Cedar Creek Falls Trail Guide
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 6 miles (9.7 km) |
Hike Time | 3 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Moderate |
Total Ascent (?) | 1,180 feet (360m) |
Highest Elevation | 1,830 feet (558m) |
Fees & Permits | Permit Needed |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Cleveland National Forest |
Park Phone | 858-673-6180 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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Cedar Creek Falls Trail is one of San Diego’s most popular hikes. The trail offers epic views of the San Diego River Gorge before you arrive at Cedar Creek Falls, almost the perfect waterfall, plunging 80 feet down into a bowl-shaped pool of clear water. It’s such a popular hike that you need a permit to do it. The extra work is worth it though, the experience is magical, but you need to avoid the crowds if you can. In this guide I’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the best of this hike.
Where is Cedar Creek Falls?
There are a couple of routes to Cedar Creek Falls, and this guide outlines the most popular route from Ramona. The drive to the trailhead can be confusing; you’ll drive through a residential neighborhood that looks like it just dead-ends into a cul-de-sac. Keep going and you’ll find the San Diego River Gorge trailhead at the end. Use this trailhead address:
15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065




How to get a Permit for Cedar Creek Falls

Getting a permit for the hike is relatively easy, visit the trail page on Recreation.gov, select your date and group size, and pay. As you might expect, weekends can fill up and weekdays are usually wide opens. Every day they let 75 groups in, and groups can have up to 5 people in them. Volunteers or rangers will generally check permits at the trailhead, or at the falls.
It’s recommended that you print the permit and bring that with you. People who can’t pull it up on their phone (battery dies, etc.) will get a citation. Bring a photo ID as well.
And you might be asking, why a permit? The hike was always popular, and there are postcards of the spot dating to early 1900s. The area made a resurgence in the 2000s. Lots of people came, they weren’t respectful at the trailhead, trashed the trail, and partied at the falls. After a person died jumping off the falls, the area was closed. Today the trail is rebuilt and the permit system keeps access in check. I wouldn’t be surprised if more trails go in this direction as hiking becomes more popular.
When to Hike to Cedar Creek Falls
When you’re deciding on a time to visit, know that the falls are typically dry by the end of the summer, the pool dries up, and the heat is oppressive. The sweet spot is winter and spring when the hills are green, temperatures are reasonable, water is flowing, and the pool is full. Unless you leave before dawn, expect to share the falls with other groups of people who may be loud.
When the temperatures are extreme, the Forest Service can close the trail down. They also recommend not doing the hike if the forecast is over 90F.
Gear For the Hike
If you have hiking gear, it will be helpful on the Cedar Creek Falls Trail. The second best would be fitness clothes. Here’s what I would recommend.
- Trekking poles will help cross the streams.
- Sometimes when the water is really flowing, the stream crossings can be up to your knees.. But most of the time you can just hop across the rocks. I wear breathable trail runners that can get wet and then dry quickly.
- You’ll want at least 1L of water, and if it’s hot, 2L.
- The hike is mainly exposed. You need sun protection.

Cedar Creek Falls Trail Maps
Being a popular and permit-accessed route, the Cedar Creek Falls Trail is straightforward to follow and navigate. There are plenty of signs letting you know where you are. The biggest challenge is that the hike to the falls is downhill, and you have to climb about 1100 feet on your way out.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File


Elevation Profile

3D Map

Cedar Creek Falls Hike Directions
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When you’re at the falls, you are allowed to swim, but you aren’t allowed to climb up the sides, jump off the cliff, or drink alcohol. Please be respectful of the area and your fellow hikers. People came here to enjoy the natural beauty, not to hear other people play their music or talk loudly.

This guide last updated on February 3, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.