If you are a San Diego hiker and haven't done this hike- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? And for those of you who see these photos and think damn I need to go do that, please be aware of the temperature because it is dangerously hot down there at lower temperatures than in other areas. The hike goes down into a canyon and the heat settles down there. Even if it's not as hot as you think coming up can be extremely dangerous. Every year I hear about somebody dying from heat stroke on that hike so don't take it lightly. I always check the weather on the actual trail using the AllTrails app. I saw that the weather out there was max 65° that day and I was like hell yeah. The hike really isn't that difficult, 3 miles down and then 3 miles back up. Lots of nice switchbacks, and there are a few sun shelters for shade. The views are gorgeous all along the trail. I've done this hike, probably 20 times over the years. It's the best in the spring and in the fall. In the winter it's way too cold. The reward for this hike is the gorgeous rock bowl and waterfall that the locals call Devils Punchbowl. This past Thursday when we did this hike, there were a lot of young folks at the Punchbowl when we got there. Some of the guys were climbing up and jumping into the water. I would not recommend it, even if the waterfall is still flowing that water is not safe to swim in. In the fall, the waterfall doesn't flow anymore after being dried out over the brutal summer, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon turn a beautiful gold color. One of the few places in San Diego you can actually experience fall. read more

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Having lived in San Diego for so long, I honestly don't know why it took me this long to do this hike. I finally got the permit online (definitely download it before you arrive since service can be spotty) and decided to go for it. I went in early May and started the trail around 8am, which turned out to be a great decision. The trail was practically empty at that time, and the downhill views were absolutely beautiful. I even saw two rattlesnakes before 9am, so definitely stay alert while hiking. At several points I had to remind myself I was still in San Diego and not somewhere in a huge national park. Once I got near the bottom, I did lose track of the trail a little and it was SOS, so having the AllTrails map downloaded beforehand was really helpful. It took me a little over an hour to reach the waterfall, and there were only two other people there at the time, which made it feel really peaceful and private. The water felt AMAZING after the hike down. There were so many fish in the water, and the whole area was honestly so pretty. By the time I started heading back around 10am, I noticed a lot more people arriving at the falls. The hike back up wasn't terrible, but the sun definitely makes it much harder on the return. I was very happy to make it back to the parking lot by around 11:30am. I would definitely bring lots of water, sunscreen, and some snacks. read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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Great trail! Well-marked path down to and back up from the falls. Gorgeous water feature! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

Absolutely beautiful views. It's a great well marked trail. It was overcast and perfect weather to hike. read more

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This hike was moderate difficulty and had a relatively steep incline on the trek back up from the falls. I was pleasantly surprised to not run into any snakes as many people have mentioned that this hike is heavily trafficked by them. I'd recommend going EARLY in the morning to snag a good parking spot, avoid snakes, and beat the heat. Unfortunately the pool of the falls is full of algae and definitely not suitable for swimming, but that doesn't make the hike any less gorgeous. Bring more water than you think! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

My husband and I enjoyed it so much! We went with a group of friends and they did as well it's a moderate amount of hiking but definitely worth it! There's rest spots/look outs along the way very nice read more

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Pretty hike with great views of valley and mountains! One of the better ones in San Diego area. Also not too hot in winter. Waterfall not super active but a very peaceful spot nonetheless. Would rec! read more

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What an amazing hike. You must get a permit if you hike over 2 miles. It's a beautifully maintained trail down to the falls. The hosts who check permits when you sign in are so nice to chat with and very welcoming. We enjoyed the trail and gorgeous views in the area. The trail going to the falls is primarily a downhill hike, yet the return hike provides an excellent cardio workout. Parking is limited yet very nice, and there are restrooms at the trailhead. Highly recommended. read more

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The volunteers at the trailhead are so kind and helpful. We had a lovely hike and a great experience overall! read more

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Parked at San Diego River Gorge Trailhead parking lot on a 70 degree day. You need a permit to hike here and you have to sign in at the entrance. The trail to the waterfall is 3 miles down, which means the hike back up is also 3 miles. So, I'd say this is a moderate ti advanced kind of hike. There's 3 small creeks on the way there, so you need to step on some stones or branches to cross over to the other side. If you really don't want to get wet, I recommend using hiking sticks, but it's possible to cross over without getting your feet wet. There's not that much shade, so you definitely need a hat and lots of water if you go on a warmer day. read more

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I went mid-April and there was still plenty of water coming down the falls. What a cool sight for SoCal where water is mostly just at the beach. The hike itself was pretty simple going down. I loved seeing how green the trees are are the closer they get to the water. Really cool among the desert landscape. Getting to the falls is all down hill with little to no shade- which means you guessed it getting back is why this hike is rated *hard* on all trails. The heat really gets to you. I've heard this is a popular spot for airlifted hikers during the summer- don't let that be you. Bring extra water. Take breaks. And do your research if this hike is even for you. Yes- it's a SUPER cool spot, but I felt horrible for anyone I saw carrying coolers or not wearing proper hiking footwear. Don't make things harder on yourself. Jumping off the rocks is illegal, but those who were wanting to risk it seemed to have a great time- I'd be worried about the water getting too low for jumpers in the summer though. We could see even in April the waterline was about 2ft below normal on the rocks. There is a permit required. They only issue 35-70 each day I think and it's $6. We reserved ours about two weeks out unable to get anything closer. Yes- they do check the permits! Do a little research first, come prepared, and if you're up for it enjoy this amazing hike! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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This is a well-kept hiking trail which is all downhill until you get to the waterfall. Then it's--you guessed it--uphill all the way back up! Approximately 5.6 miles roundtrip, and a 1,049 feet elevation gain. At a very leisurely pace with 2 dogs, it took us around 3ish hours, including a break at the waterfall. If you've down Iron Mountain in Poway, then you'll be able to do this no problem, as it's 1/2 as steep. In my opinion, the best time to go would be the wintertime. There is NO SHADE whatsoever on the trail & so the trail warms up a lot. Plus, I heard the waterfalls only have water certain times of the year- one of them being wintertime! Summer would be impossible imo. Many signs warning of dogs/people getting sick from the hot weather on the trail. I would not risk it! BEFORE GOING- BUY 2 PERMITS! Make sure you buy 2 different permits: 1 for Parking (Adventure Pass) which you can pick up for $5 at Big 5, REI or online (if you buy online you have to pay shipping costs though) AND 1 separate permit for entry to the hike. The permit for entry allows you to put up to 5 names on it & costs $6 but you must select a date in advance. They only sell 75 permits per day so sometimes they sell out for certain days. You can print it from the website after you buy it. I did this hike today! Staff check the permit at the hike trailhead entrance. Don't try to come here without a permit. PARKING You need a prepaid parking permit (see above). You must display the parking permit in your car. There is a parking lot but even though we got here at 8am on a Sunday, it was completely full. We parallel parked along the curb by it. WHAT TO BRING Water! I drank all of my water & gatorade. I had 2 water bottles & 1 bottle of gatorade for myself. And if you're bringing pups, make sure to have enough water for them too. I don't think the water at the waterfall is safe for drinking. Hiking Boots! This hike is all dirt, rocks, & uneven ground. It gets narrow too. I would not do this hike without hiking boots. Otherwise you will risk rolling your ankle. There are also parts where you cross streams on slippery rocks fyi. Wear Layers! Weather said it was going to be in the mid 40s at 8am (when we started) but the sun was out, so it didn't feel cold at all though I kept my jacket on. Once we got to the bottom by the waterfall, that was when it got chilly. Pups don't need to wear clothes though. They will be fine. Keep in mind I visited today, January 30, 2022. DOG FRIENDLY You can bring your dog as long as they're leashed. This hike is narrow and has some steep drops on the edge. Be careful & make sure your dog does not go too close to the edge so I would be aware of that. Lots of rocky terrain & dirt. PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG PEOPLE! As a doglover. Be considerate to others & don't leave doggie droppings on the trail. No doggie bags provided on the trail fyi so bring your own. BENCHES THROUGHOUT There were about 4 wooden benches I recall spotting along the trail if you want to take a break. No tables. No alcohol allowed. When you get to the waterfall area, it's all large boulders and rocks. No seating areas there except on the boulders themselves. LOVELY VIEWS I enjoyed the scenery on this hike very much. Lots of mountains and it was really quiet too. The waterfall was so beautiful & it doesn't feel like just a 30 min drive from San Diego. Really enjoyable & a great little getaway for the day. I'm definitely coming back! RESTROOMS There are only restrooms at the entrance of the trailhead, and no restrooms along the trail fyi. TRAILHEAD There was a tent where friendly staff can answer questions and check your permit. They also offered free fruits & snacks which was so nice! I'm a fan! read more

STUNNING hike! My family went yesterday...hearty breakfast = check, permit = check, water for humans = check, water for the pup = check, snacks = check, sunscreen = check, layers = check, use of the onsite restroom = check! After all my research, there was ONE thing that I did not prepare for, which became apparent when starting this hike.... the number of people coming back wearing shorts. Now normally this wouldn't be a red flag to us, but then we started noticing the wet shoes & socks, or some that had water shoes in their backpacks. Finally, we asked one hiker how it went, only to be warned about some knee-to-waist-deep water that would need to be crossed before reaching the falls - um. what?! BUT, this does make sense given the higher-than-average rainfall we've gotten this year! We stopped at each of the checkpoints, as they offered some shade and a seat to rest & stay hydrated, then kept trekking down. The views were just beautiful with poppies and other wildflowers in bloom, rolling green hills, a great breeze -- it was perfect! Until.... ...We approached some thick trees, heard water flowing, and a group of guys just ahead of us, yelling and laughing - upon closer inspection - they were crossing a creek with a super strong current, that was maybe 15-20 feet across, and yep, it was definitely waist. deep. As we contemplated, we watched 2 women coming back from the falls, who crossed just upstream, and they had to hold on to tree branches up above to aid against the strong current. I waited to ask them how it was, only to learn that this was just ONE of THREE creeks (some deeper) we'd have to cross before reaching the falls! And if she "knew that before crossing, she would've turned back & not gone across the first one at all.". Ugh, bummer! Mind you, we had a 25lb dog who isn't super thrilled about fast-moving water, a 13-year old (who actually crushed the hike overall), and no extra socks/clothing. So, knowing that the way back would be all uphill, and more challenging, we turned back with just about a mile left to reach the falls. :( I was so bummed. BUT, we at least know what to prep for next time - there will be a next time, our redemption hike! Overall, with all our stops for water/food/photos, and parking down the street near the last home on that street - our total hike time was 2hrs & 54 min., we reached 5 miles exactly, reached an elevation of 1,856ft at the high and 911ft at the low. We can't wait to go back better prepared for the water crossings (even though it could be much less as we near the summer months), great hike! read more

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Great hike and if you're lucky and plan it right, there's a waterfall at the end. You do need a permit to hike, it isn't much money. There was a park ranger checking the last time I went. Getting to the falls is easy, coming back isn't too hard either, but it's much more of an incline. Being lots of water, go when it's cooler in the day (morning or later in the afternoon). Parking wasn't too bad either. read more

This hike is AMAZING! Please DO NOT bring your dogs! We hiked yesterday 04/10/2024 and even though it was only 70 degrees it felt so much hotter and our furry friends can not handle the type of heat that occurs in this part of San Diego. START EARLY! we got to the trail head at 7:30am and the heat catches up quickly. You have to cross three flowing creeks before reaching the falls. wear water proof shoes and pants that can be rolled up! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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Beautiful hike to an amazing waterfall. You will need a permit for this hike, it's $6. Parking is limited there is a small lot and then parking along side road. There are restrooms and information about the hike at the trailhead. Best to see the falls after a few rainfalls. The trail is well marked and easy to hike. There were three creek crossings which were not too deep but I did take my shoes off. The falls has a beautiful pool at the bottom that many people do dip into it's very cold. During warmer weather bring lots of water, snacks, and sunscreen. It gets hit here in the summer. There are some benches to rest if needed along the way. I saw kids and dogs on the trail. read more

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A great hike to do early in the morning! I recommend wearing hiking boots. This trail is definitely dog friendly! read more

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Overall, great hike. This was my first time. On the way to the creek you are hiking downhill and leaving the creek you're going uphill. Totally recommend going early as possible to avoid the sun.... and bring plenty of water I did encounter a snake going back.. Just be careful and look all your surrounding since they blend easily and hide between the rocks... I would be careful if you have your dog something to keep in mind. There is some rivers you will need to cross.. Which I didn't have a problem getting in the water... I'm 5'6 in the water reach underneath my knees. I totally recommend anyone to come. It is worth the hike. Definitely see myself coming back again. read more

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Cedar Creek Falls (aka Devil's Punchbowl or Thornbush or Saddleback Trailhead) is one of my favorite hikes in San Diego County. The start of the trail is located at a cul de sac of a nice neighborhood street in Ramona. You start with a winding descent and then return the same way back up for a round trip of about 5.5 to 6 miles. The trail was very well maintained with a few benches and interim distance markers alongside the path. At my previous visits, there was no water flowing over the cliff at the basin, but I still enjoyed the scenery on the trek down. I cannot stress that you MUST purchase a visitor use permit ahead of time (https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234735) which was $6 and covered five people. The permit was good for use on one calendar day, and only 75 were available daily. There was no park staff at the trailhead when we arrived to check for permits and IDs from each group of hikers. However, right after we had crossed one of the three streams about 3/4 of the way down to the waterfall, there were two rangers outside their pickup truck to verify that hikers had a permit in their possession. We witnessed some people get turned away because they didn't have such documentation so those folks had to sadly head back up the ascent. As noted above, there were three stream crossings once you reach the flat part of the trail at the bottom of the bowl. This hike was actually closed from the end of February to the end of March because all the winter precipitation made it too treacherous to traverse the streams. A couple of weeks ago, the water level was higher, but today they were all passable at around ankle level height. On the approach to the basin of the waterfall, we had to scramble across some boulders to get in the best position to view the falls and sit down and relax. There were roughly a few dozen hikers already present to enjoy the waterfall which was gushing from the above normal amount of rain over the past few months. Knowing there was going to be water rushing down from about 100' above, I was prepared with swim trunks to take a dip in the pool. The water was C-O-L-D as the temperature was likely in the 40s! After my body got acclimated, I swam about 50 yards across to the other side at the base of the falls. There were rocks available to sit and rest after the swim. You could try to swing from a rope hanging off a tree branch, but it was risky because leverage was difficult due to the short rope length. The view beneath the falls was so worth it though. At the edge of the basin, there were a couple of flatter spots where daredevils jumped off the cliff and into the water despite this activity being prohibited by the rangers. We were so fortunate to have such beautiful weather as the temperature remained under 70 degrees despite the mostly sunny skies. I only drank about a liter of water, but everyone was advised to carry a gallon with them. Shade was minimal until you get near the waterfall so be extremely careful when doing this hike in hotter weather as the return trip up the slope under the sun can really wear you down fast. Dogs and kids can handle this moderately difficult trail, but they have to be well prepared and hydrated. Bring snacks to eat while resting at the basin. It can't hurt to have trekking poles too because they help maintain your balance while crossing the streams. read more

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Absolutely love this hiking trail! I'm an avid hiker and love to spend time outdoors and this spot took my breath away! It's a pretty moderate hike with only a couple up hills but it's pretty lengthy to get to the waterfall. It took us about 4 hours total to go to the waterfall and then back to our car. You do have to get a permit in order to hike this trail, but it is absolutely worth it! Once we got to the waterfall some of our friends took a dip which was super refreshing because the water was cold. Highly recommend trying this spot out at least once! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

