Great view but be prepared for quite steep slope and rocky road in the creek base. The wsterfall has no water in Decemver.

Nice but a bit boring hike. Only three final destination is cool. Whenever there is water. The pond is always there though.

The hike was really nice, solid 2.5 miles down to the falls. It was raining when I went so it definitely wasnt too hot or the hike back up would get to be a bit more challenging. The falls are awesome right now, definitely a lot better flow than theres been in a while. This trail gets to be pretty busy around noon so plan accordingly and make sure you have plenty of water.

Hidden gem near San Diego. 6 mile round trip hike to the falls. 3 mile hike down requires more intense 3 mile hike back up to get out of the canyon. The falls make an oasis with energetic young people in late afternoon with a natural pool to swim in. Recommended to hike down while its hot and back up an hour or so before sunset.

Love this hike. Not even from the area. Drove over an hour to get here. But WORTH IT. get a hiking permit ahead of time online, which is for up to 5 people. You need it to hike. Check point at beginning. Bring plenty of water. Expect about a 1 hour hike down to the bottom as it downhill. Uphill takes a little longer, up to 1.5 hours. Save some water for the way back.Lovely waterfall and water area at the end. Swimming, jumping off rocks, tanning. Very lovely hidden gem !

Great hike. Start early because its 3 miles downhill and 3 miles back all uphill.

E A S Y hike. This is an easy out and back ~5 mile hike. Bring H2O there is little shade except the last 1/4 mile. Beautiful panoramic views all around. Its mostly dry unless you go after a heavy rain, so dont expect to see much of a waterfall. Overall its a great area to hike around with beautiful scenery and nicely maintained trails. Keep it clean by packing out what you bring in... My rule of thumb is always pick up at least one piece of trash on ur hike! Respect it dont neglect it!

Such an awesome hike. Make sure to get a permit before you go. Also... there was a rattlesnake sighting, so bring leashes for your dogs. Waterfall is flowing and flowers are blooming. Take plenty of water... is already starting to get hot. We started the hike at 7am. PS... theres now 3 river crossings, but theyre pretty easy to stay dry.

Very lovely hike. Leave early in the morning to avoid the heat.

One of the best waterfall hikes in southern California. Make sure to bring lots of water and get your permit before you go. Go in the spring when the water us flowing and the flower are in bloom.

Its a decent hike, 3 miles in each direction with a large altitude change. However it is worth it. The water is cold and clean. Due to the hike its mostly young people that go. Please take your trash with you.

Great hike and the water served as a very refreshing swim. Make sure you pack in at least a gallon of water and you get a permit before you come.

Great hike. Beautiful scenery and perfect weather (Dec31st). Be sure to get a permit to hike to the falls. Cost me $6 for myself and two kids. Even though there was no-one at the entry desk due to the government shutdown, I wouldnt want to face a fine for not getting a permit.There were a few dogs on the trail, and we saw some horse shoe tracks too. So one a busy day you will see plenty of domestic animals on the trail. This late in the year we saw no wildlife beyond a few birds.Take water on the hot days and use the many wooden benches on the trail to keep from overheating.

I hiked here right after it had rained, so the waterfall was at its full potential. I recommend you avoid going during summer since there isnt much shade and it gets really hot and dont forget to get your permit for the day!

Outstanding. Be sure to get your permit before you leave. I think it would about $15 for a small group. Easy walk down, but challenging return. Very much worth the view at the fall. If you’re brave enough, you can swim at the bottom of the fall. Be sure to bring water! You may get your feel wet walking over the two small streams because the rocks become slippery.

Incredible desert canyon feel on solid hike to a breath taking 80ft waterfall. Killer jumping spots, technically not allowed, though no one to say no. Not as deep as youd hope, might hit bottom with a pencil dive, 15-20ft deep, open up underwater quickly and youre all good, even did some low angle dives. Such a great experience and kind thoughtful people along the way. Seriously bring more water than you think. You will not want to leave as soon as you thought, and the way back is uphill 3 miles in desert conditions. Loved it!!!

This trail is a 1000 ft down then back up change with views of local mountains and tree lined water-runoff valleys. The falls area at the mid-point of the hike was gorgeous. Unfortunately, there was no water running when we were there, but the rock colors and reflections were beautiful. We went in early November and the weather was great for a hike; cool and sunny. Summer days it must get hot! Look at the All Trails app to see the incline change; it is a nearly 2 mile incline of 1000 ft down to the falls. Most of the hike is in the open, but there are trees in the San Diego river bed and area near and at the falls.

