If you are a San Diego hiker and haven't done this hike- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???…read more And for those of you who see these photos and think damn I need to go do that, please be aware of the temperature because it is dangerously hot down there at lower temperatures than in other areas. The hike goes down into a canyon and the heat settles down there. Even if it's not as hot as you think coming up can be extremely dangerous. Every year I hear about somebody dying from heat stroke on that hike so don't take it lightly. I always check the weather on the actual trail using the AllTrails app. I saw that the weather out there was max 65° that day and I was like hell yeah. The hike really isn't that difficult, 3 miles down and then 3 miles back up. Lots of nice switchbacks, and there are a few sun shelters for shade. The views are gorgeous all along the trail. I've done this hike, probably 20 times over the years. It's the best in the spring and in the fall. In the winter it's way too cold. The reward for this hike is the gorgeous rock bowl and waterfall that the locals call Devils Punchbowl. This past Thursday when we did this hike, there were a lot of young folks at the Punchbowl when we got there. Some of the guys were climbing up and jumping into the water. I would not recommend it, even if the waterfall is still flowing that water is not safe to swim in. In the fall, the waterfall doesn't flow anymore after being dried out over the brutal summer, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon turn a beautiful gold color. One of the few places in San Diego you can actually experience fall.

Having lived in San Diego for so long, I honestly don't know why it took me this long to do this…read morehike. I finally got the permit online (definitely download it before you arrive since service can be spotty) and decided to go for it. I went in early May and started the trail around 8am, which turned out to be a great decision. The trail was practically empty at that time, and the downhill views were absolutely beautiful. I even saw two rattlesnakes before 9am, so definitely stay alert while hiking. At several points I had to remind myself I was still in San Diego and not somewhere in a huge national park. Once I got near the bottom, I did lose track of the trail a little and it was SOS, so having the AllTrails map downloaded beforehand was really helpful. It took me a little over an hour to reach the waterfall, and there were only two other people there at the time, which made it feel really peaceful and private. The water felt AMAZING after the hike down. There were so many fish in the water, and the whole area was honestly so pretty. By the time I started heading back around 10am, I noticed a lot more people arriving at the falls. The hike back up wasn't terrible, but the sun definitely makes it much harder on the return. I was very happy to make it back to the parking lot by around 11:30am. I would definitely bring lots of water, sunscreen, and some snacks.

Loved this hike ! As others mentioned though, the way back is almost 3 miles at a steep incline…read more There are a few benches and shady spots to rest but it's hot! I went in the middle of Jun and the water was pumpkin and there were three creek crossings and a great place to swim. Comfortable shoes a bathing suit sunblock and a ton of water. It was also packed down at the falls by 10, so get here early. It was worth the steep incline after, it's a beautiful hike.

Always get your pass to do this hike (they will be checking for it before you enter the hike),…read morewww.recreation.gov only $6. They have water, bathrooms before you start the hike, but nothing once your out there. Pack plenty of water especially in the summer, I had to run out to beat the night. Pack a flashlight! The water fall wasn't going too much this time but I will have to make my ways back for this was a very unique set up. I had a really relaxing time once I got to the boulders viewing the waterfall, ate my lunch and just took it all in. It is a very easy hike down, but make sure your prepared to possibly double your time trying to make it back, the path is very steep and sandy. I did see a few families who finished this hike when I was coming in, but I don't know how well kids would enjoy this hike in a hotter time of year..

I had always wanted to check this out and was not disappointed. There are ample walking trails that…read moretake you through oak woodland, and open grasslands. Lots of Raptors and great for birdwatching.

Fun little place to go for a hike or take pictures…read more There are plenty of trails, loop trails, signs. Some are shorter, some longer. Some easier, some harder. Only about 35 - 40 minutes E of Oceanside, so not too bad. There are plenty of animals to see the 3 or 4 times that I have been there. Including ground squirrels, rabbits, snakes, cows, coyotes, birds of all kinds such as woodpeckers, meadow larks, hawks, vulture or condors, etc. Pretty much dirt, so if it rains, mud. During the spring bloom there are some pretty flowers. There is 1 trail that leads to a pond, with some ducks, etc. There may be people riding horses, make sure you yield to them, whether walking, walking your dog, riding a bike, etc. There is a porta-potty at the beginning of the trail in the parking lot. Make sure you lock the gate when you enter the trails.

