Three Sisters Falls – A Springtime Reunion Waterfall Hike and One of the Best Waterfalls in San Diego
Last summer a friend and I decided to hike Three Sisters Falls. We chose the absolute worst time of year to make the trek and we were disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the falls were dry. At the time, I was less than impressed with my experience, and that lack of excitement was laid out in my last Three Sisters Falls trail report.
RELATED: Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest
If you’re considering hiking Three Sisters Falls during the summer or in hot weather and haven’t read my earlier trail report, I highly recommend doing so before your visit. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a summary of my experience:
It was dangerously hot. The falls were dry. And the only water on the hike was mucky, green, and full of litter.
Hiking in Summer vs. Spring
Here’s how hiking the 3 Sisters Falls trail during the prime spring season compares to a midsummer off-season hike.
We started the hike to Three Sisters Falls around 9:00 am on a Tuesday after completing a hike to Eagle Peak, which shares the same trailhead. From the trail junction, we began our descent into the valley and towards the creek where we could hear the waterfalls crashing in the distance.
The trail during spring was similar in condition to my experience in August, with litter scattered about, particularly discarded water bottles.
Trash is a problem on the trail for two main reasons:
- First, the popularity and accessibility of the Three Sisters Falls hike attract many hikers who are not familiar with Leave No Trace principles.
- Second, the trail wasn’t maintained and trash cans weren’t available anywhere along the hike, from the trailhead to the valley. As a result, some visitors are quick to discard their trash along the trail.
The only noticeable difference on my recent trip was the availability of more ropes to aid hikers on their descent into the valley. The steep and heavily trafficked trail can be treacherous in places due to a lack of maintenance. That was the case when I visited in August, and it was still true on my recent trip in early April.
It’s Just as Beautiful as I’ve Heard
I was delighted to find crystal clear water flowing over the boulders that had been dry on my last visit as we walked towards the creek in the valley. Unfortunately, we encountered trash in the water and on the trail at every turn, and although we also found some graffiti, it was less severe than at other popular hikes such as Adobe Falls or The Mushroom Caves.
As we made our way up the creek, we stopped to take photos of the many smaller waterfalls we found along the way. We made our way towards the Three Sisters waterfalls until we reached the base of the first waterfall, which was flowing nicely and had cool, refreshing water.
We took a brief break for some photographs before continuing up to the second, then the first and biggest of the Three Sisters Falls. The water became clearer and more inviting with each stop until we arrived at the large pool beneath the biggest waterfall. A group of kids swimming in the pool confirmed that the water was, indeed cold!
I wasn’t brave enough to test the waters myself. The thought of runoff, and who knows what else might contaminate the water further upstream, kept me from jumping in. Had there been a heavier flow and if the day had been a little warmer, I think it may have been more difficult to resist the temptation. But as it was, I was just fine sitting it out and watching others enjoy the cool waters of Three Sisters Falls.
Conclusion
Three Sisters Falls is just as beautiful as I had hoped and imagined it might be with the water flowing. The water levels were relatively low, but plenty was flowing to keep it fresh and clear. Trash on this hike, unfortunately, continues to be a significant issue. Please do your part to keep the trail clean and the hike enjoyable for everyone by packing out your trash.
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind for your visit to Three Sisters Falls:
- There are no toilets, trash cans or other facilities anywhere on the trail
- Wear hiking shoes or trail runners for traction
- Use caution when navigating the more treacherous parts of the trail
- Bring plenty of water, at least 2 liters to avoid dehydration
- Don’t underestimate the difficulty of the hike out
- And please… PACK OUT YOUR TRASH! The trail is here for all to enjoy.