I'll give this place a strong 3.75 to 4.0 stars. And when compared to all other locations in the area, this would be easiest location for most people to discover, hike walk or jog and Enjoy. You must arrive early. As people are already taken up slots in the parking lot as early as 630am. Now, super easy to park on the side of the road, as there are many signs against it and many areas that are welcomed. By 8am, the streets were getting filled, as there are many outlets that lead to the river and many places where on can just the views, without the hike. So please get your 5 dollar windows taken for parking- the local 76 station is a place where you are able to. The hike is self explanatory, follow the people, which you will see many many hikers. And contrary to what people say, it is not an easy hike. You will need to be prepared for a 1.5 mile walk up and 1.5 miles back. It is a super rocky trail. Lots of loose rocks , once on the upper trail, boulders get bigger, the small cascades of water can make the area slippery. You will need to extend your limbs to reach up and pull yourself up. Not for small children and not for the elderly. The only thing here that I had a distaste for was the littering and the graffiti. Just the stupidity of humans not picking up their trash or painting moronic signs on rocks. Made it less intriguing... made it comical that people can be such idiots. The downhill trail becomes dangerous, as people can slip or fall and amid some cliffs that surround the area, being careful is at the most important danger. The area is accessible by various routes. The fantastic point here would be the river, which is wide, always tuburlant but not deep. Some area as 1ft ...other areas can reach 3 feet. The picnic area and the small rest stop are great stop points. The water is crystal clear, cold and just majestic. Bring appropriate foot wear, bring water and snacks and make sure you are physically fit. The waterfall is high...over 100ft. Standing under the falls can be refreshing, the cold waters offering an unexpected cold shiver, the light mist and the gaze of the falls can be spectacular. The river extends past the small pits top bonita falls bathroom and parking...next down the road is the picnic area...which is basically one or two tables for a get together, best to just visit the river and enjoy the stream... and finally the large parking lot..from here you can saddle the edge of the river, enjoy it, have a get together and from there, the Rover twist and turns to another southerner point where long lines of cars gather and can be accessed by the public and by foot. Gentle streams and relaxing moments. Over all, a good small hike with options for picnics and stream wading. Please, no graffiti and pick after yourself- let's keep nature clean! read more

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We went for a hike yesterday and Bonita Falls was 22 minutes drive. The location was in Lytle Creek in San Bernardino National Forest. The weather was great. We parked in the designated area. It was around 2.8 miles round trip . Make sure bring water, sunscreen, good hiking shoes and hiking stick. The trail was very rocky and steep going to the waterfalls. The running stream was amazing. Water was cold but soothing to listen to the sound of the water. The waterfall was high , great to take pictures and can get to the waterfalls area. There were people doing rock climbing too. Great adventure. read more

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Doable trail. My kids were able to do it but there are a few tricky spots. Lots of rocks and some pretty steep boulders to climb. Worth it though. Just ignore all the graffiti. That was the only downfall. Lots and lots of graffiti everywhere you look read more

Bonita Falls - Worth every step over ridiculous rocks. Pictures just don't do it justice - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

It's a decent hike and a good way to get out in nature, but good luck taking photos without graffiti in them. That's the most disappointing part of this hike. The waterfall is cool, but the area is completely tagged and dirty. The hike itself is only difficult because of the rocky terrain. Otherwise, it's not bad. A couple locations you have to work your way across the water but you can usually find something pretty easily. An adventure pass is needed for parking at the trailhead. I've seen bear scat here previous times, so be careful and alert out there! read more

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Beautiful place to go hiking and spend time with family sometimes it does get dirty when people don't clean up after themselves!!! The scene is beautiful and the water is clear glass clean I love this place always and forever read more

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It's a nice but rocky hike. Water usually all the time. You can hike in the sun or shade. Need to get a parking permit first though or you will get a ticket. read more

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Loved coming to this water falls. My family and I fell in love with the clear water . I was happy about the parking space being so close and they also have bathrooms !!! Which is a big plus !!! Lake so clear and it was cold but very beautiful. read more

Bonita Falls - How clear the water looks and it does keep going - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

the falls are beautiful and the area is scenic. the creek is also gorgeous. the parking is small and requires an adventure parking pass (can get at big 5 for 5$). the trail itself is kinda confusing but once you get going there's graffiti arrows that point to the falls. very abundant in graffiti which may or may not be a turnoff to you. a big portion of the trail is very rocky and there's a solid amount of trash around so bring a bag to carry trash back if you're willing. read more

