss any hidden gems in San Diego? Share any secret waterfalls with me in the comments, as I'd love to check 'em out!
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Photo credits: L.A. Nature Graphics (6), Peyri Herrera (7)
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