BE SURE TO GET YOUR PASSES BEFORE YOU GO! they will not let you in if you did not get your passes online first (& i dont think you can just buy the the same day either). Also bring your photo ids. This is a great hike that is not too difficult, but bring plenty of water and watch out for snakes. We didnt see any but I know they can be prevented at times. Hopefully the waterfall is pumping when you go, though apparently it can get polluted if its been raining heavily (saw that in another photo). We went late March on a Sunday at 2pm perfect weather, not many ppl, & plenty of time to hang at the falls & get back by sunfall.

This is a beautiful Hike it’s very easy and not as strenuous as many people will say. The Waterfall is amazing and beautiful - I’ suggest to go after the rains so you will be able to enjoy the flowing of the waterfalls -And don’t forget your permit with out it they won’t let you hike this trail - there’s two rangers at the entrance checking and asking for this.

We went last weekend after the rains. Started at 8:00, do not go later than that! This was a cool day for San Diego, and coming back up it still got pretty warm. We saw the waterfall due to the fact that it has rained last week, so it was definitely worth it.

Get your permit before you go, its $6 @ recreation.gov, no cell service, and you need a printed copy. Its a great hike, well maintained trail, with little shade until the bottom. Waterfall was flowing when we went. It only lost a star for the seniors hanging out at the top who were in better shape than me!

Did not know you need a permit to see the waterfall. View and hike was alright it wouldve been better if we had gone see the waterfall.

This is a lovely Trail! The area has been upgraded with a parking area bathrooms on garbage cans. It is a quick hike less than 5 miles. However the waterfall is lovely.

This is an amazing hike! You must have a permit, paid online, since they only allow a set amount of hikers on the trail. It is down hill the whole way there to the falls and the up hill hike back is moderate. So beautiful!!

Loves the hike. The hike starts downhill upto 3/4 of the trail..and then flat upto the falls. Its around 3 miles one way to the falls.

Lovely falls. Well worth the $6 reservation, drive, and moderate hike

Great hike....took a few hours but..worth the view,hike,and the swimming hole...great jumping into it..even better..

Beautiful place! The falls were mesmerizing! We went early since parking gets full quickly. They only allow 75 people so parking is limited. We ended up doing the trail the Falls and then on the way back hit up Saddleback Trail. We were clocked at 10.3 miles al.around for both trails. If you do go, make sure you purchase a permit online at recreation.gov and bring a print out with you! Remember that there is not very much shade so bring plenty of water for you and your pets! Happy Hiking my friends!

This is a fairly dangerous hike takes about an hour and a half to two hours to get all the way down there to take you more longer than that to get out in the last hour or two straight uphill without any shade. Otherwise awesome hike careful when going shortly after rains as you have to cross the creek bed youll end up rather muddy last 20-30 minutes.

This hike was amazing. We went after a heavy downpour of rain so the falls were full and so amazing. Definitely recommend checking it out, especially after rain.

Beautiful waterfall but the hike there is horrible especially with hot sun as the sand burns the shoes and theres only shade at the falls id suggest take an umbrella, wear proper shoes and alot of water its a 6 mile hike round trip

The Trailhead guide was very nice, even took his trump hat off to talk to us. He was well informed but had no idea about the black bear. He had great customer service and it was a nice day out with beautiful views. Unfortunately, the falls were dry

This place is great for walks and just come to relax!

Easy hike and beautiful view. Make sure to buy permit online and do not go when is too hot outside.

Recommend you do this around fall it was extremely hot around 98 degrees and this made the hike more difficult

Though the trail may be beautiful, the amount of common sense shared with the employees combined bay be compared less than of a rock.Group denied entrance due to the permit having the names listed as proof of purchase... but the number at the top never added the names. Obviously mistake made by the website and even with screenshots of the proof of names added the only response we had was sorry bud-good trail-terrible staff

Nice place, bring lots of water during summer. Not bad...

Parking Lot available though can get crowded during peak times, great hike. Bathroom facilities are available.

Personally i love that they have permitted this hike and only allow so many people on trail. With all the social media all the waterfall hikes have gotten crazy busy especially on Saturdays. I still picked up 5 pieces of trash so people really need to be aware ! Great little hike into canyon lots and lots of wildflowers on 2/25/17 . Tons of water at falls . It was a blessing to see... what wasnt a blessing was the dirty toilet at trailhead.. with no TP. Hello thats another reason we pay for our passes !!

