Distance: 5 miles Date and Time: Friday Marc
h 29. 2013 11:30AM – 2:30AM Temp: 80’s Hikeability: Strenuous
Best Hiking Months: November through May Water & Food: 1 gallon water per person, 1 bottle gatorade, lunch, oranges and snack bars
If you want to add some thrill and excitement to your hiking repertoire than the Cedar Creek Falls trail is the one for you.
Of all the trails I have hiked in our county I have yet to go on one that posts a sign at trailhead start that warns “HEAT KILLS! and IS THIS THE HIKE FOR YOU?
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Cedar Creek Falls
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Going Down!
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Beautiful!
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It is no wonder that besides Torrey Pines and Cowles Mountain Cedar Creek Falls has the highest amount of rescues in the San Diego County Sheriff jurisdiction.
Luckily I didn’t read this sign until I had completed the hike. All warnings aside, this may be one of the most scenic and beautiful trails I have hiked.
Not only does this trail offer great mountain views, diverse vegetation and dessert chaparral, but the undeniable reason anyone hike’s this trail is the 90 foot cascading waterfall at the midpoint of this out and back hike.
Even the drive to the trailhead start provides mile after mile of the natural raw beauty that the area surrounding Julian, CA is known for.
There are two approaches to Cedar Creek Falls and the hike detailed here is from the East approach. From Santa Ysabel(Dudley’s), take Highway 78 east towards Julian to Pine Hills Road, turn right (from this turn it is 20+ minutes to the trailhead). Turn right onto Eagle Peak Road.
The last 8 miles of Eagle Peak Road are dirt but this does not detract from what this hike offers and in my opinion adds to the remote beauty of the adventure. Once you come to the end of Eagle Peak Rd, you will dead end into a cul-de-sac and the trailhead start.
You can park alongside the road edge but be aware that on the weekends the road gets pretty full. After you park walk towards the cul-de-sac with the tree in the middle of the road and veer right to the trailhead start.
This trail is unique in many ways including the fact that unlike most hikes, the start to this hike immediately begins to descend for the next 2.5 miles it takes to get the waterfall.
You are essentially descending this trail to a valley surrounded by the local mountains of the Cleveland National Forest.
The trail is very hike-able and although it is strewn with rocks in places the vast majority of the trail is made up of soft earth and sand.
On the decent you have the mountainside to the left of the trail and the drop-off to valley floor below on your right.
The topography on this hike creates a sense of vastness and an open feel that adds to the majestic views that surround you.
Signs along the way will chart your progress and before you know it you will be at trail end as you approach the valley floor.
A signpost to the left will guide you to the waterfall. The vegetation changes here and becomes denser with California Scub Oak and low-lying brush.
Beware of Poison Oak which are those deep red leaves growing from the low lying plant, bush.
You will come to a few places where rockbeds indicate you are crossing a river and depending on the time of year and rain/snow fall the depth of the river at these crossings will vary.
When I did this hike at the end of March I had no problem stepping across the river on rocks that were dry and easy to maneuver.
The trail will lead you right up to the falls along with more and more hikers as you approach.
Enjoy a long break here with lunch as you take in the sounds and sights of the falls and the people watching of the cliff divers and others who join you at this oasis amidst the rocks, scub and the good size waterfall pool.
Once you are done enjoying the reason why you are doing this hike, it will be time to return and the ascent back.
Take your time if you must, drink a lot of water and enjoy the accomplishment of hiking Cedar Creek Falls!
Although this hike is highly touted as one of the most dangerous hikes in the County, so long as you are well prepared with lots of water, good hiking shoes, and plenty of common sense you will be rewarded with a great hiking experience!