Etiwanda Falls Rancho Cucamonga
A scenic 3.4-mile hike in Rancho Cucamonga leading to a beautiful, seasonal waterfall. Prepare for sun and limited parking!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Etiwanda Falls Rancho Cucamonga
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 3.4-mile hike in Rancho Cucamonga leading to a beautiful, seasonal waterfall. Prepare for sun and limited parking!
"Limited parking, but the beautiful scenery and waterfall are well worth the hike!"
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive very early (around 6:30 AM) for parking, or expect a wait. Fee applies. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The trail is very exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunny:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Etiwanda Falls
End of the trail
A rewarding waterfall at the end of a scenic hike, especially vibrant after rain.
Scenic Uphill Trail
North Etiwanda Preserve
Enjoy a 3.4-mile roundtrip hike with beautiful desert scenery and wildflowers.
Rocky Terrain Exploration
Near the falls
Explore the rocky areas around the waterfall, but be cautious as they can be slippery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Trail Conditions & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive very early (around 6:30 AM) for parking, or expect a wait. Fee applies. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The trail is very exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunny:
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is rocky and has inclines. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Arrive very early (around 6:30 AM) for parking, or expect a wait. Fee applies. :car:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The trail is very exposed. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunny:
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is rocky and has inclines. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
While some ignore it, dogs are officially not permitted on the trail. :no_entry:
🦟 Bug Spray for Falls Area
Mosquitos can be prevalent near the water; bring repellent. :bug:
📸 Capture the Scenery
Take photos of trail signs for reference, especially if it's your first visit. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Etiwanda Falls is a popular and scenic hike, praised for its rewarding waterfall and beautiful desert views. Visitors highlight the need for early arrival due to limited, paid parking and the trail's exposed nature, requiring sun protection and ample water. While generally considered moderate, the rocky and steep sections can be challenging for some.
"Been a few years but glad to be back on this beautiful 3.5 mile in n out hike. Limited parking so start early in the summer months. It can get really hot going up that 1.7 mile incline. Once you get to the top the beautiful scenery and shade is well worth it.."
Jesse M.
"Get here early or later in the afternoon to find parking an open spot but then spots open up i noticed as I was leaving around 10am. The trail is marked the whole way to the tree line. It does have an incline and rocky the whole way. Worth the hike. Spent an extra hour under the trees exploring."
Melissa Taft
"This trail is a great start for beginners as its not too long and the incline isn't too difficult.
You do have to arrive early, around 6:30am to find parking, otherwise you are waiting for about 30-50 mins for parking. There is a parking fee of 5 dollars for 4 hours. It takes an hour to go up and maybe less than an hour to come back down since you're going downhill.
Overall, this hike is beautiful."
Kelly Velazquez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Etiwanda Falls is located within the North Etiwanda Preserve in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Access is via the Etiwanda Falls Trailhead. +1
Parking is very limited and fills up quickly. Aim to arrive by 6:30 AM on weekends or during peak seasons. Expect to pay a parking fee, often processed via QR code.
Public transportation options directly to the trailhead are limited. Driving and parking is the most common method, though it requires early arrival.
Yes, you can use GPS to navigate to the North Etiwanda Preserve or the Etiwanda Falls Trailhead. Be prepared for limited parking once you arrive.
It's always a good idea to check local traffic reports before heading out, though significant detours are not commonly reported for this specific trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee. It's typically around $4.25 to $5 for a 4-hour increment.
No, tickets are not required in advance. Payment is usually handled on-site for parking, often through a QR code system.
The preserve generally has daylight hours, but it's best to check local park information. The main concern is securing parking, which is best done early.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail, despite some visitors ignoring this rule.
The trail is accessible year-round, but the waterfall's flow is seasonal and best after rainfall.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 3.4 miles roundtrip, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls.
It's considered a moderate hike. It starts relatively flat but becomes steep and rocky as you approach the falls. Good for beginners with some fitness.
No, there are no bathrooms available at the trailhead or along the trail. You'll need to plan accordingly. +1
The trail is largely exposed with very little shade, especially during the uphill climb. Sun protection is essential.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and bug spray for the waterfall area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the trailhead. You'll need to drive into Rancho Cucamonga or nearby cities for restaurants and cafes.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you can bring snacks to enjoy during your hike or at the falls. Remember to pack out all trash.
Rancho Cucamonga offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast-casual to sit-down restaurants, catering to diverse tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall itself is a prime photo opportunity, especially after rain. The scenic trail views and rocky areas also offer great shots. +1
The trail can be rocky and uneven, so be mindful of your footing while taking pictures. The lighting can be harsh due to the lack of shade.
A wide-angle lens can capture the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A sturdy tripod might be useful if you plan for longer exposures, but keep gear minimal for the hike.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, though the waterfall is most impressive after rain regardless of time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Crucially, the trail is very exposed with little shade, so ensure kids have hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. There are no restrooms, so plan accordingly. While dogs are not officially allowed, some families might see others with pets. The reward of the waterfall can be a great motivator for kids to complete the hike.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since there are no facilities like restrooms or concessions on the trail, you save money by not purchasing anything on-site. Bringing your own packed lunch and plenty of water from home makes this a very economical outing. The experience of a scenic hike and a waterfall is a great value for the minimal cost involved.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for harsh lighting conditions due to the lack of shade, which might necessitate using a polarizing filter or shooting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. Capturing the waterfall requires careful footing on slippery rocks, so a stable camera setup and awareness of your surroundings are key. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the falls and their environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Etiwanda Falls Trail Experience
Hikers often praise the beautiful desert scenery and the chance to see wildflowers, especially after rainfall. However, a significant aspect of the trail is its lack of shade. This means visitors must be prepared for direct sun exposure, especially during the warmer months. Bringing ample water, sunscreen, and a hat is crucial for a comfortable and safe hike.
Community feedback highlights the importance of arriving early due to extremely limited parking, which also involves a fee. While there are no restrooms on the trail, the payoff of reaching the waterfall and exploring the surrounding rocky, sometimes slippery, areas makes the effort worthwhile for many.
Waterfall Seasonality and Conditions
When the falls are active, the area around them can become slippery due to the water and mossy rocks. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when exploring near the water's edge. Additionally, the damp environment near the falls can attract mosquitoes, so bringing insect repellent is a practical tip for those planning to linger.
To maximize the chances of seeing a good flow, checking recent weather patterns and local conditions before your visit is recommended. The best time to experience the falls at their fullest is typically in the late winter or spring following winter rains.
Navigating Parking and Fees
There is a parking fee associated with using the lot, typically charged in 4-hour increments. The cost is around $4.25 to $5. Payment is often managed through a QR code system, so ensure your phone is charged and you have a way to make digital payments. Parking outside the designated lot can result in tickets, so adhering to marked areas is important.
Some reviewers note that parking spots do open up as early hikers depart around 10 AM, suggesting a mid-morning arrival might be an alternative if an early start isn't possible, though this comes with a higher chance of waiting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit