As one of San Diego’s most popular hikes, Cedar Creek Falls Trail takes hikers to a wonderful swimming spot, nestled right underneath the beautiful 80-foot Cedar Creek Falls. Because this hike is so popular, you’ll have to get a permit to do it. Getting a permit isn’t that hard, and it’s totally worth it, especially in the Spring, when everything is nice and green. This hike has been on our to-do list for a while now. Although we did most of the other popular hikes, such as 3 sisters, Potato Chip, and Eagle Rock, we finally got around to hiking Cedar Creek Falls recently.
Cedar Creek Falls Trailhead
15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
32.995234, -116.756321
There is a decent-sized paved parking lot before the trailhead, along with street parking.
You need a permit to enter the area surrounding the falls. You’ll need to reserve your permit before hiking. They are $6 each and can be purchased here.
Vault toilet at the trailhead.
6 miles R.T.
1,069 ft
Moderate to Difficult. The difficulty rating is due to the steep ascent on the way back. This is especially difficult in the heat.
Takes average 2-3 hours
You can do this hike year-round; however, the best time to go is in the Spring, when wildflowers are in bloom, and the waterfalls are flowing. We recommend hiking on a cooler day to avoid the heat.
Yes, pets are allowed at Cedar Creek Falls, but they must be on a leash. However, it is better to leave them at home, especially on warmer days, due to frequent fatalities from heat stroke.
A permit is required to enter the area surrounding the Cedar Creek falls, and you must buy it in advance. Permits are sold online only. Make sure you get your permit before leaving your house. There isn’t much cell signal at the trailhead to make your purchase. There are 75 permits available per day. Each permit covers up to 5 people. At the time this blog was published, the permit cost $6 each, non-refundable. There is a ranger station at the trailhead to check your permit and a valid government-issued ID. For more information or to reserve your permit, visit the website. Make sure to either download or print your actual permit before you get there. The cell signal here is almost non-existent.
You shouldn’t have a problem getting your permit on a weekday. We were able to get our permit the night before. For weekends and holidays, you might have to reserve it way in advance.
Cedar Creek Falls Trail is located in Ramona, CA. You can use the address above to GPS your way there. Before getting to the trailhead, there is a small parking lot on the right-hand side. There is also a good amount of street parking on the left-hand side. On the weekend, it can get busy, so we recommend getting there early.
We got to the Cedar Creek Falls trailhead quite early. Even though the weather forecast says that the temperature would be around the mid-70s, we still wanted to get an early start for cooler weather. After parking, we headed toward the start of the trail. At the trailhead, you’ll have to pass through a chicane gate. Inside, there are informational signage and warning signs, as well as a sign-in table. On busier days, there’s a ranger here to check your permit. We came in the middle of the week, so there’s paper where we can sign in with our name and permit number.
Once all the formalities were done, we were ready to start our hike. The hike immediately started its descent. We’ll be going downhill for most of the hike. This is why this hike can be deceiving. The way down seems to be easy because it’s mostly downhill. The way up, though, that’s a whole other story, especially in the heat. The Cedar Creek Falls trail itself is well-maintained and not technical. It is also very well marked. There are trail markers every ¼ mile. Along the way, there are a few shade structures, some of which are brand new, to give hikers some relief from the heat.
Since we had a few good rains, the whole area is nice and lush. Looking over the side of the trail, we could see the whole mountain covered in green vegetation and some wildflowers. It was very beautiful. For the first 2 miles, the Cedar Creek Falls consists of a series of gradual switchbacks. Make sure to keep an eye out for danger noodles. We came across a pretty little blue snake crossing over the trail. Although it wasn’t a rattlesnake, they do live here. As we made our way down into the canyon, the Cedar Creek Falls trail got even more beautiful.
After 2 miles, we reached the bottom of the canyon. From here, it is about 1 more mile before you reach the waterfalls. From the 2-mile marker, the trail crosses the canyon to the mountains on the other side. Then, it ducks into the wooded area. This area has a good amount of poison oaks, so make sure to watch your step.
Soon enough, we reached our first water crossing. There are rocks lining up to create a makeshift “bridge.” It was getting warm, so Dustin decided to just wade in the water. After this creek crossing, the trail runs along a beautiful meadow before reaching a big dirt opening. There is a wooden fence with an opening straight across. You’ll want to go through that wooden fence. Don’t worry, there are signs everywhere pointing toward the waterfalls, so you’ll know exactly where to go.
After passing through the wooden fence, the Cedar Creek Falls trail continues to weave through more wooded areas before crossing over 2 more creeks. Once we crossed over the last creek crossing, the trail became rocky, just for a short distance. Soon enough, we saw what we came here for: a glistening waterfall in the distance.
To reach Cedar Creek Falls, you’ll have to scramble up and over some big rocks. These rocks are smooth granite, so they can be slippery. This part reminds us of 3 Sisters Falls. The Cedar Creek Falls tucks in between a rocky alcove. From 80 feet above, the refreshing water tumbles down into a deep bowl below. This water in this bowl is clear. It would be very refreshing to go for a swim. It is quite deep, though. So, if you’re not a great swimmer, we recommend bringing a floatie. While swimming is allowed, it is prohibited to climb up the sides, jump off the cliff, or drink alcohol. That being said, cliff-jumping seems to be a thing here. We’ve seen a few people jumping off the cliff here. We don’t recommend doing so. If you get hurt, it is a long way out.
If you’re looking for similar hikes in the San Diego County area, check out Oak Canyon Trail. We also like Eagle Rock, Stonewall Peak, and Cuyamaca Peak.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
Nice to meet you!
Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
Subscribe
Get our best adventure tips, guides and more send to you!
Recent Post