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It's a nice hike and if you're camping at the Bonita ranch campgrounds it's much shorter hike then from the forest service parking lot. The hike is mild and the only part is that you're hiking over the creek bed full of rocks and then you do hike up into the Canyon and there are large boulders to scale but anyone pretty much can do it. The only sad part of this hike is that there is a ton of graffiti. It's sad that people have to deface the natural beauty of this trail with all their graffiti but being only 8 miles up from the 210 freeway access to this is pretty easy. The falls did have water even in early fall which I'm not sure where the source is but it does make for a nice hike. read more

Bonita Falls - 11/10/24 - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

not dog friendly! yes you can bring leashed dogs, but the 'trail' is basically all rocks, gravel and boulders. If your dogs aren't used to walking in these conditions, leave them at home or take a different better groomed hike. also the graffiti is out of control. the trailhead isn't marked and it looks like you have to go onto private property to access the trailhead. read more

Bonita Falls - bonita falls grafiti - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

This was a great hike. Depending on where you begin it could take about one hour each way. There are many people going to the waterfall that can guide you to the correct way. https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdkcRNhu/ read more

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There is plenty of parking space within the road. The hike will depend how far you park. I parked closer towards the gps. Lytle Creek, CA 92358 United States What to expect: Some parking spaces on the street Bring good hiking shoes Bring some water Bring some mosquito repellent Bring sun screen Bring extra clothes if you expect to jump or get wet in the waterfalls Plenty of rocks. Beautiful scenery The hike will depend on the route you take, it can take up to 1.7 miles there and back or you can park where I parked at. The route I took was about 3 miles there and back. If you like what you see, please like and follow. We will be posting hiking adventures to waterfalls. read more

Bonita Falls - Rock trail you will have to cross - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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tl,dr: Beautiful waterfall! Crowded spot even at 10am. Dirty trail. I expected better. Tips: Parking coords: 6GM5+W6M Scotland, California (or 34.23485,-117.49194) Trailhead coords: 6GP3+M8V Scotland, California (or 34.23674,-117.49669) ^Enter them into G Maps. . Watch the YT hiking guides first. . GET A PARKING PASS. No joke. . Wear crocs for wading through the creek and frolicking at the waterfall. But also wear moisture-wicking socks throughout the hike. . If you plan to use G Maps, start navigation BEFORE arriving here. Cuz you won't get any signal to do so once you're here. Likes: + Invigorating cold waterfall on a hot Labor Day! + There are police and firefighters monitoring the road, so help is always near. + Still a nice short beginner-friendly hike. + There are graffiti arrows on the rocks pointing the way. + Plenty of shade 80% of the hike. Still need sunblock and ice water! Non-likes: - For a tedious $5 day parking pass, I expect all graffiti to be cleaned up, all trash gone, and porta-potties to have hand sanitizers, a thoroughly marked hiking trail, and no notorious vandalism or theft, and a spacious sidewalk to walk from where you parked your car to the trailhead. I mean there are free hikes with lots of these flaws covered. - People need to tone it down with the pompous musica noise pollution. - Lots of vandalism and theft mentioned about Bonita Trail on the AllTrails website. - Lot of rocks. Don't roll your ankles! - No service at all. Couldn't use Internet, text, or use GPS. yikes. read more

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The waterfall is nice once you get up there! There are a ton of rocks at the beginning of this hike so just be prepared for how rocky it is. There aren't very many signs so it can be difficult to figure out the route of the trail if it is your first time here. It is a beautiful hike though! read more

Bonita Falls - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to this trail. It was a lot closer to get to than I thought making it a great local hike. I went on a weekday morning and the parking was available and easy to pay for thru the cell phone app. The trails are all very well maintained and clean. I did NOT to see a ton of graffiti. There was some but not enough to notice too much. This hike is a combination of river rock paths and flat paths so I will be investing in some hiking boots since I like to jog and walk. The greenery and flowers combined with the calming sounds of flowing water are amazing. I will definitely be coming back. read more

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Ahhhh! We loved this one. Everyone talks about a pass or a ticket you buy at the gas station and umm we didn't bought no ticket and we were just fine, maybe we were lucky .. don't know. A tip though, don't go to far into the drive, park as soon as you find a spot and just walk. You have to walk around 15 minutes before finding the rocks. The road to the waterfall it's all rocks of different sizes so make sure to take the right shoes. The walk to the waterfall it's approximately 30-35 minutes. When you're close to the waterfall you will know because the road it's inclined. The waterfall it's stunning, although the water it's super super cold but it's fun to go in and you obvi get your shoes wet. It was fun! Definitely would go back . ! read more

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The hike was pretty easy and the waterfall was so beautiful. The water was very cold but refreshing. read more

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parking: you will see a row of cars parked on the left side w dumpsters and porta potties. most people walked up and crossed the creek near the parking lot/bridge and NOT at South Fork. Though there is a good amount of water flowing, we were able to hike to the waterfall barely getting wet. you do walk on lots of rocks and there are a few short moderate steep uphills. There is a great deal of graffiti. For more socal adventures: @grace.loves.adventures read more

