1. Bonita Falls

    1. Bonita Falls

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    San Bernardino, CA

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    Bonita Falls

    4.1 (165 reviews)

    Bonita Falls Photos

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    Reviews With Photos - Bonita Falls

    Nina N.

    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

    Kissing under the waterfall
    Arthur O.

    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.

    How clear the water looks and it does keep going
    Amanda R.

    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.

    backwards view from the falls
    Benjamin N.

    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.

    11/10/24
    Damon D.

    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.

    bonita falls grafiti
    kristi s.

    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.

    Rock trail you will have to cross
    Kakuranbo M.

    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.

    Mandatory: Parking pass ($5 for a day pass). Don't gamble. Can easily buy one at REI.
    Quinn N.

    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.

    Tiffany C.

    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!

    2/5/22
    Danilo A.

    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/

    Marina B.

    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.

    The road it's all rocks!
    Xochitl F.

    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 . !

    Joseline G.

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    Bonita Falls Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Bonita Falls

    If I park without an adventure pass do I get a ticket?

    Yes, you will receive a Notice of Required Fee. You can purchase a Daily Adventure Pass at one of the local gas stations that you pass on the way there or at the Lytle Creek Watermelon Ranch or Melody's Place. %he cost is $5 per Daily Adventure Pass… 

    Is it dog friendly?

    Yes, it is but you have to keep your dog on a leash at all times.

    Do I need to buy an adventure pass if so where do I buy one?

    No you don't, you only find a parking spot and dive right into it!

    Hi! I was wondering if this trail was open? (': And do I have to make any reservations?

    Hi! Trail it's open to public anytime, and no you don't need reservations, you just drive in , find a spot to park and then start your adventure:-)

    Can we bring a grill of propane or charcoal?

    The following will be effective on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, until winter conditions allow them to be lowered again: •Campfires are now prohibited at Yellow Post Sites and are… 

    Hi can we bring food there? Thanks

    Yes you can :) as much as you want

    Is this trail kids friendly? My kids are around 6-8 years old.

    Yes, they should be able to manage. Keep in mind that it's currently open to the public & you need a Daily Adventure Pass ($5) but, Bonita Falls is NOT the Place to Be This Weekend!… 

    Do you need an adventure pass to visit this site ? If so, where do I buy one?

    Yes, you do. You can purchase one at one of the gas stations, Watermelon Ranch or Melody's Place.

    Is it toddler friendly? Would my toddler be able to hike this or need to be carried?

    They would probably be able to hike some of it but if under 4 probably bring a carrier for sure

    How long is the hike?

    The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and rated as moderate.

    What's the biggest weight of trout, caught out of Lytle Creek?

    None. There is no fishing in Lytle Creek. Please check out our River and Stream Fishing section of the San Bernardino National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/sbnf/recreation/fishing/?recid=26225&actid=43

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    Review Highlights - Bonita Falls

    You will be walking over rocks the whole time as there is no trail Must have Adventure Pass to avoid getting a ticket.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

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    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

    4.8
    (63 reviews)
    34.4 mi

    A beautiful, well maintained preserve with a stream, a few small ponds and waterfalls, and many…read morethemed trails such as: Hummingbird Hill, Falling Waters, Sunflower Lane, Pioneer Loop, Conifers of California, Wetlands Boardwalk, Deciduous Forest, The Artist's Palette, Hidden Hollow, Sacred Springs, and Children's Forest. While there are some dirt walk paths, it be difficult to navigate if in a wheel chair or if you have a stroller. There's a good sized parking lot, though during apple-picking season and when it snows it can be a bit difficult to find a spot. Regardless, if you're in the area, it's a place definitely worth the visit. Love and appreciate that they are dog-friendly to leashed and well mannered dogs and free admission, but donations are much appreciated.

    Absolutely loved getting my steps in and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells of all the flora…read moreand fauna in Oak Glen! Highly recommend going earlier in the day to beat the heat. Parking and admission is free. Wonderful information at the entrance of the garden. Just outside the garden past the parking lot (you'll see this upon entry) is a bbq spot and a gift shop. After walking around 2.5 miles, I tapped out and cooled down with an apple cider slushy. Lots of apple orchards in the area. I also took home a jar of apple butter as a souvenir. Had such a lovely time- highly recommend!

    Photos
    Oak Glen Preserve's Oak Knoll Park has ample picnic tables for family fun and it's located next to the Children's Forest!
    Oak Glen Preserve's Oak Knoll Park has ample picnic tables for family fun and it's located next to the Children's Forest!
    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden
    Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

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    San Bernardino National Forest

    San Bernardino National Forest

    4.4
    (14 reviews)
    16.7 mi

    The San Bernardino National Forest is huge!!!…read more This National Forest stretches from San Bernardino Couty to Los Angeles County. I've had the privilege to experience the San Bernadino County side of the San Bernardino National Forest when I lived in Big Bear. It was beautiful and fun for hiking adventures. This time, I was on the Los Angeles County side of The San Bernardino National Forest. I was on the side that feels really desert-like. It's dirt and very dry weather, and then suddenly when you hit the National Forest, it is green and gorgeous. Boy, it is really something when you go from the desert to green trees and pretty views!!! The temperature cooled down too. I love the forestry landscape and lush trees everywhere. I'm thankful that we have National Forests like this that are protected! We must protect them at all costs!

