15 Best Waterfalls In San Diego You Should Add To Your Itinerary

There are so many beautiful waterfalls in San Diego that you can spend at least a few weeks exploring them alone.

Some of them may not be as huge or as impressive as the ones you find in Yosemite and other national parks, but you will still love visiting these San Diego waterfalls if you enjoy the outdoors.

The waterfalls in San Diego are seasonal, and if you time your trips right, you will be rewarded with the thundering waterfalls plunging over the cliffs amidst beautiful lush forests, also blessed with abundant wildlife.

Whether you are camping, planning a weekend getaway to San Diego, looking for day trips from San Diego, or doing exciting hikes in and around the city, it is worth adding these waterfalls to your itinerary.

In this post, I share the details of all the beautiful waterfalls in San Diego, how to access them, the best time to visit, and some tips that will help you have a fantastic time chasing these gorgeous waterfalls and cascades as I did.

MOST POPULAR WATERFALLS IN SAN DIEGO

CONTENTS

LOS PENASQUITOS CREEK FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 30 minutes
Address – 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
Parking – Free Parking at Canyonside Community Park
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Prohibitions – Camping and loud music
Biking allowed – Yes
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 6.8 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 147 ft

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is spread across 4000 acres. It is home to Los Penasquitos Creek Falls, one of San Diego’s most well-known and oldest waterfalls, located about 30 minutes north of downtown.

It runs through a beautiful lush forest near the end of the loop trails on a volcanic spur in the heart of Penasquitos Canyon.

The waterfalls keep flowing throughout the year, and it is an excellent location to go if you’re seeking simple hikes to waterfalls in San Diego.

The trip to the Los Penasquitos Creek Falls is relatively straightforward and ideal for practically all types of hikers because the pathways are straight and well marked.

You may be able to witness a wide variety of vegetation and unusual bird species.

You’ll need to do a 6.8-mile loop hike in roughly 2-3 hours, including stops for lunch and a few more hours for a full-day adventure to reach Penasquitos falls.

Since the hike is popular, expect to see many hikers and mountain bikers on the path. Bicycles are permitted on specified trails with a ten mph speed restriction.

This preserve, thankfully, is pet-friendly (dogs to be leashed). Keep an eye out for your fluffy chum as the park, however, is home to rattlesnakes, coyotes, and mountain lions.

Because of the popularity of this waterfall and preserve, I would recommend going here early on weekdays to avoid crowds.

You will have to pay $3 if you use the parking lot on Black Mountain Road.

Recommended – 10 Top Places To Watch Sunrise In San Diego

CEDAR CREEK WATERFALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 45 minutes
Address – 15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065, United States
Parking – No official parking lot. Visitors can park along the sides of the road.
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – $6 per permit for a group of five
Prohibitions – Camping, diving and alcohol
Biking allowed – No
Permits Required – Yes
Timings – 9 AM to 5 PM
Hiking Time – 6 to 8 hours
Distance – 3 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 1000 ft

Within the Cleveland National Forest, you will come across one of the largest waterfalls in San Diego, the Cedar Creek Waterfalls.

Cedar Creek cascades 80 feet over a cliff into the glittering waters, creating “Devil’s Punchbowl,” a tiny pool of water.

The trailhead for Cedar Creek Falls is located just east of Ramona, about 45 minutes from downtown San Diego.

The trek is around 3 miles long and is regarded as moderately tricky. I recommend not doing it between June and October due to the scorching heat.

Like the Three Sisters Falls trek, you’ll travel downwards to reach the foot of the falls and then strenuously climb your way up to the trailhead on an atypical hiking path.

Despite the hike to the falls being downhill, the first two miles may be taxing due to the lack of shade. The final mile offers shady towering trees and boulders, refuelling your energies.

Ensure you have enough energy bars, sunscreen, and water in your day pack.

Black oak trees, cottonwood trees, various wildflowers, little water brooks, and rattlesnakes off the beaten path are among the things to behold on this trek.

After a delightful downhill hike, you can spend some time swimming in Devil’s punchbowl.

I would suggest visiting this location just after it has rained in the spring or winter when the weather is moderate enough to trek without risking heat sickness.

If you are a bird lover, you might be able to glimpse some rare birds during the weekdays when the preserve is less crowded.