Bonita Falls - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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Great easy short hike. No real trail, alot of videos showing the way on youtube. Waterfall was nice. Way too much graffiti along path. read more

Bonita Falls - The stream you gotta pass to get to the rocky path. - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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Beautiful. It's worth the hike. It's a bit crowded on the weekends. Perfect escape from reality. read more

Bonita Falls - Hidden Jem - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

Beautiful place just make sure you don't go during the summer But over all the water was so fresh read more

Bonita Falls - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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Bonita Falls-went for the weekend to go see the waterfall, its like 20 min hike from where you camp at but the view is amazing so worth the hike. The park manager Joe is always so helpful even helped an older couple up the hike so they wouldnt get lost or hurt. read more

Easy hike, fun for the kids too, I see even toddlers do it. It has so much to see in a short amount of time. You will stop often to take pictures. I have been here more than once. Only thing I wish they didn't do is graffiti up the place. read more

FUN HIKE! Tons of spots for photo opportunities! If you're worried about being around large crowds, this may not be the hike for you to do, especially right now during COVID. We got there around 11am and we barely got a parking spot on the street. Not sure what people have been mentioning about day passes, but we literally just parked along the street for free, and we were fine. This is a very easy hike imo. The hardest part is actually getting to the very top of the waterfall- the most congested part of this hike ofc. Everyone wants to take photos in front of and/or in the waterfall! I did! The most annoying part of this hike was that there weren't any signs pointing us to where the trail began and where the waterfall would be. I had to ask a random camper for directions! For a walkthrough of the trail, check out my vlog on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zpqxczw9Vs&t=35s read more

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Beautiful place to go hiking . You will find a lot of water running down at Bonita Falls right now. 1.5 miles out-and-back trail. read more

Bonita Falls - Bonita Falls - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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This is a one and done kinda hike. You should visit to check it off your list of SoCal waterfalls but it's not one you would ever want to visit twice. To start it's really crowded. I had to park half a mile up the street. I've also read that they are really strict with parking enforcement so you want to be sure that you park on the correct side of the street, behind the white line, or you'll get ticketed and towed. Be sure to also display your Adventure Pass. The trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip. You start by crossing past Lytle Creek. It's a fairly wide creek with pretty decent flowing water. After your shoes are thoroughly soaked by the creek you then will make your way through the rocky section of the trail. After you have completed this challenge your next mission will be to hike up the final wooded section. You'll have to climb up some rocks and maneuver your way through fallen tree limbs. There's a bunch of graffiti along the way. Be on the lookout for poison ivy. The waterfall is beautiful and seeing it for the first time makes you forget all the minor annoyances for 10 seconds. After that passes you'll start to realize that that there are way too many people around to enjoy hanging out so you turn back and return the way you came. read more

Beautiful easy hike. There is lots of rocks but i don't mind it. I went on a weekend and this place was crazy busy. Lots of people bbqing along the creek and drinking as if it was the beach lol. read more

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Great for Family Hikes! Wasn't a difficult hike to reach to the falls. Make sure to not leave trash behind to keep the place beautiful! Tips: -Make sure to get your Adventure Pass on either AM PM or the Chevron Gas Station by the 15 freeway to avoid parking tickets! I much rather pay the $5 bucks. read more

Bonita Falls - Bonita Falla - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

Don't forget to purchase an avenger pass because there was a sheriff on the premises Took us about an hour and a half round-trip to get there. It is super Rocky so it's not a place for a little kids because it's really easy to roll and incoherent. We came on a Saturday evening about 430 and there were tons of people by the stream just playing in the water barbecuing and enjoy nature. There's a campsite just passed it so if you drive to the campsite you went too far it's better to park right before it. there are Porta-potty's just south of that you should park somewhere right there and start the trail to go through the rocky area of the mountain a bit towards the waterfall. Tons of people were doing the same hike so it's not that hard to find. The one thing I didn't care for was that there was trash along the rocky area. I wish people would clean up better after themselves because it just unfortunately damages the environment as well as makes it look bad. Once you get to the waterfall it's a really tight area so there were tons of people pretty close in price and liberty to each other. We only stayed there for about 1520 minutes and then headed back down because it was too crowded. The water is fresh and cool and you can see right through it so it's nice and clean. I wouldn't drink it though. It was a nice hike beautiful scene and I'm glad I marked it off my checklist. read more

Not a bad hike! It's about a mile or so. Make sure to watch out for glass! Parking at the campsite or along the street is pretty easy to find...then follow the arrows to Bonita falls! read more