Breathtaking viewsI took 2 exedrin before the hike, super easy going down. Forgot I packed a couple more for the way back so it was rough on the ol knees& back&shoulders going uphill with backpack of water. Brought lots of water. Smart. Bring LOTS of water and then a little bit more. Heavy but worth it. Plus, it will encourage you to drink it!

Beautiful hike...can wait for some rain.

Nice hike, not too hard and a beautiful pool and waterfall.

No swimming. Or jumping off the rocks.

Wow, the host was talkative and fairly condescending. Great trail and waterfall but very few shade areas on the hot dusty trail. Dont attempt this hike if youre a novice hiker or out of shape, its a serious workout.

Take plenty of drinking water for hike back up from the falls. It was 81 degrees when we finished at 1 pm. Today we had to cross the stream three times before the falls. We took water shoes for this part and walked through the knee deep water. The big rocks and logs move. I have a knee injury that cant handle shaky ground. I took an expensive camera that I didnt want to get wet. A 20 something fell in crossing the logs on the way down. Dont forget to print your permit with your name on it. The group before us printed a blank permit. It detained their start by about 20 minutes. Last year there was only a wet spot on the rock of this 80 waterfall. Today was awesome!!! Did this hike almost the same day 2 years in a row. This is a strenuous hike. It is a peak hike.

Nice hike take a gallon of water per person during summertime you will definitely need it especially going up. Once you get to the bottom it feels wonderful to jump into the cool water .

Nice hike! Kids loved it because of the water crossings and waterfall at the end. Great day adventure. Best in early spring when there is more water.

Very popular, not super hard technically and a great reward for completion. Very hard in summer and warmer months, and also less waterfall when it gets drier. The walk requires a permit so plan ahead and it also books put quickly.

This is a great trail in the winter spring and fall. This is not a fun or enjoyable trail in June, July or August. People and pets die while hiking this trail during the heat of summer. Its not worth it during summer. Wait till the winter rains bring flowing waterfalls and wildflowers.

Cedar Creek Fallsn itself was beautiful, though crowded and difficult to get to. There is very minimal shade on the hike to the falls. It is all downhill to the waterfall, but uphill on the way back. It is not an easy trek if you are new to exercise. Bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and UV resistant clothing and a hat. In my opinion, the hike was not worth seeing the falls. Not for the heat, view of the area or the amount of people there clustered by the pool.

A great place to go hiking, the distance is quite long from the trailhead, but it is worth it and the landscape is beautiful

Falls were dry by you could still swim in the pool and very beautiful

Fun waterfall and pool, definitely a great destination

Intense heat! 2lt min x per. $10 permit up to 5 person per permit.

Make sure you bring a ton of water. This trail is more difficult than people believe. I live very close to this trail head and have hiked it on a number of occasions. I also see the rescue helicopters having to rescue jumpers and dehydrated hikers. It gets very hot in the summer. Bring lots of water, dont bring animals and kids not fit or interested in hiking.

Fun trail! But you better have some stamina, a gallon of fresh drinking water, a good snug comfy pair of hiking suites/ boots, a camera, and an eager heart. Stay on the trail and enjoy! Other notes: pee before you go. There are no toilets here. The permit costs around $6. #nature #daytrip #exploreoutside

Love hiking here in spring when full of water and get to wade barefoot through three streams that run over the path. Although water very cold at this time so if you want to swim, its only for the brave. Water clear and not yet grossified by the summer crowd. This place has gotten so popular there is no a regulator to get in. You have to sign in at top of trial. This is good because it preserves the trial and presiding nature around it. However Im bummed that this place it is no longer as quiet as it once was. Since Instagram and Snapchat and all those, people have been coming here not for the nature but for the, well, social media?? Theres been less respect for the environment. And more obsession with selfies.Im glad people are out hiking. I just hope they are looking beyond themselves too.

Very nice hike. Medium difficult - specially while coming back. Must take 1 gallon of water per hiker.

Great time walking in and out. IF YOU ARE NOT FIT DO NOT DO IT till it cools off.

Amazing! Not easy hike out though.

Good hikes

Really beautiful area, the falls are incredible. Worth the hike down and back.

Great challenge for those looking for a little more than just a stroll in the park. Of course bring water and a hat as there are many spots along the trail without shade or resting places. There is a waiver fee that warns of dehydration. The trail offers a great view for those who hike along here or for those that want to stay at the entrance of the hike to look at the view.

Gorgeous trails..

