Near Cedar Creek Falls
Near Cedar Creek Falls
Near Cedar Creek Falls
Near Cedar Creek Falls
Near Cedar Creek Falls

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Hike Route

Cedar Creek Falls

4.2 (12 Ratings)
This is San Diego's most famous waterfall hike.
5.3
mi
Distance
1,143
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
SwimmingViewsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.26mi
Distance
1,143ft
Elevation Gain
1,143ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
1,969ft
High Point
926ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Starting at the trailhead, the trail descends gently along the Eagle Peak Road for roughly 2 miles before turning east and heading to the falls. This descent, while gradual, is exposed. This means that you have some nice views down into the river valley, but it also means that this section can be quite hot and dry.At just over 2 miles, turn left onto the San Diego River Gorge Trail #2e04. This trail flattens out and winds along Cedar Creek, taking you to Cedar Creek Falls, a nearly 80-ft cascade that drops into a wide pool at the base of the falls. From the falls, visitors can enjoy their towering height and, during wet years, sizable flow. After enjoying the falls, return to the trailhead the way you came, keeping in mind that the hike out will be mostly uphill.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Yelena Sukhanov