Distance: 5.6 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 1842' (Trailhead)
Elevation Gain: 1190'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.0
Round trip time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Recommended water: 32 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free at Ramona Trailhead
Difficulty: Easy
At ~90', Cedar Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in San Diego County. It has become so popular that a permit system was set up to limit the number of hikers on the trail to 375/day. Winter was a good time to go since water was flowing from recent rains and it was cool. We got a lazy start and the parking lot was full when we arrived. We parked on a residential road and walked to the trailhead. Staff was checking permits at the trailhead. There was potable water at the trailhead, and a restroom, but it had a long line. Right behind us was a group of 50 college kids. It took them time to get organized, giving us a chance to put some distance between us before they got going. The hike in was downhill at a gentle grade. Several benches and rest areas were available along the way. The first water crossing was the San Diego River. A group of ten women was on their way back, trying to cross. One had made it and nine we on the far side taking their shoes and socks off. With the swarm of people on the trail, I was in no mood to wait for them to inch their way across. I plodded into the river which was calf deep and crossed in 15 seconds. Leisa was three steps behind me. One woman complained that I spashed her ankle on the way out, but remarkably, she didn't melt. There were two more stream crossings of Cedar Creek. At each crossing were people carefully removing/putting on their shoes, but there was plenty of room to pass. We had dry shoes/socks in the truck and it was easier and safer just wading through. There were about 10 people milling aorund the base of the falls. We took a few photos, then I launched the drone for some aerials. No one even noticed the drone was in the air. Unless it is nearby, you can't hear it, and the light gray color makes it almost invisible. I am glad we made the trip to see the falls flowing, but once was enough.
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