LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Bonita Falls
California • 160 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Bonita Falls
Bonita Falls is a stunning 160-foot waterfall located in the San Bernardino National Forest, near Lytle Creek, California. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Southern California and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
The Setting
Bonita Falls sits at 3,327 feet within San Bernardino National Forest, in the mountains of California. At 160 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 160 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Chaparral Neighborhood (#6W03), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over pavement. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 0-5%. The trail is fully developed (Class 5).
USFS Trail
CHAPARRAL NEIGHBORHOOD #6W03
Trail Class
Fully Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.81 miTrail Description
The trail to Bonita Falls is relatively short but can be challenging due to uneven terrain and the need to cross a creek. The path is not officially maintained, so hikers should be prepared for rocky sections and potential navigation challenges. The waterfall is located in a scenic canyon surrounded by lush vegetation.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 160 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is paved and may be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Contact the managing agency to confirm current conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bonita Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
An Adventure Pass is required for parking in the area. It can be purchased at local vendors or online.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bonita Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Bonita Falls, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with San Bernardino National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail is unmaintained and can be slippery or unstable in places. Be cautious when crossing the creek, especially after rain. Graffiti and litter are common in the area, so watch for broken glass or other hazards. Always carry enough water and avoid hiking alone.
Current Water Conditions
35 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 107 years of record
3.16 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge LYTLE C NR FONTANA CA (5 km away).
Today
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
34 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late March, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lytle Creek hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 429 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 160 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,399 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 284 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 251 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,399 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 429 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bonita Falls is accessed via the Bonita Falls Trailhead, located off Lytle Creek Road. The trailhead is unmarked but can be found near a dirt parking area. Visitors will need to cross a creek and follow an unofficial trail to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available in a dirt lot near the trailhead. An Adventure Pass is required to park in the area, which can be purchased at local stores or online.
Elevation
3,327 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.230285° N, -117.504773° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Be cautious when crossing the creek, especially after rainfall.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 1.5 miles and 200 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Fontana
Ayres Hotel Rialto Fontana
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ontario Airport
Holiday Inn Ontario Airport - California by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Lytle Creek - Cajon Pass Recreation Area
1.4 miles away · 0 sites
Includes the Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Canyon, Cajon Pass, and City Creek areas. Also includes the Cucamonga and Sheep Mountain Wilderness Areas.
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Riverside, California on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Wilderness, and other hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, lizards, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes, especially during warmer months.
Cities near Bonita Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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