Green Valley Falls Trail, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park | San Diego, CA

Unlike the nearby Paso Picacho campground which features a number of different trails, including the popular Stonewall Peak trail, the Green Valley campground doesn’t get as much attention at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Yet there are a number of trails that deserve to be explored here, including a trail up a ridge dotted with pine trees, a trail that takes you to the remains of a World War I airplane crash, and a trail to a seasonal waterfall.

The Green Valley Falls Trail is just one of the aforementioned trails. This trail is short in length, easy to navigate, and can easily be tacked onto other hikes at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The 0.5-mile trail takes you to both the upper and lower Green Valley waterfalls.

Your best bet of seeing the falls flowing is after heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, the recent drought has left the falls dry throughout the majority of the year. Such was the case when I visited in early October. Yet even with just a small trickle of water cascading down a slick rock face, it is still a worthwhile trek.

The Green Valley Falls Trail picks up in the picnic area near the parking lot by campsite 76. Walk just a little way past the picnic tables and you’ll find a marked post that reads Green Valley Falls. The trail is very straight straightforward from here, with several more posts leading the way. One, more obvious sign, will read “No Diving” right before you descend down a set of dirt steps. After the steps, walk just a bit further until you reach an outcropping of rocks. Here, depending on the season, there will be small pools of murky water. This area is considered the Upper Falls.

If you walk just a bit further and do a little rock scrambling, you’ll find yourself at the Lower Falls. There were small traces of graffiti here, a welcome reminder that we should all do our best to preserve and protect nature. We found a graffiti can left behind and packed it out with us to avoid any more damage to the area. Aside from the graffiti, the lower falls area is a good place to sit and admire the views around you. At most points of the year, even amid the drought, a small waterfall flows from the upper falls to the lower falls.

Once you’ve had your fair share of exploring the Green Valley Falls, re-trace your steps back up to the dirt steps and past the picnic benches to return to the trailhead.

Green Valley Falls Trail Tips

Tip #1: Bring $10 cash (at the time of this post) with you to pay for parking at the Green Valley campground. After you complete this hike, your parking permit can be used in other parts of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park the same day.

Tip #2: Dogs are not permitted on this trail. The 6-mile Cuyamaca Peak Trail is the only dog friendly trail at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Tip 3: Restroom facilities are located at the Arroyo Seco picnic area as well as near campsites 54, 36, and 70, however you will need to bring soap with you to wash your hands.

Tip #4: Add on the 3.4-mile Pine Ridge Trail to this hike to make the most of your visit.

Tip #5: If you have time, drive the additional 20 minutes up CA-79N to the quaint town of Julian for a slice of delicious apple pie. Mom’s Pies are to die for.

Tip #6: Bring proper sun protection and dress in layers as this trail is largely uncovered.

Tip #7: Park only in designated parking lots. Do not park in campsite spots or you may be fined.

Tip #8: There are many bees near the falls. It is best to eat food/snacks on the picnic benches.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take I-8 E toward El Centro for 23 miles. Take exit 40 for CA-79N/Japatul Valley Road toward Julian. Turn left onto CA-79N/Japatul Valley Road. Turn left to stay on CA-79. Drive 4.2-miles and take a slight left onto Arroyo Seco Fire Road. Park near campsite 76 in the designated parking lot. Do not park in any of the spots at campsites.

Difficulty: Easy

Total Distance: 0.5-miles

Trailhead Address: 11842 CA-79, Descanso, CA 91916

Resources: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Trail Map