SOME THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO CEDAR CREEK FALLS

Hikers visiting Cedar Creek Falls are required to get a permit. The ticket costs $6 per group of five people and may be purchased here. There is no method for obtaining permissions on the spot.

I recommend double-checking permit availability and visiting hours ahead of time since the district rangers may temporarily restrict the trail in times of extreme heat.

OAK CANYON FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 30 minutes
Address – 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Parking – Free Parking at
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Biking allowed – No
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 2 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring, Fall and Winter
Elevation gain – 246 ft

Mission Trails Regional Park is spread over 5,700 acres, wooded with oak and sycamore trees and is located at a 30 minutes driving distance from San Diego.

Oak Canyon Falls, a seasonal cascade that plummets and crashes over a colourful cluster of metamorphic rocks in the upper parts of this gently undulating canyon, is located within the park.

You need to hike through the lush and tranquil Oak Canyon trail to reach these vibrant waterfalls in San Diego.

The 1.6 miles loop hike at an elevation gain of 300 feet is relatively flat and suitable for all hikers.

During the climb, you can see the remains of a dam built in the 1800s along the banks of the San Diego River.

The trail is one of the loveliest and most tranquil in the vast park, home to mountains and woods and native California coastal vegetation.

It connects Kwaay Paay Peak and South Fortuna Mountain with a succession of diminishing rapids running through the boulders of the San Diego River.

Between November and May is the best time to explore the park since you can see water gushing in the stream beds and falls. During the summer, they generally dry out.

The park is rather crowded on most weekends, especially when there is pleasant weather.

THREE SISTERS FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 1.2 hours
Address – Boulder Creek Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Parking – Free Parking at Canyonside Community Park
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Biking allowed – No
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 2 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 1047 ft

One of the prettiest and second most famous waterfalls in San Diego is the Three Sisters Falls, located within an hour’s drive from the city.

The falls get their name from the three main drops, and they are best observed after a heavy rainy season.

A two-mile multi-tiered hike is required to see the tumbling three sisters.

The trail will be relatively hot during the summer, and this is one of those hikes where you will have to climb steeper sections on the way back. So bring lots of water with you and remain hydrated.

You may also encounter narrow trails with little to no tree cover canopies at specific track points, making it more difficult and ideal for experienced hikers. I wouldn’t encourage bringing children.

You can also try swimming at the Three Sisters; it is refreshing.

Pet parents, ensure that your furry pals’ paws are protected from the heated trails.

I recommend starting your hike as early as possible during the day to beat the temperatures while on your way back and try avoiding weekends.

To get to the park’s parking lot, you’ll have to drive for around 8-miles on an unpaved road.

HORSETHIEF CANYON FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 45 minutes
Address – Forest Route 16S04, Alpine, CA 91901, United States
Parking – Available near the trailhead
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Biking allowed – No
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 3 to 4 hours
Distance – 1.7 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring, Fall and Winter
Elevation gain – 500 ft

Amidst the Pine Creek Wilderness area of Cleveland National Forest and on the east bank of Red Deer River is the Horsethief Canyon Falls, a famous waterfall in San Diego.

More than a fall, it is a cluster of cascades that pool into the stunning plunge at the juncture of Pine Valley Creek and Horsethief Canyon.

The name stems from a tale that says robbers utilized this place to hide stolen horses for illegal commerce between the United States and Canada.

This location is also well-known for its prehistoric fossil discoveries.

Trek the North dinosaur trail to access the falls. The fossils of a horned dinosaur were found a few years ago on this trail.

The hike is quite challenging, covering a total distance of 3.3 miles. This unmarked trail will take you through an adventurous hike into the canyons.

Especially during the downhill hike, you will get soaked in the twists and turns of the canyon, and it might get slippery as well when it pours heavily.

To get into the canyon, you’ll have to descend 500 feet. Make sure you get adequate rest along the road.

The beautiful canopies of cottonwoods and sycamores will be seen above and along the route.

Visit this location during fall, winter, or spring when the cascades are tumbling over the rocks.

Buy an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead.