Friend and I hiked to The Devils Punch Bowl, but we found out too late it required a permit. We got lucky some girls had extra room in their party! Make sure to check that out online if you want to hike here.Otherwise, this was one of my favorite hikes while I was in town! Its really beautiful being surrounded by all of mountains and the waterfall was beautiful! Rangers showed up just after noon or so to check permits.Came here after Potato Chip Rock and the hike back up whooped my ass! Make sure you bring plenty of water or a drink with electrolytes! Sun shines really bright here!

Moderate level hike. Definitely worth going. Took me about 2 hrs to complete the hike round trip. Its about 3 miles one way. YOU NEED A PERMIT TO GO ON THE HIKE. This can only be bought online or over the phone. When I went to the hike at around 10am on a Saturday, there was a ranger at the trailhead to check if you had a permit. Theres no shade for a majority of the hike so make sure you have sunscreen, plenty of water and a hat. If the weather is too hot the ranger will not allow any dogs on the trail.

What a pleasant surprise to find a hike outside of Ramona with such a beautiful valley and treat at the bottom of the valley!

This place is awesome! Its a little hidden, so if you find yourself driving through a residential area dont be alarmed youre on the right track. Parking is free, HOWEVER, if you wish to proceed on the trail for the last 1/2 mile to reach the waterfall then you must purchase a day permit (weird setup but whatever its only $10). There are restrooms at the trailhead you can use and staff thatll advise you on what to expect.I hiked it carrying my 11 month old in an Osprey baby carrier and the return trip worked out my legs.Overall, the hike isnt too strenuous if you exercise at least twice a week but if youre a couch potato I would I advise you start elsewhere. The most challenging part of this hike isnt the uphill struggle on the way back but rather the heat and sun exposure all throughout.As another reviewer stated, either here or yelp, go after its rained because there was no fall when I was there. Arrive early to avoid getting skin cancer and take plenty of water.Enjoy the hike!

Stunning hike that will take anywhere from 2-3 hours there and back depending on if you want to swim at Devils Punchbowl. No a whole lot of shade on the trail, but worth the refreshing swim at the end! Bring plenty of water and a snack. Oh and a camera as well. The views are amazing!

I just hiked (05/24/18) and there wasnt a lot of water running down. Enough to make the waterfall sound, but not a bunch. I still give this hike 5 stars, besides the water snake I saw in the pond. I still jumped off the boulder into the pond and climbed to the tree to swing on the rope. This hikewas well worth the $10, but make sure to buy your pass online before you go, because that is the ONLY way you can hike here.

Its just a casual stroll down a path you cant go off of, it kind of gets cool when you get to the bottom with nature stuff. The Grand finale is the watering hole! You can jump in it with a cushion bottom even if you reach bottom. :) might be a good running trail.

Great trail. However, no shade at all. On a hot day you need to be careful. I saw them turn someone away because they werent allowing dogs to hike that day. Ive heard people have some harsh words about getting turned away with their dog, but its not worth having to carry out your dog because it died from heat which the park ranger said hes seen many times.

As all have said... out in the open hike with no falls during the summer... not the best idea during the summer... maybe save it for early spring.

It of you are looking for an adventure. Highly recommend to go over here. The falls itself is really mesmerizing. And you can swim as well so bring some clothes and make sure you buy a pass online before heading over there.

Great local hike. Steep down hill makes it easy for people to get themselves into trouble - make sure you have enough water to get back. Like many well-traveled places, there was a lot of trash around the falls and it can get quite conjested, but its still a pretty cool place. Hit it up first light and you could have it to yourself for a bit! Recommend a jaunt to the top of the falls by heading back to the stream and taking the trail to the East up to the saddle, then over.

Beautiful views!

This is a beautiful place but the legality of what the park service employees are doing is in question.Under any other circumstances a citizen is not required to have to produce identification unless suspected of a crime. The park service here will NOT let you enter the park without providing identification and you have to record a signature as well as provide personally identifiable information on a sheet of paper. They claim its for our safety. From what! A terrorist attack! LOL.On a good note the employees appear courteous.As a personal observation having three employees standing at a table requiring identification is not only a waste of funds but also potentially illegal given the nature of their conduct. The WaterFall itself was heavily polluted at the time with beer cans and boxes everywhere. It would seem a better use of time to actually protect resources as opposed to harassing citizens. If its really a safety issue then why is the trash not being picked up at the falls.

Great place to hike. Family that plays together stays togethet

Beautiful hike, just be mindful of the weather and leave your fourlegged friends at home during the summer months.