    3/5 loved the location left out a few stars I'll explain the pros and cons:…read more Pros: Beautiful National forest. Camping reservation is available and brown bins to hide food from animals and bears available. One bathroom available and it's cleaned by rangers. Trash is also picked up if you need help cleaning. Beauty of a sky at night. They gave a fire pit area and three large benches to eat and sit. Cons: The drive as soon as you get to the off road areas you lose reception. We got lost so I recommend having a back up plan with maps that help off roading areas. Also we took our Tundra for the first time off road and regretted it immediately. BEWARE: The bushes and trees are not cut down to clear the roads and our truck was completely scratched from both sides. Only bring cars you don't care about and plan to use them through bushes and trees that scratch the paint. We learned the hard way. Also the drive up and down the mountain is very dangerous. If you come early the fog makes it hard to see. We got rain in the afternoon and it's very slippery cars also drive crazy and pressure you to go over the required speed. We had to wait 45 min coming down the mountain Sunday when we left due to a car accident. Again locals drive crazy and ride your car or pass you up. Be really cautious! All in all great camping trip but the truck issue was horrible. We now have to pay to try and wax the truck or have to fully re-paint.

    Photos
    We made it up!
    We made it up!
    The Line Fire (almost 28,000 acres burned so far 9/10/24)!
    The Line Fire (almost 28,000 acres burned so far 9/10/24)!
    San Bernardino National Forest

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    Caroline Park

    Caroline Park

    4.5
    (26 reviews)
    24.1 mi

    This was my first time at this park. You have to drive through the neighborhood of upper Redlands…read moreto get here. Since I decided to have an early morning walk in this park at 5 am, I didn't have difficulty finding a parking spot at the top side of the park. I love hearing all the birds in this park. It's so relaxing and you feel so close to nature. The hiking/walking trail is one mile to walk around the circumference of the park. Be mindful though, the trail is a dirt pathway and if they recently watered the grass, then you'll encounter patches of mud. The trees and bushes are numbered so you can look up what type of plant they are, but they're indigenous to the area. There were only a few people taking their morning walks and others taking their dogs out for a walk as well. I only noticed a few poop droppings from dogs where their owners didn't pick up after them, but other than that, this park makes you feel like you're taking a hike in nature. To the far right, is a grassy meadow where you can have a picnic. There are no picnic benches there though. This is area was completely green from the care and watering. Great place to bring your dog to run freely chasing Frisbees or balls. Also, there are no public restrooms at this park. However, I did notice one water fountain and people must have left bowls there for their dogs to drink out of. Overall, a beautiful park to visit and enjoy nature.

    I had heard of Caroline Park fifteen years ago but never made it there. We had our Grandson so…read morethought we would take him there. You end up walking downhill and there's a large grass area. We saw people sitting having a picnic. You get to this area when you start by sign at the top of park and take path on right side. Our Grandson could run around and explore, fun day .

    Photos
    Dusted Treelines
    Dusted Treelines
    Love in a shaded place
    Love in a shaded place
    Lovely manzanita blooms

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    Lovely manzanita blooms
    Big Falls

    Big Falls

    4.5
    (78 reviews)
    36.1 mi

    The drive up to this trail is not bad at all! I sometimes get scared of driving up high into the…read moremountains but this was a pretty easy drive and there weren't any parts that I felt were scary. I was driving from Ontario, CA. You do need a pass to park in the lot. There are restrooms at the parking lot if you need to use them. The hike up is a pretty short one with pretty views! There are tons of shade from the trees and the water/waterfall was beautiful!

    I had a great safe visit. I paid the $5 Forest Adventure pass at Elkhorn General store on Valley of…read morethe Falls Dr, a 1.2 mi from the Big Falls Trailhead and Picnic area. I had a great time hiking with my senior father in law, and my family. The water was refreshing. The parking looks great this spring. This water flows into Hunington Beach, the sea, the Santa Ana River Wash. It was 52 degrees on group our walk through the creek and Cross the wash. Our walk was cut short by other hikers falling in the creek. Big falls trail will lead you along the river bed to cross the creek to a path of a waterfall overlook. The ice cold water was coming from the area of the mountainside has snow melting as we warm up this Spring season. The creek felt refreshing this morning, I dampened my On Running shoes with waterproof silicone in the waters by crossing the creek on a fallen branch. I refreshed my sun beaten hair with the ice melt waters. I like this trailhead. For years Water from San Bernardino mountains has collected in way of steel pipes that flow by gravity on the steep mountainside above a creek pumped in tunnels to Water Companies piped downhill to be bottled and sold as Arowhead Spring Mountain Water.

    Photos
    San Bernardino National Forest Trailhead
    San Bernardino National Forest Trailhead
    Hiking  big falls about a 1 mi out from the waterfall overlook
    Hiking big falls about a 1 mi out from the waterfall overlook
    Big Falls

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    Bonita Falls - hiking - Updated July 2026

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