Little Phantom Falls

North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve parking lot, cross-country past Hollow Falls and the Ravine Fall creek to the Coal Canyon rim, then along the rim to view Little Phantom Falls from the north

Z and B Johnson give segment figures for their 6.5-mile North Loop: 0.7 miles to Hollow Falls, 0.7 to the Ravine Fall creek, 0.6 to the Phantom Falls viewpoint, and 0.2 along the rim to the creek above Little Phantom Falls. The 2.2-mile one-way figure is the sum of those segments.

No established trails; cross-country walking over grassland and basalt with few landmarks. Carry a map and compass or GPS. Cattle graze here; CDFW says stay at least 300 feet from them. Cliff edges are unfenced in places.

Where to start

Use the reserve parking lot on the west side of Cherokee Road, about 6.3 miles north of Table Mountain Boulevard (CDFW directions). CDFW says the lot is small, fills on busy days, and parking along Cherokee Road is not permitted.

Timing & water

Flows only after substantial rain, usually winter to early spring; usually dry in summer. The Johnson visit found it barely flowing.

Before you go

CDFW requires a Lands Pass for anyone 16 or older, unless the person holds a valid California hunting or fishing license. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Dogs on a leash of 10 feet or less.