Is swimming allowed at Cedar Creek Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Cedar Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Cedar Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cedar Creek Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cedar Creek Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Cedar Creek Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $6.00. A permit is also required. A permit is required to hike to Cedar Creek Falls. Permits can be obtained online through the Cleveland National Forest website and cost $6 per group.

California • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Cleveland National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Konabish ~ Greg Bishop CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

trevorgerzen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

6.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,000 ft

About Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Cleveland National Forest near Julian, California. It features a dramatic 80-foot drop into a natural pool known as the 'Devil's Punchbowl.' The waterfall is most impressive during the spring after seasonal rains.

The Setting

Cedar Creek Falls sits at 997 feet within Cleveland National Forest, in the foothills of California. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard hike follows San Diego River Gorge Trail (#2E04), a 6.6-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,000 feet of elevation gain with grades of 8-10%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

SAN DIEGO RIVER GORGE TRAIL #2E04

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

8-10%

USFS Segment

0.10 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging out-and-back hike with significant elevation changes. The descent to the falls is steep, and the return hike involves a strenuous uphill climb. The trail is exposed with little shade, so hikers should prepare for hot conditions, especially in summer.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cedar Creek Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $6.00
Permit required
A permit is required to hike to Cedar Creek Falls. Permits can be obtained online through the Cleveland National Forest website and cost $6 per group.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cedar Creek Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring fall winter

The best time to visit is in the spring when the waterfall is flowing strongly after seasonal rains. Fall and winter are also good times to visit due to cooler temperatures.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Fall, and Winter. Check with Cleveland National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail is exposed with little shade, so heat-related illnesses are a significant risk. Bring plenty of water and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. Cell phone reception is limited, so inform someone of your plans before starting the hike.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0 1 7 18

Based on 69 years of record

3.69 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SWEETWATER R NR DESCANSO CA

USGS 11015000

12.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 45 sq mi

Altitude: 3,272 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near San Diego Country Estates hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Cedar Creek Falls can be accessed via the trailhead at Thornbush Road in Ramona, California. The trailhead is approximately a 45-minute drive from San Diego.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the Thornbush Road trailhead. Parking is limited, and a permit is required to park and hike.

Elevation

997 feet above sea level

Coordinates

32.989492° N, -116.730300° W

Land Management

Cleveland National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially during warmer months. Bring plenty of water (at least 3 liters per person) and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Be aware that the return hike is uphill and can be physically demanding.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 6.6 miles trail gains 1,000 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

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.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

EL PRADO GROUP

17.4 miles away · 5 sites

Reservable

Overview El Prado Group Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.Recreation The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segmen

Book on Recreation.gov