Note: Adobe Falls is now a no trespassing zone. The San Diego Police Department are adamant about no trespassers and regularly patrol this area for violators. I do not advise visiting the falls as you may be fined or even worse, arrested for trespassing. The images below were taken years ago.
I am opposed to graffiti, especially along hiking trails. However, there is something artistic about the extravagant designs scattered across Adobe Falls. This graffiti-covered hike is next to San Diego State University and in the middle of a residential neighborhood, yet you wouldn’t even know it unless you’ve heard about it through word of mouth or online. Adobe Falls, as the name suggests, is a small waterfall colliding down heavily vandalized rocks. The bright colors sprayed across the landscape provide for a visually stimulating environment, albeit again I don’t condone graffiti in an urban or natural environment. Unfortunately this hike is easily accessible, short and in close proximity to a college town – equaling a recipe for disaster.
Adobe Falls is also one of the only non-seasonal waterfalls in San Diego, flowing year-round. Alvarado Creek draws its water from much of Del Cerro, San Carlos, Fletcher Hills, Grossmont, and some other hilly areas south of the Interstate 8 corridor from Grossmont west until Fairmont Avenue to provide this always flowing treasure.
This short trail is located just a ten minute drive off the freeway. You’d never know to look for it here: there are no signs, no indication of hiking trails nearby, and it is literally in the middle of suburbia. However, there is a street named after these falls and an apartment complex nearby conveniently named Adobe Falls, both of which suggest you are close to your destination. At the bottom of a steep hill, past a “No Trespassing” sign, you will walk down loose terrain, veer left and cross a small stream to reach Adobe Falls. From here the trail opens wide, and San Diego State University and the I-8 freeway will appear in the distance.
Shortly after, you will see the falls, and likely a plethora of garbage. I’ve come across empty and broken alcohol bottles, empty bottles of spray paint, and bags of chips just to name a few things discarded here. Unfortunately, many have taken advantage of this site by not only defacing the natural habitat but also leaving behind litter.
Once you arrive at the falls, you can rock climb and see the different pools surrounding the waterfall. Be wary when you climb however, as a 20-year-old male recently had to be rescued and airlifted from Adobe Falls after he lost his footing and fell about twelve-feet.
There is an alternate route to get to Adobe Falls which requires traveling through an old aqueduct pipe that goes under the interstate from SDSU. I have taken both routes, and this route is definitely more sketchy and dangerous. SDSUPD have requested that the pipe be removed so this may no longer be an option in the near future as The Daily Aztec reported a work order has been initiated for this project.
Adobe Falls Tips
Tip 1: Be careful where you walk. I have seen quite a few broken pieces of glass scattered along this short trail that could easily injure someone.
Tip 2: Pay mind to your footing if you will be rock climbing. Rocks can be slippery.
Tip 3: Do not take the pipe route. If you must explore the pipe, you can still access this by heading east of the waterfall and following the creek.
Tip 4: Wear shoes with good traction for safer footing.
Tip 5: Proceed with caution if you choose to explore this hike. You have been warned officially that you may be fined or arrested.
Driving Directions: Exit I-8 at College Avenue and go north to the traffic light at Del Cerro Boulevard. Turn left, continue 0.4 mile, and turn left on Rockhurst Drive. Rockhurst becomes Genoa Drive and starts descending. At the end of Genoa, turn right on the dead-end Mill Peak Road and go downhill. Continue downhill to the end of the cul-de-sac, and park along the curb nearby. On foot, take the wide dirt path signed “off-road vehicle activity prohibited.” There is additionally a sign that warns of “no trespassing”.
Difficulty: Easy
Total Distance: .59 miles
Trailhead Address: 5800 Adobe Falls Road, San Diego, CA 92120