COTTON CREEK FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 45 minutes
Address – 7408 Sunrise Hwy. Cleveland National Forest Pine Valley, CA 91962.
Parking – Available along both the roadsides
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Biking allowed – No
Permits Required – Yes, get the Cleveland National Forest adventure pass for $5 a day.
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 1.7 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring, Fall and Winter
Elevation gain – 500 ft

Cotton Creek Falls, a hidden beauty near the Cleveland National Forest’s Pine Valley, pours down Mt. Laguna’s downslope.

These famous waterfalls in San Diego is seasonal with hot and arid weather and is made up of several minor waterfalls and pools.

After a good snowfall atop Mt. Laguna, the melting snow creates a lovely white waterfall that rapidly fades away.

To get to the falls, hike 1.7-miles, roughly about 45 minutes, in the direction of Pine Valley towards the east of Central San Diego.

The hike is moderate, with an elevation gain of 500 feet. It gets more adventurous since you will have to traverse unmarked, cacti-grown, moss-covered pathways. I recommend carrying an offline map and a compass.

You might spot giant frogs, stunning wildflowers, and rare butterfly species on your way.

Because there are several tiny waterfalls on your descent, you may find it difficult to reach the significant falls, which flow from 15 feet.

You can have a picnic with friends and families and maybe even do some rock climbing since the rocks are mostly flat and smooth.

GREEN VALLEY FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 30 minutes
Address – 11842 California 79, Descanso, CA 91916
Parking – $10 for Parking at Green Valley campground parking when the campground is open
Pets – Not allowed
Entry Fee – Free
Permits Required – No
Prohibitions – No Smoking
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 0.4 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 550 ft

Green Valley Falls is located along Highway 79, midway between Julian and Descanso, in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and is one of the best waterfalls in San Diego.

The falls, flanked by manzanita trees that provide habitat for various birds, flow over large boulders to form a succession of tiny cascades and swimming pits along the pathways.

This beautiful waterfall is divided into Upper and Lower Green Valley Falls.

While the Upper Green Valley Falls cascade from roughly 10 feet along the boulders, the Lower Green Valley falls, located downstream of the main trail, runs across a vast expanse of layered rocks.

Both offer unique and breathtaking vistas.

If you’re searching for waterfalls in San Diego that are simple to get to, Green Valley Falls is one of them. It’s only a quarter-mile journey over flat terrain that gives beautiful views.

I recommend taking the hike from Green Valley to Paso Picacho to get to the falls. This hike is a 5.2-mile loop, but you may do a point-to-point hike straight to the waterfalls, located around 0.2 miles into the walk.

You may return on the same route or take a new road heading to the Fire Road, introducing you to newer flora and fauna.

You will find stone benches sheltered by massive Oak trees on your trail, where you can relax.

The falls flow all year, but you may witness a stunning white cascade gushing down in the spring and winter.

The Green Valley Campground is usually open from May to October.

If the Green Valley Campground is closed, you can take the Cuyamaca Rancho Eastside Trail, which will add another 2-miles to your hike.

LESS-VISITED WATERFALLS IN SAN DIEGO

MAIDENHAIR FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 2.5 hours
Address – 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Parking – Free parking at the trailhead off Montezuma Valley Road
Pets – Not allowed
Entry Fee – Free
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 6 to 7 hours
Distance – 2.5 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 1000 ft

Anza-Borrego State Park, the largest state park in California, is home to Maidenhair Falls, one of the popular waterfalls in San Diego and is located around 2.5 miles down on one of the park’s trails.

Interestingly the 20 feet high falls get their name from the lush maidenhair ferns that grow around them.

You should visit the falls after heavy rain to witness a paradise. The seasonal cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and maidenhair ferns is a visual treat.

To get to Maidenhair Falls, you must go via Hellhole Canyon Trail, a desert terrain that is a 9 km loop trail with a 1000 ft elevation gain near Borrego Springs, California. This journey is best made between October and May.

The trail is not as scary as its name sounds. In fact, the walk leads you through various pretty desert plants, including lavenders, Ocotillo shrubs, palm clusters, and even some reptiles.

The walk is excellent for birdwatching, and you may spot bighorn sheep at the summit.

The trail is rather hot, and some areas provide little to no shade. Ensure you have enough snacks, and water to enjoy the tranquil breeze of water flowing down this spectacular waterfall amid the desert’s blistering heat.