Amazing hike, definitely bring water and protien bars for the hike back up.

Awesome hike, cant wait to hike during winter time. If you are hiking in the summer, please make sure you bring plenty of water. A gallon per person is recommended.

Good hike. Not all that challenging, given the elevation change. Just bring enough water! I didnt like the $6 I had to pay when I arrived, though. Seems unnecessary. Also, there were a LOT of people on the trail and at the lake. Kind of a buzz kill.

Please... Save your soul by hiking this trail as early in the morning as possible.

A hidden gem. You need a permit to hike here but well worth it. This is a destination hike, meaning the destination is great, but the hike is just ok. Bring lots of water on hot days.

Lots of parking and easy trail access

**Update** This was my first real hike that I did in San Diego. I bring people out here who are new to San Diego and they cant get over that this location actually exists. You take anyone here and theyre going to be amazed that there is a fall of such in this remote location. Bring plenty of water, its only about a 2 mile hike each way, but very hilly. Also if its hot out and your not shy, hike with your swim suit... its most definitely worth it. I asked my wife 2 years ago to be my girlfriend at the top of the fall which is a really nice spot. Be warned... a kid died here not too long ago from falling atop the fall. Be Careful and not be silly.. your atop a fall, be smart and youll be just fine. Have fun ***Update*** When I wrote this review it was based off of my experience almost 3 years ago, from what I know now it has changed a lot due to rangers and park affiliations changing the layout of trails, and of the park. Also making it more difficult to hike in the dawn of morning. From what I have heard as well... the waterfall isnt what it used to be, I will have to venture to the fall soon to find out what all this nonsense is about. I hope this GEM has not been fully corrupted. That would be such a shame.

WARNING: This is not an average, first-time hike experience. If you are not active, do not attempt this hike. You will use your hands, legs, core etc, it is a complete work-out.Take A LOT of water, a light snack, sunblock (there is no shade), hiking boots, a hat and gloves. If youre missing anything on that list, dont even go.I had to get that out before I proclaim my love and admiration for this experince!! My first time was absolutely perfect. It was in March and we started the hike around 6 am. Gorgeous car ride through the small towns and even though the morning fog was thick, we still saw great views and enjoyed every second of this challenging hike.The second time, not so great. We left San Diego around 6:30 am and got to the location around 8 am. There wasnt any fog like the last time and very few cars. This concerned me but we made it to the falls and enjoyed our break at the top. It got bad on the way back. The sun was dreadful and we had finished already TWO GALLONS of water between myself and my boyfriend with 2 miles to go.. uphill. The heat seemed to reflect off the ground and into our face. I am an active person but returning to our vehicle was extremely hard for me. The heat completely changed everything. I STRUGGLED to get back to the car. Next time, I will not leave SD any later than 4 am and will be damned if I go July-September. Nope, Ill wait for that cool fog again in December or Feburary.

Amazing hidden gem

Challenging hike.

I was here years ago as a kid...greatest time ever...I loved the Indian Camp...(found out later I am Cherokee Native American...no wonder...ha...)

Permit idiocy and local authorities unreasonable ID checks ruin experience. Never come back again, doesnt worth hustle.

First off, you should know that the falls have reportedly dried up with the droughts. Im not sure if this is true or not, but a heads up in case. You can still swim though.Secondly, you need a permit to hike this trail unless you take the back way (much longer). You can buy it online; it was $6 last I checked, and they cap it at 75 a day for groups up to 5 people.Its downhill the way there, uphill the way back. So bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, swimsuit, etc.There are Park Rangers, so dont leave trash and dont be dumb. Lots of people have had heat stroke here, and its not recommended for dogs on hot days.Theres a restroom at the trailhead, but bring your own TP.No alcohol allowed.

Great, i felt spoiled at the waterfalls! Fine times before working my way back up the trails

Nice two mill walk

I love coming here right after it rains, because the falls are full of life!!

Went 4 days ago with a group of friends AMAZZZING hike, water was flowing nicely. Im not fit but I did it and will def do it again

Rough hike with little kids! Expect to carry them back 3 miles up hill with no shade. BUT the swimming hole is FANTASTIC!!! Buy your day permit online ahead of time!

Cool hike, not as spectacular as described on other reviews, make sure the waterfall is actually there, wait for winter months for that :)

Very awesome location for a hike! The waterfall is great and you can swim there!

Okay. Ranger lives at trailhead 24/7 . nobody hikes w/o a permit. Even if youre NOT going to waterfall.