Here in San Diego, we are enjoying a pleasantly temperate November with family and friends. Looking at the discount signs starting to appear in each store, I am reminded that Thanksgiving Day is slowly approaching. Today, I am going to take a waterfall trek and am going to enjoy Cedar Creek Falls.
The Cedar Creek Falls Trail, along with the Three Sister Falls, is one of San Diego's most popular waterfall treks. As with most waterfall trails, this is a reverse trek that goes down first and then comes back up again. To help ensure safety, there is a limit of 75 people per day.
We started our latest hiking trek by greeting both newcomers as well as long time club members. We started our hike after being given a safety brief by the Park Ranger. Within five minutes of commencing, we encountered our first beautiful view. We continued to have a pleasant conversation with each other while walking comfortably down the well-maintained downhill.
This hike was notable for the slowly rising sun emerging in the distance which vividly illuminated Cuyamaca Peak. It was regrettable that this trek was so short because it was such a beautiful experience. The group arrived at the waterfall, about an hour and a half after departure. Unfortunately, due to the prolonged drought, the water could not be seen. Despite this temporary condition, it did not detract from its reputation as the best waterfall trail in San Diego.
The group started climbing uphill, after taking a quick snack and group photo. We then arrived at the parking lot two hours after regrettably leaving behind the falls. As the Park Ranger explained, spring to summer is a good time to visit because it is a perfect place to spend a relaxing day hiking and swimming with family and friends. As we completed our latest hike, we promised each other to visit again early next year.
Trailhead: 15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
Length/Est/ Difficulty: 5.6 mi (3 h +/-)/1,049ft / moderate
Course | Cedar Creek Falls Trail
Hiking | Cocktail | Outdoor | Photography