Posted in Southern California Hiking, Nature March 09, 2023 by

Swim At The Bottom Of A Three-Tiered Waterfall After The 2-Mile Hike To Three Sisters Falls In Southern California

Hiking is such a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and a variety of natural landscapes. Southern California certainly has a huge variety of trails – from mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, sand dunes, seaside cliffs, waterfalls, and beaches. Many hikers have their favorite trails or aspect of nature, but who doesn’t love a gorgeous waterfall? In San Diego County, there is one particular waterfall hike near Julian that has rocks, mountains, and a three-tiered waterfall and swimming hole.

The Three Sisters Falls Trail in the Cleveland National Forest mountains is open all year and is always a beautiful hike. The trail is just over four miles total, in and back.
James Lukas/Google Local
Visiting in the spring and early summer generally means an extra dose of color throughout the scenic hike, with the appearance of a variety of wildflowers.
Jesus Cecena/Google Local
Three Sisters is a large, dramatic three-tiered waterfall tucked down between rocky mountains. It is seasonal and is most stunning after there has been a good rainy winter. Each tier of the Three Sisters flows into its own lovely pool.
Three Sisters Falls - SoCal/Facebook
It is a two-mile hike down to the falls. It is moderately challenging, but the real challenge comes with the two miles back and an elevation gain of 1000 feet.
alvaro castaneda/Google Local
It is recommended to use the time at the falls, not only for a refreshing dip in the water, but to eat a bite and hydrate before heading back up.
There is a split or two in the trail, so pay attention to signs and markers to arrive at the falls.
James Lukas/Google Local
Cesar Cordoba/Google Local
The lowest section spreads into a wide waterfall cascading over the smooth rock face.
Delhi Iriarte/Google Local
The stunning middle tier is the longest section and flows through a steep and narrow rock formation. This section is almost a two-tier fall in its own right, and of course, ends in a lovely swimming hole.
Robert Jansen/Google Local
Afshar Hassani/Google Local
The upper falls is the shortest and most vertical section of the Three Sisters. At its most full, the top swimming hole is quite deep!
Judy Teng/AllTrails
Skilled and adventurous hikers will enjoy the more extreme elements of hiking over the rocky bottom of the falls or making the trek to the third fall.
SoCal John/Google Local
Even when there is little to no water coming over the rocks, especially in summer months, for instance, the pools generally still have water (though stagnant and not good for swimming), and the geology of this area is still gorgeous.
Ivan P/Google Local
Deepak Muckatira/Google Local

Three Sisters is a must-see waterfall where you can swim, rock climb, and more. Are you a serious hiker? Have you been to Three Sisters, or have it on your bucket list? Check out some other incredible SoCal hiking trails!

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Address: Three Sisters Falls Trailhead, Boulder Creek Rd, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070, USA