Is swimming allowed at Mildred Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mildred Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s

Mildred Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mildred Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Mildred Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

slworking2 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Mildred Falls

Tucked into the rolling chaparral slopes east of Julian, Mildred Falls is a seasonal drop in the Cleveland National Forest that puts on its best show after heavy winter rains and the spring snowmelt. The cascade can be dramatic when water is flowing, but the falls are often reduced to a trickle or dry out through the late summer and fall — plan your visit for the wet season if you want to see it at its peak. The setting is intimate and a little wild, making it a rewarding short outing for hikers who enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-path features in San Diego County. Access to the falls is via a short, 1.5-mile out-and-back route from the nearest trailhead, with about 300 feet of elevation gain. The hike is rated moderate: the trail is unimproved in spots with rocky, uneven tread and occasional overgrowth, so sturdy footwear and a bit of route-awareness go a long way. Because the area is managed by the Cleveland National Forest, expect a natural, low-impact experience rather than heavily developed amenities.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Cedar Creek Falls (80 ft) lies 1.9 miles to the southwest.

Cedar Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail: 1.5 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with approximately 300 ft elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The route follows a short natural dirt path that shifts between gentle grades and steeper pitches—an average grade that feels moderate given the overall gain. Surface is predominantly dirt with rocky sections, loose rock, and occasional brush; the tread is uneven in places and the path is not consistently maintained. No technical scrambling or climbing is required, but hikers should be prepared for rocky steps and short, steeper sections. Standard day-hike gear and sturdy footwear are recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mildred Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mildred Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

winter spring

The best time to visit is during the winter and early spring, particularly after heavy rains or snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Winter and Spring.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery after rain, and there is limited shade, so hikers should prepare for sun exposure. Always check weather conditions before visiting, as flash flooding can occur in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Based on 69 years of record

3.34 ft

Water depth at gauge

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

13.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 45 sq mi

Altitude: 3,272 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SWEETWATER R NR DESCANSO CA (22 km away).

Moderate confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in April.

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 San Diego Country Estates 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 221 feet of descent through Mildred Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,280 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 81 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 91 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mildred Falls near San Diego Country Estates, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mildred Falls near San Diego Country Estates, California, showing about 221 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,280 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 221 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mildred Falls can be accessed via a trailhead near the town of Julian. The trail begins near the Cedar Creek Falls trailhead, but visitors should confirm directions as signage may be limited.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Cedar Creek Falls trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak times. Visitors should check for any parking fees or restrictions.

Elevation

2,283 feet above sea level

Coordinates

33.014213° N, -116.714744° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after a period of rain for the best chance to see the waterfall flowing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as shade is limited.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 1.5 miles and 300 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

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

LAGUNA

17.9 miles away · 97 sites

Reservable

Overview Laguna 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 segment of the

Book on Recreation.gov