It's a 3 miles hike to the waterfall ('bout an hour and a half) 6 miles total. The whole hike it's beautiful, there's benches every mile with a little rooftop just in case you're overheated, once you get all the way down the hills it's all rocks and trees, beautiful! Just keep in mind on your way to the waterfall is 3 miles downhill, on your way back is 3 miles uphill and there are some pretty sketchy sections... you don't wanna do the uphill hike once is dark (like us ). Definitely it's a must go, the waterfall end part it's worthy, just like a painting. read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Cedar Creek Fall - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

Beautiful views, quiet times early midweek, easy enough to pay $6 online and sign in on the check in sheet at the start of the trail. Plenty of warning signs about heat, make sure to bring plenty of water if going on a warm or above day, you are very open, almost no shade for the first 3/4 but there are some benches along the way with cover which is useful. read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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If you haven't already been to Cedar creek falls it's a definite must. If you're looking into taking a trip to Solvang this quick stop won't disappoint. Cedar Creek Falls is a couple of minutes from the Solvang town square, and not too rigorous of a hike. The whole hike is about 15min (time varies on your pace). The waterfall and river are breathtaking. After you get that hike in you could set up a nice picnic in the park. read more

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Don't forget to make a reservation ahead of time because you need to have a permit at the Falls. The random checks are conducted sometimes. So from the parking lot, to the a beautiful natural attraction and back, it took us 3 hours. The hike is Moderate . I suggest to do it during February/March, so you can see huge waters in action, and it's not hot to go upward. Amazing hike, you won't get disappointed. read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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My girlfriend and I were trying to be spontaneous and go on a hike. Had great reviews and loved the pictures. After driving for an hour, we get there and it turns out it costs money to go on the trail. $6 per person and you have to sign up in advance, you cannot just show up and hike the trail. That's kinda stupid. read more

AMAZING! 6 miles RT, but the incline is not bad at all. You have to buy a permit on recreation.gov because there are park rangers that guard the entrance. Apparently too many people have died/gotten injured there. We started off around 9am and it was perfect. During the summer it gets really hot, but when we went it was mid 60s. I wore my chacos and I'm glad I did. You have to cross over 2 streams, so your shoes will get wet. Closer to the fall, you have to climb through some rocks, all completely doable without a lot of athleticism. The fall was so beautiful but too cold to dip in for us! If it was 15 degrees hotter outside we definitely would have. Definitely give this a try! Note: parking is free! Make sure to bring water and your ID on the hike (per ranger requirement) read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Beautiful! - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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Honestly expected to see more water flowing but all I saw was dirty green water and it was mostly dried up. The way to the falls is downhill but the crazy incline up was harder than it seems. you do see some nice views along the way of the mountains, me and my fiancé stopped to take some pictures :) You also have to buy a permit although I didn't see anyone really up there checking.. Overall, I believe there are some better trails in SD than this strenuous one. I was 3 miles there to the falls and 3 miles back. But if you do decide to still go and see for yourselves, please bring a gallon of water and no less.. You'll need it!! There isn't that much shade the entire trail but there are spots where you can stop and rest read more

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Awesome hike! The falls were only a trickle when I went, but the water was cold and refreshing (considering it was over 100 degrees out). It wasn't very crowded at all, but you will need to pay for a $6 permit, They also let you go nude there, so that was a pretty neat surprise; But a lucky one, considering we didn't bring bathing suits thinking we probably wouldn't get in the water. Boy did we change our minds after braving that heat. It was a godsend! read more

