San Diego River Gorge Trail to Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in San Diego County, plunging 80 feet into a massive pool of water. What was once a stomping ground for teenagers looking for a watering hole to party and cliff jump has now drastically improved to become a highly monitored, 6-mile out and back hike along the pristinely up kept San Diego River Gorge Trail. In fact, security has beefed up so much on this trail after the recent revamp, that visitors must have proof of a visitor permit in their possession at all times and carry a government issued photo identification. Only 75 people per day are allowed to hike this trail now, with NFS rangers, volunteers, and local law enforcement regularly patrolling the trails.

Cedar Creek Falls via the San Diego Gorge Trail is not a particularly long hike nor is it too difficult for a conditioned hiker. The most daunting part of the trail, in fact, is the uphill stretch which occurs at the end of the hike. There is also minimal shade found along the trail. However, if you are prepared with adequate water, conditioning, and snacks, this hike is highly enjoyable.

The trailhead to the new and improved San Diego River Gorge Trail begins at the end of Thornbrush Road. After parking in the parking lot or along the street, make your way uphill towards the ranger tent. At the tent you will be required to show a proof of a visitor permit and identification. After signing in on their check in/check out sheet, the hike along the San Diego River Gorge Trail will begin.

The trail immediately descends downhill, with clear mileage markers every quarter of a mile on the way to the falls. The trail downhill descends along well-maintained switchbacks that offer breathtaking views of the gorge below. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, you will cross a dirt road as you continue along the marked path. This is also where the Eagle Peak trail intersects, another route that can be taken to get to Cedar Creek Falls. Cross Eagle Peak Road and continue ahead as the trail begins a gentle incline into a riparian strip of oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods.

Mile Marker

Eagle Peak Road crossing

Scramble over the rocks along this portion of the trail until you arrive at Cedar Creek Falls. The grotto contains a pool of fresh water where you’ll see a number of fish swimming below. A swarm of yellow jackets were also claiming this area when I visited in October 2015. Likely, you will be surrounded by many other people at this point. If you are seeking recluse, opt for hiking this early on a weekday.

When you’ve taken in enough of the waterfall and dipped your toes in the pool of water, turn around and re-trace your steps uphill. Keep in mind that the uphill portion will be much more difficult than your initial downhill descent. Bring a lot of sun protection, eat salty snacks, and drink plenty of water. For casual hikers this uphill climb will be a serious ascent without shade and high temperatures.

History of Cedar Creek Falls

One of San Diego County’s hidden treasures Cedar Creek Falls, tucked back in a tributary of the upper San Diego River, has long been a popular trail even as far back as the early 1930’s. The U.S. Forest Service closed the trail in the summer of 2011 due to overuse and after the death of a 16-year-old boy. The 16-year-old boy died after falling 80 feet into the swimming hole at Cedar Creek Falls. The falls and pool beneath also became a central gathering place, where at times hundreds of young adults and teenagers, many drinking alcohol, would congregate and jump from the cliffs into the water.

Residents of the San Diego County Estates south of Ramona complained that their Thornbush Road neighborhood was inundated some days with visitors blocking driveways, urinating on their lawns, and drinking from their water hoses, the forest service closed the route until potential solutions to the problem could be found.

The San Diego River Gorge Trail opened in April 2013 after being closed for over year and a half and hikers would need to follow new rules designed to limit the crowds and prevent injuries.

Cedar Creek Falls Tips

Tip #1: Visitors must purchase a permit prior to hiking along the San Diego River Gorge Trail. Failure to provide proof of permit will result in a citation. Permits may be purchased by clicking here . ($6 up to a group of 5)

Tip #2: A ranger tent is set up at the trailhead where they sign you in and check your permit/ID.

Tip #3: No alcohol is allowed in the Cedar Creek Falls area, including at the trailheads, at the falls, and along the trails.

Tip #4: All cliff areas around the falls are closed. Climbing, jumping and diving anywhere along the cliffs adjacent or near the falls. I’ve seen people receive citations for doing this.

Tip #5: Dogs are not advised in this area due to the high number of canine deaths caused by heat stroke each year.

Tip #6: Bring a minimum of one gallon of water per person to avoid heat-related illness.

Tip #7: Restrooms and water are available at the trailhead.