5 of the Best Waterfall Hikes in San Diego County

Cedar Creek Falls tumbling into Devil's Punchbowl in 2016.Author's own image (Mike Peterson)

San Diego has a number of waterfalls spread throughout its county. While they're not quite the tumbling behemoths you might find in the Pacific Northwest or Yosemite National Park, they're much more accessible to those living in or visiting San Diego.

Most, but not all, of the waterfalls in San Diego require a hike to access. With that in mind, here are my five favorite waterfalls in the region, organized from easiest to hardest.

5. Green Valley Falls

If you want to see a waterfall in San Diego County while camping, Green Valley Falls is your option. Located in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Green Valley Falls is located a very short hike away from the Green Valley Campground. Unlike the rest of San Diego, the area is also reasonably lush with vegetation.

Keep in mind that campsites can go quickly during the summer months, so you'll probably want to reserve one well in advance. Even if you don't have a campsite, you can still park and explore the surrounding area -- but you'll need to pay a day-use fee.

Directions here. Day-use information can be found here.

4. Los Penasquitos Falls

For an easy waterfall hike that's great for the entire family, Los Penasquitos Falls is a good option. The surrounding Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve has plenty of natural beauty, including lots of shade cover and a perennial river.

Most importantly, unlike some of the other hikes on this list, getting to Los Penasquitos Falls is pretty trivial. While there are miles of trails to choose from, there's not a lot of incline here. You also won't be out in San Diego's backcountry. Because of that, it's an excellent choice for families or less experienced hikers. It's dog-friendly, too!

Directions here.

3. Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is likely the most popular waterfall hike in the San Diego area. The falls themselves plunge about 80 feet into a natural pond dubbed the "Devil's Punchbowl." While you'll need a recreation permit to hike the trail, the falls and punchbowl are a great place to relax after a downhill venture.

Keep in mind that it is a downhill hike -- you'll need to hike back up to get to your car. There's also very little shade on the trail itself, so while the falls might be refreshing, the Forest Service discourages anyone from hiking in the warmer summer months.

Directions here. Permits can be purchased here.

2. Maidenhair Falls

Tucked away in a literal oasis in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park lies Maidenhair Falls. It's a 5.5-mile desert hike that requires a bit of rock scrambling at the end, but the destination is well worth it. Unlike the surrounding environment, the falls are located in a lush canyon complete with palm trees.

Keep in mind that this is a desert hike. Temperatures can soar into the triple digits during the warmer months, so I highly recommend going in the winter or fall. Even then, the desert can be surprisingly hot. It's absolutely critical that you bring enough water.

Directions here.

1. Three Sisters Falls

Three Sisters Falls is a well-known waterfall hike in the Cleveland National Forest. It's 4.1 miles to the bottom of a valley area, which features three cascading waterfalls. The falls aren't the only attraction here -- the entire area is stunningly beautiful, particularly in the spring.

As with the Devil's Punchbowl trail, it's a hike down to the falls, so you'll need to hike back up on the way out. Rationing water is important. Also, keep in mind that the trail can be pretty technical and precarious. At points, it's extremely narrow with a steep drop. The falls are worth it, however, and a great place for an adventurous picnic.

Directions here. (The road can be rough at times, so a higher-clearance vehicle is a good idea.)