There are numerous tiny waterfalls en route to Maidenhair Falls. The best part of the hike is the opportunity to play in a pool formed at the base of the falls, an absolute delight after a strenuous hike and will refuel your energy.

THE KITCHEN CREEK FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 1 hour
Address – Pine Valley, CA 91962, United States
Parking – Parking
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Permits Required – No
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 1.8 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 750 ft

About 50 miles east of the city is The Kitchen Creek Falls, one of the beautiful waterfalls in San Diego, located along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cleveland National Forest.

The 3.6-mile loop hike to the falls is comparatively easier terrain with moderate elevation and is an ideal place for all types of hikers.

The trail is more family-friendly, with access to waterfalls and mini-pools of water. You will see wildflowers, and you may even spot some rare birds.

It might get humid and challenging only during the summers, so ensure you have first aid and other necessary supplies if you plan a hike during summer.

Dogs are allowed but are to be leashed.

BORREGO PALM CANYON FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 2 hours
Address – 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
Parking – $10 Parking per vehicle
Pets – Not allowed
Entry Fee – Free
Permits Required – No
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 1.7 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 700 ft

Borrego Palm Canyon falls, located in Anza-Borrego State Park, California’s largest state park, near Borrego Springs and is one of the historic waterfalls in San Diego.

The canyon can usually be seen with herds of bighorn sheep, and hence the name Borrego is bighorn sheep in Spanish.

The hike to the falls is mainly straight and easily accessible, with two trailheads.

The main route begins on the parking lot’s west side, a 3-mile roundtrip trail down to Borrego Palm Canyon.

The other route begins at the southern end, where you may view traditional open-air restrooms constructed by the conservation corps in the 1930s.

There are several small pretty cascades all along the trail. The easiest one to reach is a small stream that pours near the first palm grove.

This hike is a fantastic place for budding botanists and geologists. The trail offers a free brochure that helps identify various biological and historical desert fauna all along the path.

You will see palm groves, huge ocotillo plants, and desert lavenders that grow in rich alluvial soil. The wildflowers usually bloom after hefty rainfall.

HARPER’S CREEK FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 1.5 hours
Address – Descanso, CA 91916, United States
Parking – Available at Cuyamaca State Park
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – hours
Distance – 2.7 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 300 ft

One of the offbeat waterfalls in San Diego is Harper’s Creek Falls, a lesser-known cascade located approximately 2.75 miles down the East Side Trail within Cuyamaca State Park.

The fact that this is less known makes it a stunning waterfall trek. You will begin the hike at the visitor centre of the state park, towards the western edge and then move downhill to the East Side Trail.

All along the pathway, you will come across panoramic views along the pretty creekside and a major free-flowing stream that accompanies you.

The ideal time to visit is late winter or early spring, around December to March, when the waters are flowing.

BEST WATERFALLS IN SAN DIEGO (45+ MINUTES DRIVE)

WEIR TRAIL

Driving distance from San Diego – 1.5 hours
Address – 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129
Parking – $10 Parking
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 6.8 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 147 ft

If you are looking for something beyond the popular waterfalls in San Diego, add a hike on the Weir Trail to your trip.

Amidst the beautiful Palomar Mountain State Park is the Weir trail, which will lead you to a series of cascades at the end of the course rather than a single waterfall.

The trail is lovely, and it is likely to be less busy. You may take a day excursion to the low-lying cascades to relax.

Follow the Doane Valley Nature Trail and enjoy the alpine meadows on your way back. You may sight deers and skunks if you are lucky.

You can include the trail to Scott’s Cabin if you have some extra time. But it is a bit steeper than the Weir trail.

Also, it might be surprising for you to know that there is no cabin at the end of the trail but a pile of logs now where the place used to be.

EL SALTO FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 45 minutes
Address – El Salto Falls St, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Parking – Parking at Kohl’s Store Parking
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – $5
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 1 to 2 hours
Distance – 0.2 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 42 ft

Among the hidden waterfalls in San Diego is the El Sato Falls, tucked away at the base of Kohl’s parking lot on the borderline between Carlsbad and Oceanside.

Along with the entire Buena Vista Creek, this place is private property but is open to the public.

From roughly 20 feet, this sacred cascade falls into a magnificent base among gigantic stones, making it one of the serene waterfalls in San Diego.

