This was grueling. First, let me say that I had my left hip replaced 2 1/2 months ago, so I'm not at 100%. But my hiking partner is fit and even she was hurting on our way back. AllTrails says the trail is 9.1 miles but we tracked it at just shy of 10 miles. It was a 5.5 hour journey. We started early, 7:30am, and it wasn't a hot day. The lower part of the trail leading to the falls is pleasant. Some parts shaded, some not, and a couple streams to cross over. Your hike gets a bit harder while going up the hill. It's not too bad because it's not a direct ascension, but it's still a little tough. Once at the falls you're relieved that you're finally there but left a bit deflated by the fact that the falls aren't really that big. Being bilingual I should have known, as the word "chiquito" means small in Spanish, but we were nonetheless happy that we had made it that far. After having some snacks, and taking the obligatory 57 pictures and videos, we headed back. The hike down was a long one considering you just did a 2.5 to 3 hour hike to get to the falls. Around every bin, we were hoping we'd recognize the initial trail that lead us in. We weren't confused, the trails are decently marked, we were just in a state of delusion from being so dang tired. We finally made it back and lived to hike another trail. All in all, the exercise was worth it; the waterfall not so much. read more

Chiquito Falls Trail - Chiquito Falls - Hiking Near Me - Lake Elsinore, California

This hike is alright. I'd put it as a moderately strenuous hike (more strenuous than not). When you start, there's a fall area that has some water - that was the most water we saw though. The trails are marked relatively well, and there are some decent-sized boulders on the trail. Some parts have very little shade, and some parts are a little narrow, but overall it's not too bad. Quite a bit of elevation so just make sure to take rests! I would check the weather before going to see if you even have a chance at seeing the waterfall before heading out. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chiquito-falls-trail-lake-elsinore?select=gyJRQFsCz0nyDNOIlCaR9Q&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chiquito-falls-trail-lake-elsinore?select=3OULdotRo8RR28QTU7b3nQ&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chiquito-falls-trail-lake-elsinore?select=wEbk5FsQAmpIXb7yzTAJNg&userid=97Dj5h5CQUsWZrEWj3wWOg read more

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Love, love, love this hike! Exactly 4.5 miles to the Falls, though they were dry. Beautiful views and you get nice elevation without it being steep and difficult. The trail was easy to follow and diverse, which kept it interesting (changinf from curvy, rocky, sandy, tree canopies, then dirt with pretty moss-covered rocks). Lots of lizards to see.  I would hike this again in a heartbeat and recommend to others. It is one of my top 2 hikes in Orange County! Appreciate that a day pass is only $5. Some state parks charge $15. Only thing that could make it better is if water was flowing at the Chiquito Falls and if you couldn't see the road from up high on the mountain at 2 points. read more

A perfect hole in the wall getaway. Sometimes there isn't water especially in the hotter months but it's still nice to pretend you can get away from people for a while since it's tucked away. read more

Recently did this hike for Galentine's Day, and let's just say it kicked our butts. First of all, we didn't know exactly how long this trail was since from various website it various from 8-10 miles, it's closer to 10 miles - especially if you stop to try to hop on different rocks to catch a better view! The trailhead parking is across the street from The Candy Store on Ortega Highway, didn't have a chance to stop by after the hike since we were hungry but it looked like a great hangout spot! There are ample spots, and it's your last chance to stop and use the bathroom! Don't forget to bring your Adventure Pass when parking here! The first mile or so of the trail has some shade which made it breezy in the morning, but was very well welcomed when we were headed back to the car. 80% of the trail is in the sun, so make sure you don't forget to pack your sunscreen and hats, along with water. I would suggest at least 2L, since you're gaining over 2500ft of elevation. We were lucky that when we hiked the clouds were in our favor so we could enjoy the views once we reached the highest part of the trail. When you have given up and think you're not going to make it and see the falls, hike a little longer and push yourself it's just located in the next canyon. You'll get there! We had very high hopes that from the recent rain there would have been some water flowing down the falls, but unfortunately it was a very tiny trickle... If even that. Definitely make sure you are hiking this trail that you have the correct shoes, what do I mean by that? I would definitely not hike this trail in a pair of Nikes/Converse, you may end up twisting your ankles as your bouncing around certain parts of the trail while you're thinking to yourself that what you're doing is almost America Ninja Warrior status. It was a challenging trail, but fun never the less when you have great company! Enjoy! read more

