Three Sisters Falls

Facility · California ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Cleveland National Forest (NF) · Open Access

2,174 ft
Elevation

 

 

Elevation Change

1000

Distance

4.5 miles

Hike/Ride Time

Full day

Difficulty

Moderate to Strenuous

Best Seasons

Spring, Winter

Ranger District

Palomar Ranger District - (760) 788-0250


Gaining in popularity, this often crowded, yet challenging hike takes hikers through several ecosystems before leading to the main event - three large waterfalls wedged between tall, rocky mountains. Having recently undergone some new developments, hikers will find a safer and more direct route to the falls, which alleviates the need to rock/mountain climb, lowering injury risks and casualty rates.  Those who are interested in extreme hiking, mountain climbing, rock traversing, or otherwise challenging hikes will still appreciate elements of this trail, particularly if hiking to the third waterfall or traversing the rocky bottom.

If you do not feel you are ready for the intensity of this hike, please reference our Recreation Trail Guide for a list of other options in this area. For more information on this hike, please see our Three Sisters Trail Spotlight Feature

Getting there

32.97114, -116.68835 · 32°58'16.1"N 116°41'18.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in3.84.53.41.41.00.10.30.20.41.01.93.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Three Sisters Falls

Can you reserve a site at Three Sisters Falls?
No. Three Sisters Falls is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Three Sisters Falls

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.