When most people think of desert hiking, they don’t think about waterfalls—but all the rainfall has created some exceptional waterfalls late into the year.
The most spectacular nearby gems are both located in the San Bernardino National Forest, an hour to 1 1/2 hour drive from the Coachella Valley—and they’re definitely worth the drive and adventure.
One of my favorite waterfalls makes for a perfect day trip: Big Falls is considered by some to be the “king of SoCal waterfalls” for good reason. It’s the tallest year-round waterfall in Southern California, and at a height of 500 feet, it’s one of the largest in the state.
The trail is located at Forest Falls. It’s very easy and mostly flat—less than one mile long, with an elevation gain of only 112 feet to reach the lowest tier, which is about 20 feet tall. Once you are on the trail, it takes 30 minutes or less to get to the waterfall. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Restrooms are available at the parking lot, but be warned—it often smells pretty rank around the restrooms.
This enormous waterfall has five tiers, with the larger tiers are at the top. The fall is so huge that you can see the top tier as you’re driving to the parking lot after passing El Mexicano Restaurant and the Elkhorn General Store; buy your day pass here for $5, or display your SoCal Adventure Pass. There’s both free and paid parking; the free parking is on the left, available if you get there early enough or happen to luck out with good parking karma.
After hiking along the creek, as you approach the base of the falls, you will see the next tier—and everything all the way up to the second-highest tier of the falls. You may experience many small waterfalls along the short hike to the base of Big Falls. As for the main attraction, I have never seen it without a good amount of flowing water year-round. It’s so amazing—truly majestic!
The second-largest waterfall in Southern California, and another favorite of mine, is Bonita Falls. Located at Lytle Creek (exit Interstate 15 at Sierra Avenue, and follow Lytle Creek Road), the hike to Bonita Falls is about 1.5 miles (3 miles round trip), with an elevation gain of only 334 feet. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. It’s a fairly easy hike if you’re OK with rock-hopping (aka maneuvering through beds of big rocks) most of the way, as there really is no trail.
You can begin this hike at the Bonita Ranch Campground (restrooms are available), which charges $10 for parking. You can also park along the road at the pull-off area on the left side as you enter, just before Hidden Acres—but you must display a SoCal Adventure Pass. Continue down the shaded stream, and you’ll pick up the trail on the left. Stay left, following the mountain upward to the falls. As you make your way across the canyon, known as South Fork Lytle Creek, just follow the (unfortunately) graffitied rocks.
Once you head into the scenic forest, the environment rapidly transitions into a beautiful green paradise, where you will get your first glimpse of the stunning falls. It has been said that if you arrive at the falls between noon and 2 p.m., Bonita Falls will glisten more beautifully than any other waterfall in Southern California. It has more water year-round than most waterfalls. It, unfortunately, probably has more graffiti around than any other waterfalls, too, but if you focus on the waterfall itself, the beauty and serenity is beyond measure.
There are actually two additional waterfall tiers directly above Bonita Falls that most people don’t know about, because you can’t see them from the base of the falls. All three tiers of Bonita Falls measure 495 feet, according to CA Hiking Adventures. I strongly recommend against climbing up to the top two tiers—because one small mistake can cost you your life. I can vouch for this: I was lucky enough to only break my wrist during a fall as I was coming down after scrambling up to the top two tiers. There should probably be warning signs posted.
If you’re looking for waterfall hikes in the Coachella Valley, please be advised that one of the most popular spots, Whitewater Preserve, remained closed due to storm damage (as of this writing). Tahquitz Canyon and the Indian Canyons are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 30; they will then be open daily through July 4. Both Tahquitz Canyon and the Indian Canyons, on tribal land managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, charge a modest entry fee.
In closing, here are a few tips for visiting waterfalls:
- Like most trails and everything else, weekends are usually when you’ll find the most people, so plan to arrive early (by 7 a.m.) to beat the crowds.
- In general, spring and early summer are the best times to visit any waterfalls, but it really depends on the amount of rainfall. Therefore, timing may vary.
- Remember to bring water. Just because you’re hiking in a cooler climate and around water doesn’t mean that you won’t need plenty of drinking water.
- Always pack out your trash to help keep these beautiful areas clean.
Hiking With T: The Abundance of Rain Has Made Nearby Waterfall Hikes Even More Spectacular is a story from Coachella Valley Independent, the Coachella Valley’s alternative news source.