Cedar Creek Falls - The waterfall wasn't quite running, but it was still beautiful - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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About a 45 min drive from San Diego, Cedar Creek Falls is tucked away within a neighborhood. A permit is necessary to access the hike, and can be purchased online. Round trip, the hike is 6 miles and it took us 3 hours (1 hour there, 1 hour at the falls, 1 hour back). Restrooms are available at the trailhead; plan accordingly because there are no facilities throughout the hike. What stood out to me the most was the scenery! As soon as we started the hike, we were blessed with panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and foliage surrounding the trail. Despite all of the greenery, there is minimal shade during the hike. Trail markers serve to indicate how close you are to the waterfall/trailhead, and are placed every 1/4 mile. The first mile has cute tree benches to sit or rest! Some are shaded, others are in direct sunlight. The last mile to the waterfall involves three creek crossings. The last two have stepping stones in place so you can hop over, but the first crossing is comprised of tree branches strewn across. If you're not careful, you might end up with a wet sock! The waterfall is serene and beautiful, a definite must-see! It feels like a hidden watering hole squeezed into a corner of the backcountry, making its nickname, "Devil's Punchbowl," seem out of place. It would be the perfect location for a picnic or to read a nice book. Very Harry Potter-esque. Tons of wildlife here! Among various animals and insects we saw, there were squirrels, rabbits, snakes, lizards, cicadas, grasshoppers, and tarantula hawks. Would 100% recommend this hike to beginners and experts alike! And if you're hardcore like me, try running the hike back up! 4/summersteepventures read more

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Beautiful hike highly recommend. Bring some baba and a whole lot of energy for this one.

This hike is not strenuous! It is on a flat, well kept trail, easy descend and ascend. Nothing like 3 sisters falls! Also a short 6 miles round trip hike and views were of SD style dry desert landscape. Not that nice in the summer time since everything is brown. Permit required: buy your permit online and print and carry with you. There will be a park ranger checking it! So don't waste your time thinking you can sneak in, some people had to turn back. And Ramona is very out of the way. Since permit is required, the trail is very empty and nice. It's not like an ant hill like potato chip or Cowles. I'm glad all those college partiers can't trash this place and make a bad rep for it now. Permit is limited to 75 a day/5 people per permit max. Pick up your trash. Why do people trash the place?! Seriously? If you drive this far out to Ramona, you at least appreciate nature, so don't throw that empty water bottle in the bush. The only shitty thing about this hike is it gets EXTREMELY HOT most of the time, especially summer. There is no shade. People who do not do well in heat or fairly out of shape, I advise you do not attempt! On our way back (about 90 degrees at 9am already) many hikers were beat by the scorching sun... Heat strokes, delirium, dehydration, panicking... They didn't carry enough water... You at least need 2-3 liters per person! It's no joke. Don't be afraid to turn back, there's no shame knowing your limits. Better safe than sorry. There's only a trickle of water running down aka the "waterfall"... Go in SD "winter time", I heard there's a waterfall. Also do not jump off the cliff!! You could seriously get injured and fined and even die. The punch bowl had nice cold swimming water. read more

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One of my most favorite hikes! I enjoyed looking at the many orchards and scenery on the drive there and back. The parking is small but easy to find. You don't have to worry about finding parking spaces since this hike requires a Permit so the number of people is limited. The trail is very clean and easy to find. The ranger is very nice and helpful. I stopped and asked him about the many other hikes around and he was very informative. You have to sign in and sign out at the hike. So don't think you can just show up with no permit. You will be turned away. The waterfall is beautiful. Jumped in for a swim and took it all in. What a beautiful day for a hike and nature. Will definitely return. read more

We hiked here today. 2/10/2023. Month of December and January we received rain so some of the water falls came to LIFE!!! Yeah!!! Hike is so peaceful, so open and so nice. Water fall was beautiful!!! Poppy flowers were in bloom so it looked pretty. Coming back it is all up hill but gradual up hill so you really don't feel like you are going uphill. We were hiking at a easier pace and took water breaks. Definitely worth it and strongly recommended. read more

