Hiking The Popular Trail in San Diego – Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Waterfall
Cedar Creek Falls trail is located in the city of Ramona in eastern San Diego County. A permit is required for this hike and it needs to be purchased beforehand. Permits are purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777. Permits cost $10 and only 75 of them are issued per day.
This trail is very popular and takes you through the backcountry hills with a spectacular waterfall at the end. The scenery throughout the trail is very charming and engaging. You will see quite a few birds flying across the canyon and wash area. On a super warm day, you may encounter rattlesnakes and other reptiles sunbathing and enjoying the vistas too!
-
Distance = 6 miles (round trip)
Route Type = Out & Back
Elevation Gain = 1000 ft
Difficulty Level = Moderate
Time = 4-5 hours including time spent near the waterfall area.
-
The trailhead is located in Ramona. You can search Cedar Creek Falls Trailhead, Ramona in Google Maps or click here.
There are around 10-12 parking designated parking spots in a parking lot right across the trailhead.
You can also park along the Thornbush Road. The trail is very popular in San Diego County, so it is usually busy during weekends.
-
Ample of Water (2 gallons per person)
Sunscreen - must have!
Light Snacks/Sandwich
Hiking Poles
Cap/Hat
Pair of waterproof shoes since you would need to cross the creek stream three times on this trail towards the waterfall.
-
Hiking the trail requires a permit, so please reserve the permit beforehand and also take a print out with you to show it to the rangers at the checkpoints.
Carry enough water especially during your uphill climb towards the parking lot from the waterfall area.
Spring is the best time for this hike.
Since the hike involves crossing the creek three times, carrying waterproof shoes will help you.
The waterfall can also be accessed via Saddleback Trailhead at the end of Eagle Peak Road in Julian.
Cedar Creek Falls Trail can be challenging especially later in the day as there is very less shade during the entire hike route. Saying that we recommend that you start your hike early in the day beating the afternoon heat.
Walking across from the parking lot area, you will see the trailhead marker. The hike towards the fall is complete downhill and very enjoyable in Spring when wildflowers are blooming. Most of the hills surrounding the trail area are home to black oak, cedar and cottonwood trees.
As you start the hike, the initial 2 miles consists of gradual switchbacks descends and gives you an opportunity to admire the views of the canyons. You will pass through 3-4 mile markers and signposts showing the direction and the miles towards the Falls.
Pink Wildflowers on the hills around Cedar Creek trail
Golden Poppies on the Cedar Creek Trail
Once you complete the switchbacks, you will bottom out to a wash area, with a sign reminding you that you are entering a permitted area. As you keep walking on the trail, you will come across a small sandy area with the first creek crossing. Walking further you will come across two more creek crossings. The rocks are wobbly and slippery, so be cautious when you try to jump on the rocks to avoid getting your feet wet. We just loved to dip our feet in the ice cold water! In this section of the area, you will also see a lot of birds flying across the canyons from one branch of the tree to other.
After the third creek crossing, you will notice the creek flowing on one side of the hike, with small to big rocks on the trail. As you keep hopping through the boulders, you will have the first glance of the waterfall. The waterfall is about 100 feet tall and it falls into a large pool below.
Tiny pink and white flowers popping on the trail - Cedar Creek
During our visit in the month of April, the waterfall was amazing and it was gushing down gracefully into the pool. People can swim in the pool, but jumping from cliffs is prohibited. As the sun starts to beat down, the waterfall and the pool area feels very refreshing. We sat on a huge boulder and enjoyed our sandwiches while soaking in the views of the waterfall.
The hike back up can get little exhausting as you ascend towards the parking lot with very little shade. Make sure to save enough water for your return trip.
Purple Wildflowers in the grasslands on the Cedar Creek trail
We have been to this hike usually in Spring since the waterfall tends to dry out by Late May. Also, the summer temperatures in eastern San Diego tend to be higher, so if you are hiking the trail for first-time, plan to do the hike during Spring/Fall/Winter.
Cedar Creek Falls Trail firstly provides one with good physical challenge and exercise. Secondly, the trail offers some pleasing views all around. Lastly, the waterfall and the pool area will definitely delight your heart and make you beam from one cheek to another. Cedar Creek falls is definitely among our favorite hikes in San Diego County.
Feel free to share your experience of this trail and any other comments you have!
