Cedar Creek Falls Trail is a 4.50 mile out and back trail located near Julian, California that features a waterfall. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
NOTE: Following the death of a 16-year-old boy who fell into the swimming hole, this trail has been CLOSED by the U.S. Forest Service. It is to remain closed until April 1, 2012 or until officials settle on a safety management plan.
Drive to Pine Hills Road, which intersects Highway 78 about 1 mile west of Julian, and turn south. After 1.5 miles on Pine Hills Road, bear right on Eagle Peak Road. After 1.4 more miles, veer right again, staying on Eagle Peak Road. Next comes 8.2 miles of progressively poorer dirt road, parts of which become slippery and muddy in wet weather. At the end, you come to the Cedar Creek Falls Trailhead (Adventure Pass (parking permit) required by the US Forest Service on all national forest land.
Bao Phan (21)
25 days ago
N/A:
3 Completed 2 Reviews
We were lost trying to find the trailhead and drove around for a long time before actually get to the trail. I think they should put several signs out in the road so people know where they're heading. We were at the trailhead at around 5pm, and started the hike down to the falls. At that time, there was only us so it's kinda scary. The hike down is easy because it's mostly downhill. It's amazing once you to the falls, totally worth it. We took a lot of pictures and went swimming. It's soooo good when there was no one around, almost feels like just you and the wilderness. We hiked back up and it was getting really dark. We had to light our way back up and going nonstop. It was a unique and fun experience. However, I would rather go earlier next time.
*Trail difficulty: Medium. Our group has one kid, my 50-year-old mom and a dog and we all made it just fine. Just take plenty of water and avoid to go if it's too hot.
*Permit: We did get our permit. However, nobody check. But you should get one just in case.
Tiffany Caldwell (0)
25 days ago
N/A:
3 Completed 1 Reviews
On the Julian side note that you enter on Eagle Pass and the trail head is after mile marker 9. If the road is narrow, windy, and progressively worse... You're headed the right way.
Good hike down. Easy to find your way, plenty of signage. Falls were crowded but a lot of fun. The hike up was difficult for me (I'd had a long couple of days and was tired before we started) and extremely hot. I drank several bottles of water.
Remember to get your permit to hike and separate parking permit.
Malcom Board (43)
about 1 month ago
N/A:
3 Completed 3 Reviews
I loved this hike was not a bad hike at all. It's amazing when you get to the falls. Some people did and did not buy the permit that you have to have in order to go see the falls I got one just in case. Family took pic and the falls are still strong so go don't wait.
Chad Manuel (76)
about 1 month ago
N/A:
5 Completed 1 Reviews
Did this hike today with my 6 year old. It's 2.5 mi. down and takes an hour there and an hour back. Easiest way to the trail head is off of the 78 on pine hills rd to eagle peak rd. great views at the beginning. The falls are flowing at this time of year. The hike back up is gradual and bearable. If my 6 year old can do it anybody can.
Manigandan Govindasamy (11)
about 1 month ago
N/A:
1 Completed 1 Reviews
Permit is required, lots of Law enforcement officer are there for checking! Luckily, I had one, was able to complete the hiking... but waterfall was very thin.
Valerie Garrett (194)
about 1 month ago
N/A:
6 Completed 1 Reviews
A permit is needed to get to the falls as of April 5, 2013 so we were unable to see the falls. Go to recreation.gov for your permit. Only 70 people allowed in per day cost is $5. Fine is $75
Roy Hinkley (276)
4 months ago
N/A:
6 Completed 4 Reviews
Great relaxing hike. The waterfall is beautiful and sets a serene atmosphere. Perfect hike for pets and children. Pack plenty of water, most of this trail is in direct sun light. Will be doing this one again.
Clayton Tompkins (0)
about 5 hours ago
2 Completed 1 Reviews
Very nice hike! Make sure you get to Julian first... Our gps sent a bit off course. Julian town hall has directions and maps too, there's not much for road markers or signs. I don't know the route to approach the top of the waterfall. A gallon of water was enough for me, I didn't finish it. Creeks not flowing but the water reservoir is great for swimming after the hike! The squirrels are funny too, and aggressive. They will chew holes to get in your backpack for food! And theirs many California condors around, their an endangered species. Overall pleasant hike, fairly warm about now.