If you love knowing more about fossils or prehistoric artefacts, the area around El Sato Falls is known for their Ice Age fossils, which you should check out.

Plans to construct a trail from the cascade to the river’s waves are also on the cards allowing people to jog along the shore.

MILDRED FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 1.45 hours
Address – California 92065, United States
Parking – You can park along both the sides of the road
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Permits Required – No
Prohibitions – Alcohol
Timings – 9 AM to 5 PM
Hiking Time – 4 to 5 hours
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 600 ft

One of the top attractions located in the Cleveland Forest area is the Mildred Waterfalls, the tallest straight drops waterfalls in San Diego.

This stunning fading waterfall cascades from around 300 feet and is best experienced after significant rain in San Diego County.

This waterfall travels through various echelons before dropping into the San Diego River basin, forming numerous small cascades.

The best part of this place is it can be seen from multiple angles from the Julian side of the trails towards Cedar Creek Falls.

To get to the top of the falls, you’ll have to climb via Ritchie Canyon, where you’ll be doing some short waylaying along the way from the right side of Eagle Peak Road, with spectacular views of rocky slopes and desert flora.

The place is most often guarded by rescue helicopters and is recommended for those who seek adventure.

ORTEGA FALLS

Driving distance from San Diego – 1.5 hours
Address – 33382, 32806 Ortega Hwy, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, United States
Parking – You can park along both the sides of the road
Pets – Allowed on a leash
Entry Fee – Free
Permits Required – Yes, Cleveland National Forest Adventure Permit
Timings – 8 AM to 6 PM
Hiking Time – 2 to 3 hours
Distance – 0.3 miles of hiking to reach the waterfall
Best Time to Visit – Spring and Winter
Elevation gain – 45 ft

Among the less-visited waterfalls in San Diego is Ortega Falls, located right off the Ortega Highway. It is a beautiful waterfall in the Santa Ana Mountains and is protected by the Cleveland National Forest.

The fading falls cascade from about 35 feet into a serene swimming pool. There is a rock amphitheatre on the premises, which adds to the beauty of the falls.

I recommend visiting the falls after heavy rainfall to relax in the pool at the base of the falls. Usually, the pool drys out in summer, making it a parched and stagnant place.

Start your hike from the trailhead, just off the highway, where you can partly see the falls at the beginning. Follow the route that leads up to the falls through the lengthy shrubs.

You can explore further downstream, which will lead you to a series of three pretty waterfalls.

Ortega falls is also a rock-climbing location and a picnic spot during the offseason. Its accessibility and easy hiking characteristics make it one of the most famous waterfalls in San Diego.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE WATERFALLS IN SAN DIEGO

Cell Service is not great everywhere – On some hikes to waterfalls in San Diego, there is limited or no cell service, so it is best to plan accordingly.

Download maps for offline use – Due to limited cell service and inaccurate GPS on some trails, it may be difficult to navigate. It is best to carry offline or physical maps wherever possible

Carry cash, and snacks – Some places may not accept credit cards, especially in parking lots. So carry cash. The same goes for snacks and drinks. Carry sufficient snacks like protein bars, fruits and nuts for munching as there are no amenities.

Check for road closures and forest fires – Due to forest fires, some trails get closed. It is best to check online for information about the current status of the hiking trails before you plan your trip. The same goes for roads if you are driving in the area.

Take the summer heat seriously – Many waterfalls lie within the dry interior, where summer temperatures may become extreme. Many do not consider how dangerous the heat can be as such, rescues due to dehydration and heat exhaustion during these times are common.

Avoid hikes in the afternoons – It is best to schedule your hike to the waterfalls in San Diego during the early morning hours(if you are still doing it during the summer), or avoid the hot months and go for the cooler days.

Author
Recent Posts

Reshma

Founder and Chief Editor at The Solo Globetrotter

Reshma is a digital content creator, storyteller, and history lover. She is the founder of The Solo Globetrotter, a site for solo travelers, female travelers wanting to travel independently, and those wishing to travel on a budget or go flashpacking. She has been traveling alone for over 6 years, currently having explored over 35+ countries. She prefers traveling slow and loves immersing in local experiences & culture, nature, hiking, festivals, and history. An Electronics Engineer turned Software Lead turned Solopreneur; she is specialized in SEO-based content curation and Pinterest Management.