Where is the trailhead for Three Sisters Falls?

The Three Sisters Falls trailhead is located on Boulder Creek Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070. The road to the trailhead is gravel and navigable by low-clearance 2WD vehicles, though it is often washboarded.

What gear should I bring for the Three Sisters Falls hike?

For the Three Sisters Falls hike, bring at least 1L of water (2L if it's hot), proper hiking footwear, and trekking poles to assist on the way back up. The trail can be rocky, and the temperatures can get quite high in the summer, so prepare accordingly.

Is there an optional extension to the Three Sisters Falls hike?

Yes, there is an optional extension to Eagle Peak, which adds about 3.3 miles and 750 feet of climbing to the hike, making the total distance about 7.7 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain.

What is the best time to visit Three Sisters Falls?

The best time to visit Three Sisters Falls is in the winter or after it rains when the falls are flowing. The area can be dry during drought periods, and summer temperatures can be extremely hot.

How difficult is the Three Sisters Falls hike?

The hike to Three Sisters Falls is a challenging downhill-first, uphill-back-out route. While the descent is easier, the climb back up can be strenuous, so be prepared for a difficult ascent after reaching the falls.

Can I swim at Three Sisters Falls?

Yes, you can swim or dip your feet in the pools at Three Sisters Falls, especially if the falls are flowing. Just be cautious around the water and avoid the upper falls, which are dangerous to access.

Are there any risks to be aware of during the Three Sisters Falls hike?

The main risks are dehydration and overheating, particularly in the summer. Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing, and take breaks as needed. Be cautious around the water, especially near the falls, and be aware of the steep terrain during the ascent.

Can I access Eagle Peak if the trail is closed?

Eagle Peak can sometimes be closed to protect peregrine falcons during their breeding season. Check the closure map before you go to confirm if the trail is open.

PLAY VIDEO

Hike Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 18, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 2-3 Hours
Total Climbing: 950 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: Leashed
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Cleveland National Forest

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

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 1 — The road to the trailhead is your standard dirt road.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 3 — Make sure you park in the trailhead lot. The areas around the parking lot are marked as "no parking."

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 4 — The worst part of the drive is the parking lot, which is severely rutted. Just drive slow, and you can navigate it.

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.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 6 — The trail starts at the far end of the parking lot.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 5 — If you look back from the parking lot you'll get nice views of Cuyamaca Peak, the second-highest peak in San Diego County.

Gear For the Hike

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 2 — In the summer, this area can get brutally hot. There are frequent rescues of people who haven't prepared. Don't be one of those people.

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.

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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.

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Elevation Profile

Hike Three Sisters Falls Eagle Peak Elevation — You'll have a steep descent to the falls. The last little section is slightly uphill. And then you do this in reverse to climb back out.

Hike Three Sisters Falls Eagle Peak Elevation Eagle Peak — If you continue to Eagle Peak, it's rolling in the beginning with a short and steep push to the summit ridge at the end.

3D Map

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 7 — In front of you is El Cajon Mountain, which some consider the hardest hike in San Diego.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 10 — The trail is wide and goes downhill along the ridge.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 11 — As you descend there are some side trails by the Engelmann oak trees. Keep going straight.

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.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 12 — The downhill gets steeper.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 14 — And then you reach the wood post at the important junction. Make the left here to hike down to the falls.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 15 — Sometimes you might find a primitive sign but the post seems to always be here.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 16 — Now you start hiking downhill, with Cuyamaca Peak looming above.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 17 — As you descend, look off to the right to catch glimpses of Three Sisters Falls.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 18 — At a little over a mile in you'll approach Sheep Camp Creek and then cross over it.

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

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 19 — The trail changes feel as it winds down along Sheep Camp Creek.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 20 — Then there's a short uphill.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 21 — And at the top, bear to the left to continue down toward Boulder Creek.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 23 — And now you'll see the trail winding down in front of you.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 22 — And you'll have your best views of all three falls as you approach.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 24 — When you get down to the creek you'll have a short climb up the rocky path.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 25 — And then you'll see the lower fall.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 26 — Walk out on the granite to enjoy the middle fall. This is a nice place to relax.

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.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 27 — From here, turn around and climb back out.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 28 — When you get back to the junction with the post, make the right to head back to the parking lot. If you want to bag Eagle Peak, make the left.

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.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 29 — Hike straight up the trail through the oaks.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 30 — And when you come around the bend, the trail curves to the right. The trail winds around and then goes up the ridge in the distance.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 31 — The trail has a short downhill. In the distance is Mt Gower, named for John Gower who first discovered gold in nearby Julian, kicking off a gold rush there. It was called Black Horse Mountain before that.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 32 — At the bottom of the hill you go through an area that's full of plants and trees. The trail is always easy to follow.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 33 — And then you start climbing up the rocky slopes.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 34 — There are great views down into the canyon where Boulder Creek is. In the back is Viejas Mountain.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 35 — When you get toward the first false summit, keep right to continue.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 36 — And then you'll see the summit in the distance.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 37 — When you reach the big pile of rocks, you're at the summit.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 38 — There's a summit marker placed here in 1939.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 39 — You have great views down to the San Diego River valley.

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 41 — And into the peaks of Mission Park like Iron Mountain (left) and Mt Woodson (right), home of Potato Chip Rock.

Cedar Creek Falls Trail Directions 12 — FYI here's what Eagle Peak (the pointy one on the right) looks like from the other side (at the start of the Cedar Creek Trail).

Three Sisters Falls Hike Directions 42 — And that's the hike, just go back the way you came from here!