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Beautiful area and trail. Definitely should go when the water is running. It was just a gorgeous trail. It's a medium difficult trail for sure. But we'll worth it. read more

My fiance and I hiked this trail on Sunday. This was definitely a first for me. The sign in the parking lot stated the trail was 6.2 miles, I assumed it was round trip - NOT! My fit-bit calculated the hike at 12.58 miles round trip, took us almost 7 hours and 29,338 steps. On the way up - the hike was beautiful, everything was so green due to the recent rains, and we were able to stop at 2 waterfalls - Yes, they were flowing. Once at the top (felt like we would never get there), it was great to soak our aching feet in the ice cold water and take in the amazing view. After a nice break we headed back down. I would attempt this walk again, but I would come better prepared (more water and snacks). Once down the cold beer and a sense of accomplishment made the trip worth it! read more

This trail has some really great aspects. It takes you down to the valley floor, then up to elevation, then down again. Though it is not steep it does have a long uphill trek from about mile 1.5 to mile 2.5 then levels out a little at the crest. Some mild Boulder scramble is needed in spots. The last downhill trek takes about 15 minutes and takes you to the falls. Okay, there is no water this time of year. And after the drought. But I would love to see this place when the water was pouring through the falls. Vertical cliff face over 20' high with another 20' of cliff astride the falls. Along this trail you are at times disappointed because of noise from motorcycles on Ortega Highway, then later astounded at the remoteness of the area. Remote, though not remote. The trail is well maintained. There are spots of heavy rubble especially on the climb out. Most of shade you find will be on the first two miles. There are no mileage markers on the trail so you have to rely on your pedometer. Dogs are allowed but there is no source of water for them. You will need to carry a lot of water to make the full journey if you bring a four legged friend. Lastly, the end of the hike requires about .75 miles uphill. After 7 miles you will be tired, thirsty and worn from the sun. Plan accordingly. read more

WATERFALL IS DRY! I was a little disappointed, but still a pretty hike with beautiful panoramas. Park in the parking lot across from the candy store. You'll need an adventure pass. ($5). Take the Loop Trail from the parking lot to the Chiquito Trail to get to the "Falls." The trail is exposed so it can get HOT, so bring plenty of water. Trail is not too steep, but probably about 9 miles round-trip. It took me maybe about 3 hours to do the entire thing. Dogs are allowed on the trail. Happy hiking. read more

Decided to a hike and came across this one. The one star is strictly due to the route identification. The entire route is poorly identified and more signage should be used. If you take a wrong turn you'll end up at the highway instead of going the correct path way. Also due to the water being dried out, this can also be mistaken for a pathway. The entire hike is very uneventful and the views are not as good as other hikes. The upside to this hike was once I got there I took some pictures then used it as a bragging tool to show others who are not as healthy/fit as myself as a way to assert my physical fitness superiority in an arrogant and non-modest way. read more

This hike has been on my bucket list for years and I finally got around to doing it. As of today there is lots & lots of water pumping over the falls and streams leading into it. The lower falls off the San Juan Trail are pumping great too. This is a tough hard hike. It was 4.9 miles tracked on my GPS from the parking lot across from the Candy Store to the falls. A round trip of 9.8 miles. There is also lots of ups and downs with loose pea gravel hard pack and tons of rocks in the trail so good boots are a must. The grading is pretty good for what it's worth but it is still a tough hike. Some poison oak near the streams so keep an eye out. Saw NO rattlesnakes today.which surprised me for such a sunny day. It was really hot. I started from the Candy Store at 7:45 am and it was nice and cool. Reached the falls about 9:45. Only stayed about a half hour and made it back to the car around 12:20 pm. It was really hot in the sun exposed sections. I wouldn't even think of attempting this hike after 9:00 am. 2 qts of water is a MUST. read more

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My friend and I hiked this trail on Saturday. This was our first hard-core (for us) hike. The hike was beautiful. Although we read it was 8.7 miles, our trip reading was 10.5 miles, 115 floors, and 21,912 steps. It took us 6 hours but we had a nice 45ish minute lunch at the falls...which were beautiful due to our recent rainfall. read more

This hike definitely gave me one hell of a workout. Lots of incline but it isn't a standard dirt trail. Lots of winding up and down, rocks, branches and plants that can come in the way and if you aren't careful, it's easy to maybe twist an ankle or cause too much pressure on your joints. A lot of this trail is in the shade and it was a really fun trail overall. It was challenging in a sense and very peaceful. Bring water, light snacks, and please wear proper shoes for this trail! read more