Tons of people try to come here to hike down to the water and enjoy nature. It has been so dry any…read morewater that is left is stagnant and attracts bugs obviously. People do not know how to park against the wall which makes the road super dangerous. I've also seen cars go over the edge and people being lift flighted out of the canyon.

My friends and I found this killer spot to let loose in early 1974. It was our go to weekend…read moredestination that we could hitchhike to from east county. It turned out to be the beginning of our world travels. I'm exited to return, and see if there is any water left:)

Beautiful trail! So much color after the recent rain. Not an easy hike, but it's worth the effort…read more Go early, and be mindful of your hydration needs.

Protip: If you are parking in the dirt lot outside of the gate (leading to the official gravel…read moreparking lot), park parallel to Gunn Stage Road. If you park perpendicular, everyone else will park normal and block you in (a busy day gets 12+ cars at one time). This is a fantastic place to hike, a lot of wildlife + plant + moss + lichen biodiversity. I wish there was more than a single dog poop bag station, which is halfway along the gravel drive to the official trail start, as evidence by the dozens of people who let their dog poop wherever and never picking it up. I know it isn't fair that rabbits, coyotes, and horses don't have to pick their poop up themselves; I don't make the rules. Accessibility-wise, these are dirt trails that start out wide (5+ feet) with gentle slopes. They are not graded flat, and can be off-camber. There is no real shade from the sun on most of the them, leading the park to be closed during the hottest weeks of the year. No potable water, but there is a horse and dog watering station.

We took our family photos here at the tree tunnel, which was just a short 2 min walk from the…read moreparking lot. Amazing!!

I've done this trail a few times now. On my most recent visit, I picked a cloudy day in May since…read morethere's basically no shade on the entire trail. I started around 7:30am, and there were already a lot of people heading back down, probably people who came earlier to catch the sunrise. The trail itself is easy to moderate, well marked, and has really nice views both on the way up and on the way back down. Lots of parking in a big lot.

This was a fantastic hike! I went on a Sunday afternoon around 4 PM. The trail was 4.7 miles and…read moretook just under two hours to complete. It's mostly uphill, and since the trail markers are no longer in place, I used my Apple Watch to track the distance. At the very end, there's a fun challenge -- two chairs with ropes attached that you can use to pull yourself up. It's a unique touch that makes for great photos, especially with the stunning view at the top. We only came across one hiking group and two solo hikers, so it was very quiet -- possibly due to the overcast weather and occasional drizzle. There was plenty of parking available at the trailhead. Overall, it was a quick, scenic, and enjoyable hike.

Only reason for 1 star to have greater visibility. South Trail 09/14/2025 7:45am Less than a mile…read moreinto the tail, where the stream is, we heard a loud mountain lion growl. I think we were close to it because of how near it sounded. We immediately turned back around and made it to the car safely. We noticed quite a few poops (all but one fresh looking) on the trail and not following our instinct decided to ignore. Lesson learned: know how mountain lion poop looks like & don't ignore your gut!

What a great little trail with lots of shade and fresh air. It's a great daily stroll. We so…read moreenjoyed it. We also walked a little further near Thornbrush Rd. and beyond and ran into a few pomegranate and orange trees, and the fruit was so good. We saw horses, squirrels, and many dogs getting their dose of fresh air and exercise as well. Highly recommended

We had a lovely hike here! We were able to take our dog. He is a smaller old dog so had to go slow…read moreat times and there are narrow areas, depending on your dog's ability of course. There wasnt any water but it was still lovely. I recommend taking a gallon of water per person even if it is not hot. There is not a lot of shade. Parking was easy for us. Oh cant forget... there is a gravel road you have to drive on for quite some time! Be sure to take the best car you can if you have the option 4x4 or SUV vs tiny 2 door

Great hike, didn't disappoint! A little challenging but worth it. Would be great to do when it gets…read morewarmer to enjoy the water!

What a gorgeous area to hike. It is so beautiful, and you see cows, horses, and other animals along…read morethe way. The trail is very popular and often busy but worth the visit. Parking is available on site, as is a portable restroom at the trailhead. We visited this site almost every day as it's a good way to start the day. Highly recommended.

This is an absolutely lovely place to hike. Actually we came out for more of a leisurely walk, just…read moreto enjoy some fresh air on and unseasonably warm winter day. I don't have much to say that others have not, but here are a few pictures. Definitely worth a visit!