Lt. James Bovet of the Ramona Sheriff's Substation offers information and tips to make your visit to Cedar Creek Falls safer.
There are new rules to visiting Cedar Creek Falls. Hikers are now required to pay for a visitor permit. Only 75 permits for individuals and/or groups of up to five people are available each day by reservation. The permit costs six dollars. To reserve a permit, visit recreation.gov. This online permit system will be available starting April 5th.
The permits are not parking passes. There are only 29 parking spots on the trailhead off of Thornbush Road. Cars blocking road access will be towed at owner's expense. Bringing or drinking alcohol in the area is not allowed. The cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to jumping and diving. Swimming is allowed. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
Sheriff's Deputies and U.S. Forest Service Rangers will strictly enforce the permit requirements and the ban on alcohol and cliff jumping. They will take appropriate law enforcement actions on violations of local, state and federal laws, which can include a citation up to an arrest and fines.
The trail to Cedar Creek Falls is a challenging five-and-a-half-mile hike with no shade from the sun. It is not for beginners. The return trip is mostly uphill. You will need at least four 16-ounce water bottles to stay hydrated. Dress appropriately for the hike and know your limits. Leave your dog at home. This trail is not easy on the paws because it's littered with sharp rocks and the surface gets very hot.
