WaterfallNear Me

Maidenhair Falls

San Diego County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
San Diego County, California
Access status
Published visitor route; scrambling required
The walk
About 5.5 miles return (derived from 2.75 miles one way)
Ground & access
Open desert trail, then mandatory rock scrambling and brush in the canyon. Mountain lion country. Very hot in warm months.
Hikespeak: Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

Park in the large dirt lot on Montezuma Valley Road 0.8 mile south of Palm Canyon Road. Hike west across the alluvial fan into Hellhole Canyon, past palm oases. The trail fades and rock scrambling is needed. A small 10-foot fall just below can be mistaken for Maidenhair Falls; continue a few hundred feet further up.

Plan your visit

Hellhole Canyon Trailhead on Montezuma Valley Road (S22) up Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

Hikespeak gives about 2.75 miles from the trailhead to the falls and says the exact distance varies with your route up the canyon. The return figure is derived by doubling.

Open desert trail, then mandatory rock scrambling and brush in the canyon. Mountain lion country. Very hot in warm months.

Where to start

Large dirt parking area at the trailhead on Montezuma Valley Road (S22), with a restroom at the far end of the lot.

Timing & water

Seasonal flow; best in early spring or after rain.

Before you go

Hikespeak says no fee or permit is required to hike to Maidenhair Falls.

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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