Bonita Falls - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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The trail was open! There wasn't alot of ppl on the trail, which made it enjoyable. We parked on the side of the road and walked down to the stream that we had to cross to get to the other side (where the trail begins). The terrain is rocky and very uneven. Since we were traveling rather at a quick speed, it was challenging. The trail is lined with graffiti on the rocks. Stay to your left and climb. There's plenty of shade along the trail. Trail is about 1.5 miles round trip, but it's worth it once you reach the waterfall. It's tranquil and beautiful. read more

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Adventure time hiking through flowing water and rocky terrain. Cool spot to hike with the family or anyone who's company makes you happy. Fun for all ages! Nice hike with many beautiful photo opportunities. Waterfalls are absolutely worth the hike. Great times.... read more

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Beautiful. Me and my family live coming here . Especially in the summer . It's always clean and pea.

This is a fairly easy hike, but there is a lot of uneven ground. You'll be hiking across a lot of rocks so don't expect level trails. The first part of the hike includes crossing through a river by scaling fallen tree trunks and large rocks. The water is fairly shallow, but if you're going during this cold season chances are that you're not going to want to walk straight through the water. All in all, that is about the most difficult part of the hike. If you can, go with someone who has hiked the trail before. Especially, if you are attempting to find the waterfall. I was feeling a little under the weather so I stopped halfway. The person leading the group (the only other person to complete the hike before) stayed with me, while the rest of the group followed the graffiti to what they thought was the waterfall. The waterfall is huge, so if you find a small underwhelming waterfall, it is not the right one. Also, try your best to make it out before sunset. Finding your way back, and through the river can be a little difficult in the dark. read more

Bonita Falls - River - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

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Follow the arrows on the rocks and it'll lead you right to the correct path. Such a pretty place but the way there is definitely rocky. Literally. read more

Bonita Falls - Waterfall - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

Went with the family on this hike including our kids. I didn't know the trail was not a trail and not stroller friendly. During the hike you actually have a bit of an adventure which the kids loved. Only thing if you don't have hiking shoes the rockets can be a bit painful after a while. We made it to the top where the waterfall was. Straight up though props to my husband who ended up caring our 2 year old daughter the whole way. Will definitely do this again !! Beautiful, peaceful , worth every second. What a way to start your day read more

Bonita Falls - Bonita waterfall - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

Getting there: Coming from the 15 north, you get off on Sierra and make a left. You'll want to stop at the gas station to get a parking pass for $5 (not sure if they raised the price since the last time I went). After picking up the day pass, you'll keep driving down the road Lytle Creek Road and eventually you'll see parking off to the left. This is where you'll start your hike. Experience: Not going to lie, I thought this waterfall was going to offer a cooler view. There is lots of graffiti on the way up and near the waterfall. The pool was barely filled when we went, but that may have been due to hiking this trail in the summer. It's very rocky to start out, and then you'll start the short climb to the waterfall. Be careful of sharp rocks, bottles, and poison leaves on the trail to the waterfall. I would overall like to do this hike again, but there are definitely better hikes in the area. read more

i've gone on this hike two times so far and it's been amazing. I'm not much of a hiking girl so I get really tired and I have a hard time going up the hills mostly but this one isn't so hard it only gets a little bit tough towards the end. of course it might be a lot tougher for some people but it is so worth it in the end . the waterfall is absolutely beautiful and it's just a different feeling to be there versus just seeing it in photos or videos. to smell it, to feel it, to actually go into the waterfall, it is invigorating! it is an experience that I believe everyone needs to experience at least once. of course this isn't the only or best waterfall in Los Angeles but it is very accessible since it's only about 1.5 hrs out and only about a 30 minute hike read more

Bonita Falls - the trail we walk to get to the waterfall - Hiking Near Me - San Bernardino, California

Fairly easy hike! Only concern is that there is a lot of rocks and uneven/unstable walk ways for most of the trek. The waterfall is beautiful. The hike is about 2 miles round trip, it does not loop. Look for sign HIDDEN ACRES on the left. Pass the sign and a parking lot will appear on the left hand side as well. Purchase an ADVENTURE PASS for $5 at the gas station to avoid getting a ticket. read more

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Bonita falls is a very fun and fairly easy hike! Took the whole fam including two 5 year olds and a 7 year old. We all had a blast. Note that you do have to cross the river, it was hard to find a dry way across, so we resulted in walking through it, shoes and all. If you are coming with children, please be careful to choose the shallowest part of the river to cross. I did not like to see all the trash left behind from other visitors, I won't dock a star for it because it's not the destinations fault. Oh and wear bug repellent, there are lots of bugs/mosquitos. When walking to the trail stay close to the mountain so you don't miss the entrance. I will post a picture of what the entrance looks like. There are no signs to guide you other then arrows marked on rocks. read more

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