Cedar Creek Falls is a really nice waterfall hike in SD (if you go after a rain). The trail to the waterfall is pretty straight forward with a couple for creek crossings, scenic and moderate in difficulty. The total hike is a little less than 6 miles and my friend and I were able to complete it in 2 hours and 15 minutes...including time spent taking pictures and hanging around the waterfall! TIPS for a successful hike: 1. Buy your permit online - $6/permit and can be used for a group of up to six people 2. Arrive early! My friend and I got to the the parking lot around 7:30am and there was plenty of parking 3. Bring your ID and check in with the park ranger - located under the canopy on the left side 4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST 24-32oz OF WATER (the trip back from the waterfall is ALL uphill and you will need to stay hydrated) 5. Enjoy hike read more

Cedar Creek Falls - February 7, 2016 - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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The trail is awesome from beginning to end. My group and I started at 7am and didn't get done till about 1030am. So about 3.5hrs to complete with rest and stops for pictures. The trail starts going down hill for about 3 miles to the falls. Along the way there are place markers which are nice to let you know how much further you are to get to the waterfall. It's really easy hiking to the falls. I'm glad we were there early since it was not so crowded at the falls but the water is ICE cold. After relaxing and enjoying the falls we made our way back. On the way back is where the challenge is where it is uphill majority of the way. It's another 3 miles to do but all incline and by 9am the heat started to weigh us down. One of the best all-around fun hikes in San Diego. It has everything from mountains, landscapes, creeks, and a waterfall. We even ran into a rattlesnake across the trail. note* you would need to purchase a permit in order to do this hike. which cost $6 per 5 people. you can buy permit at the trail but no cash accepted and would need to purchase by phone which they have on site. If you're a beginner and not use to inclines and heat (carb up the night before). Bring lots of water. read more

Hiked yesterday Thursday 7/9/2015 Mileage: 5.6 miles Time: 3.5 hours, went around 3 pm Permit needed: $6.00 (go to recreation.gov to obtain online) aka Devil's Punchbowl, trail name: San Diego River Gorge Trail Ramona trail head is open off Thornbush! I got off work early yesterday and wanted to do a hike with the best friend, we were gonna do Mt Woodson again, but then decided to be a little more adventurous and venture out to Ramona for Cedar Creek Falls Hike. After doing a little research we were ready! We also brought a dog with us (if you read everywhere online, bringing a dog is not recommended, but we brought him with us anyways because I checked the weather, and it wasn't going to be overwhelmingly hot, I think yesterday's high was 80 degrees). Preparation: we bought a permit online. I also bought a gallon of water to fill my Camelbak and I packed an extra liter of water in my backpack. People recommend bring snacks too! We forgot.... Directions and parking: We typed in Cedar Creek Falls Trail head into google maps and it lead us right to the trail head we wanted, off Thornbush in Ramona. You go through a neighborhood to get to the parking lot/trail head. I left from Carlsbad, and it took me a little over an hour to reach. Parking is free. There's a lot and some parallel parking spots too. I can imagine it getting full on the weekends Trail head and trail: There are vault toilets at the trail head! And also fresh water you can fill your water bottles. It looks like there's a check-in right when you start the hike. We didn't see any rangers while we started or were out, but it was a weekday. Trail is well marked, with markers that have American flags on them telling you how much further (I think it's 2.8 miles one way). Just keep following the waterfall signs and you'll get there. You hike down into the valley, then you hike back up. So it's a reversed hike. Elevation gain isn't bad on the way back. But I can see it getting tough if it's hot out. There's no shade on the trail. Bring plenty of water, keep an eye on your dog's water intake if hiking with one! Also make sure the trail's not too hot for their paws. If you're aware of your surroundings, and careful with your water intake, this hike is a piece of cake! But again, watch yourself and others for signs of heat stroke and dehydration. Giant signs when you start the hike stating canines and humans have died hiking this trail from heat stroke. read more

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I did this hike yesterday (4/23/18) on Earth Day!! (permits were sold out fyi) It was a super awesome hike! I highly recommend. You need a permit, they only sell 75 per day. They are $10 and can be bought online here (https://www.recreation.gov/wildernessAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=109033). Up to 5 guests per permit. They check ID so make sure you have it on you. There is a table at the trail head for check-in. You CANNOT do this hike without a permit or your ID and all of your guests need their ID as well. It is advised to go early in the morning to avoid the heat 12-3 p.m. time frame and I say to DEFINITELY abide by that, especially if you are going from May to Sept/Oct time frame when it gets the hottest at those times. I probably wouldn't do this hike in the summer unless I went super early and was out of there by 11 a.m. to be honest. They also suggest having 1 gallon of water on you, which you definitely should abide by as well. I got to the trailhead around 9 a.m. ish and had 2.5L of water on me. It took me and my friend an hour down to the falls, meaning we got there around 10 a.m., we took our time chatting and stopping to take in the scenery so if you are looking to make it quicker it's definitely possible but not by much. We spent about an hour at the falls, which are super pretty and currently flowing. The water was cold, so we did not swim but there were a handful of people who got in. There is a rope across from the spot you walk up to at the falls to swing into the water with (meaning you have to get wet to get over to it). Cliff jumping "is not allowed" but everyone was still doing it. It took us an hour back up to the trail head as well, so a 2 hour round trip plus however long you plan to hang at the falls. We started going back up around 11 a.m. and we definitely could feel the heat heading back up. We finished right before noon and saw some people just starting, which we were pretty shocked at. I was just starting to get somewhat fatigued by the time I got to the top. Again, I wouldn't suggest going during this time frame. Unless you workout regularly, hike regularly, and/or are accustomed to high heat do not do this hike on a hot day during the hottest point of the day. You're just asking to not enjoy yourself as much as you could doing this. I ended up drinking about 2L of water, so the gallon suggestion is right on the money. Overall, I would say this is a moderate hike and it is an awesome hike too. I will definitely be doing it again! read more

I have done the hike twice. The most recent time being yesterday (3/18/18) and the first time was in August a few years ago. We just had recent rain so this hike was beautiful (5 stars), but if you happen to come during a drier month when there hasn't been much recent precipitation like I did in August this hike is more of a 3 star. It was about 6 miles RT and the hike will take most people 2-3 hours plus the amount of time you care to spend at the falls. A drawback would be needing to go online and purchase a $10 permit. There's a ranger at the trailhead checking for permits and you sign in. The hike is pretty easy for the first 4 miles, but the last 2 miles is a bit steep as you walk up from the falls back to the parking area, but as other reviewers have mentioned it should be rated as Moderate for sure. read more

Spectacular waterfall near the San Diego area, cold water. On 10-28-23 approx 75? degrees and full sun from the Ramona trail-head. Glad I had to sign in for safety...more on that later. I had 8, 500 ml bottles of water with 4 of them frozen(when I started). 3 easy miles mostly down hill which of course means 3 miles hard out uphill. The 3 or 4 shade structures are great even thought there is some natural shade in the 3-4 pm October afternoon. Good water flow for October and did not have to remove shoes to cross stream, was able to step on stones. On 4-28-23 approx 80? degrees from the Julian side, Saddleback trail-head. Also mostly downhill and with plenty of water and some frozen. Waterfall had big flow and two streams had to remove hiking shoes and wade through foot deep water. Afternoon return, of course uphill, was brutal with NO natural shade, no shade structures. Ice in bottles saved my ***! Will not do this hike alone again. Good thing ranger Raul (nice guy) was a mile behind me. Both great hikes. They will check permit. Additional private comment, Was glad the ranger was on the Saddleback trail for safety. AT&T No cell coverage. read more

Great hike. 3 miles descent in and 3 miles ascent out. Same path, not a loop. Recommend this hike in the spring after a rain so the waterfall is flowing. We did this on an overcast day and it started to rain the last quarter mile. Dirt path is well maintained. Trail markers along the way with distance noted. Get a permit online before going. And plan for plenty of time to get to the trailhead as it is not freeway close. read more

Cedar Creek Falls - Waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Ramona, California

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