WaterfallNear Me

Cottonwood Creek

San Diego County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
San Diego County, California
Access status
Published visitor route; unmarked path
The walk
About 2 miles return (source figure)
Ground & access
Unofficial, unmarked path. Steep descent through brush; the climb is on the way back. Rocks near the falls are slippery.
Hiking San Diego County: Cottonwood Creek Falls

Park at the large turnouts on Sunrise Highway about 1.7 to 2 miles north of Interstate 8. Walk north past the guardrail to the power pole and follow the path down under the power lines. At the junction with the larger canyon turn left and walk upstream about a quarter mile to the pool and falls.

Plan your visit

Sunrise Highway turnouts to Cottonwood Creek Falls on an unmarked path under the power lines

The San Diego Reader gives 2 miles out and back. Hiking San Diego County reached the base of the falls at about 0.8 miles one way.

Unofficial, unmarked path. Steep descent through brush; the climb is on the way back. Rocks near the falls are slippery.

Where to start

Large turnouts on both sides of Sunrise Highway just after mile marker 15.0. A 2015 article says a Cleveland National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park along Sunrise Highway; check the current rule.

Timing & water

Best in late winter and spring after rain.

Before you go

No reservation found. Adventure Pass requirement as above.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

San Diego County, California.

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