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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.
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!
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.
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!
The volunteers at the trailhead are so kind and helpful. We had a lovely hike and a great experience overall!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
A great hike to do early in the morning! I recommend wearing hiking boots. This trail is definitely dog friendly!
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.
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
7 months ago
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
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
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
8 months ago
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
1 year ago
The volunteers at the trailhead are so kind and helpful. We had a lovely hike and a great experience overall! read more
2 years ago
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
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
5 years ago
4 years ago
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
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
2 years ago
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
3 years ago
A great hike to do early in the morning! I recommend wearing hiking boots. This trail is definitely dog friendly! read more
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
2 years ago
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
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
5 years ago
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
4 years ago
6 years ago
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
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
3 years ago
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
7 years ago
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
4 years ago
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
7 years ago
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
3 years ago
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
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
BEST HIKE EVER. We drove about 45 minutes from San Diego with an 8-year old Basset Hound and had a great Sunday here yesterday. Although our pup was a good sport and the trail is dog-friendly, I actually don't recommend bringing your senior canine companions who are sensitive to heat or have knee/back problems. The hike is very fun and well-rounded (for humans) and there are even parts where you have to use your hands to lift yourself up and over different rocks. This can be tough on dogs that aren't as athletic. The hike is 6 miles round trip and we spent about 2 hours getting to the waterfall, hung out there for 2 hours, and then trekked 2 hours back up to the car. WARNING: The hike back to your car is going to be super tiring, especially if you were very active at the waterfall or if you've been drinking or run out of water. The entire trail is downhill to the waterfall, then uphill back towards civilization. Towards end of August/September, the body of water dries up a little bit, and people who were doing backflips into the water said that they hit the ground at the bottom. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy scenery and nature. Gorgeous views of mountains and greenery, and an incredible sunset at the end. I highly recommend beginning your hike around 2:30 or 3pm, so that the weather cools down on your way back to the car and you can catch the sunset. Also: Seriously take care of the permit beforehand. The rangers will turn away hikers if they've run out of permits for the day to sell on-site. read more
11 years ago
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
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
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
6 years ago
No porta potties anywhere! Moderate intensity hike. The experience would have been better if we had more foresight and went earlier to beat the heat. We checked the weather beforehand (73 degrees) but it actually ended up being high 80s (had it not been for my 2L water bottle, I would have found the hike back up nauseating). I definitely suggest going EARLY now that the weather is warming up considerably. read more
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15519 Thornbush Rd
Ramona, CA 92065
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(858) 673-6180
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Ask the Community - Cedar Creek Falls
Hi where do we purchase a pass?
https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234735 But looks like it's closed thru the end of Aug.
Anyone been recently and know if there is water?
There is water but the waterfall is dry .
Are the falls still running right now in march?
I went last week and it was rushing nicely
Is there a lot of water now, or not too much?
February and March are most ideal months to visit.
Is this hike doable with a 11month old in a baby carrier?
Absolutely not. Besides the fact that it is in full sun the whole way, the way back out is entirely uphill. We receive multiple calls a week for distressed or downed hikers and more that have to be air lifted. If you are looking for a simple hike…
How is this trail for little one aged 13 and 5 yrs old?
Maybe during spring and falls its okay. But Bring lots of water. It's a long Hike.
Is the water flowing right now?
Unfortunately no. This is typically the season where things have become very dry after the hot summer months. There likely will be no water flow in Cedar Creek until the spring when the rain returns. Contrarily, however, this is one of the better…
Are the falls still flowing? I'm here visiting and would like to go
Unfortunately it is not uncommon for the falls to be dried up around this time. Current conditions have limited water flow to little more than a trickle. Furthermore, the pool at the bottom has began to stagnant and turn green from algae and lack of…
For those whose hiked this trail to the falls, Is this hike very steep as for going downhills?
It's not SO steep but it's a steady decline. You won't need trekking poles, for instance. Nor will you be sliding. Trails are very well maintained. Hope that helps.
Is there a specific time when the trail opens & closes? The only thing I found said it was open 24 hours, which I'm not sure is accurate....
Typically it's sunrise to sunset. But overnight camping is an option with a permit through the district.
Review Highlights - Cedar Creek Falls
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