Lush Life

Hike to Etiwanda Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains

Etiwanda Falls Trail in Rancho Cucamonga packs a lot of bang for your buck: waterfall, wildflowers, panoramic views of the Inland Empire, and lush green surroundings as you walk. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, this 3.4-mile (round-trip) out-and-back trail is a favorite among locals, and you’ll quickly understand why.

The shadeless trail almost immediately begins with a moderate incline and continues uphill until you reach the waterfall. Frequent breaks to admire the stunning views of the Inland Empire below help give your legs a rest. Thanks to our winter rains, the trail is lush and green, with pretty purple wildflowers dotting the hillside. You’ll pass through areas of oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub, as well as one of only three remaining areas of alluvial fan sage scrub in the whole state.

Shortly beyond an old irrigation system on your right, you’ll reach the falls. A small path to the right leads to an overlook viewpoint, while one to the left goes directly to the top of the falls. The 15-foot waterfall is particularly impressive right now, after all our recent rains, but is still fun to visit year-round. The views are always great. Bonus: Evening hikers will be rewarded with the sight of twinkling city lights set against the backdrop of a gorgeous sunset in front of them for the whole hike back to the parking lot.

The trailhead is in North Etiwanda Preserve at the end of Etiwanda Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga. From the 210 freeway, head north on Day Creek Blvd. until it dead-ends at Etiwanda Ave., then make a left. Follow Etiwanda Ave. until it turns into a dirt parking lot at the preserve. The preserve is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. March through October, and from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through February. Parking lot gates are locked promptly at closing time. Free parking. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View