Hike Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 4.4 miles (7.1 km) |
Other Options | 7.7 w/Eagle Peak Extension |
Hike Time | 2-3 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Moderate |
Total Ascent (?) | 950 feet (290m) |
Highest Elevation | 2,930 feet (893m) |
Fees & Permits | Free |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Cleveland National Forest |
Park Phone | 760-788-0250 |
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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Tucked away in a hidden canyon within Cleveland National Forest, the hike to Three Sisters Falls is remote, spectacular, and fun. Boulder Creek cascades down three smooth granite levels, the “three sisters,” and leaves fresh pools where you can swim, dip your feet in, or just enjoy the vibe. I’ve also included an optional hike extension to Eagle Peak, a stunning summit that dominates the landscape around the area, including the San Diego River valley.
The best time to visit is in the winter or after it rains. Three Sisters Falls can be dry.
Where is Three Sisters Falls?
Getting to the trailhead is half of the fun as you travel down Boulder Creek Road, which is gravel. It’s doable by low-clearance 2WD vehicles, but does have many washboarded sections. Use this trailhead address:
Three Sisters Falls Trailhead, Boulder Creek Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070



This is an extremely popular hike. If you arrive later in the morning, the parking lot may be full already. I’ve arrived shortly after sunrise and had it to myself. The best times are very early or later in the afternoon.


Gear For the Hike

The best time to hike here is in the cooler months or early in the morning before it gets hot. Bring at least 1L of water, 2L if it’s very hot. If you like to use trekking poles, they’ll be helpful on the way back up from the falls. There’s no scrambling, but some sections are rocky. If there’s water in the falls, you can also take a dip, so plan accordingly.
Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak Maps
Note that this hike is a “downhill first, climb back out” experience, just like hikes into the Grand Canyon. It’s much easier to hike downhill to the falls than it is to hike back out. You need to plan on doing the bulk of the work when you hike back out.
In years past this hike was considered very challenging, with some boulder scrambles and sketchy rope sections. Today the trail is rebuilt and rerouted, and you are able to just hike the whole way. There are no sketchy sections on this hike.
And if you fitness allows, I highly recommend adding on the side trip to Eagle Peak, which you can combine with a trip to the falls. I’ve included directions in the video and photos below. The Eagle Peak extension adds about 3.3 miles and 750 feet of climbing, making it about 7.7 miles with 1700 feet of climbing total.
Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile


3D Map

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions





Engelmann oak trees are one of the few native trees found in San Diego county. Native peoples harvested the acorns from these oaks. Today they’re an increasingly rare sight as suburban development encroaches on wilderness.






From 1870 to 1900 sheep herding was one of the industries in this area.








There’s not an easy way to get to the upper fall and it’s discouraged by the Forest Service. Be smart and stay safe.


Optional Eagle Peak Hike
Eagle Peak can sometimes be closed to protect peregrine falcons breeding areas. I’ve noticed that the closures sometimes don’t include the trail, but sometimes may. Check the website and closure map before you go.














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.