Etiwanda Falls
(near Rancho Cucamonga)
Start time: 8:00 A.M.
Moderate Hike
Explore this 3.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rancho Cucamonga, California. Generally considered a moderate route, it takes an average of 2 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Nestled in the Etiwanda foothills in San Bernardino County is the Etiwanda Falls Trail. It is a nice out-and-back hiking trail suitable for the whole family with lots of great southern California scenery and photo opportunities. There are also many informational markers along the way to explain the significance of conserving this area and its role in protecting valuable ecosystem functions and sensitive species in the area.
The falls are found on National Forest property north of the current boundaries of the North Etiwanda Preserve. By going to the falls, you will cross over privately owned property, which is not a designated part of the Preserve. The private property crossed is still a habitat preservation site for which the same conservation practices apply. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The parking area for this trail is on Etiwanda Ave. in Rancho Cucamonga.
Recommend wearing light hiking gear for this hike. In a pinch you can get away with fitness clothing. However be mindful of the temperatures since we are doing this in the winter. A layered approach is always the best way to go! The trail is wide and easy to follow, but rocky, so trail runners or hiking boots will work best.
The pace will be a similar to the ones on our easy hikes, so don't expect a race. Very much a Sunday morning stroll to enjoy the views and work up a small appetite for breakfast/brunch/lunch.
Since this is a short hike, for those interested we will gather afterward for breakfast/brunch/lunch.
12285 Base Line Rd #120, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739
Getting to the Trailhead:
The North Etiwanda Preserve is located at the northern terminus of Etiwanda Avenue in the foothill area above Rancho Cucamonga.
From the 210 Freeway:
Exit Day Creek Boulevard in the City of Rancho Cucamonga and head north.
Proceed on Day Creek Blvd 2.2 miles until you reach Etiwanda Avenue.
Day Creek will veer east and end at Etiwanda Avenue.
Take Etiwanda Avenue north approximately .3 mile until the pavement ends. Continue on dirt road approximately 600 feet to the designated gravel parking area.
The parking lot can get full on weekends hence the early start time as well as recommending carpooling. The hike will start at 8:30 AM; consider arriving at 8:00 AM or earlier. The parking fee is $3.25 for 4 hours.
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials (Click here for the list.), a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, trail snacks, and plan on wearing hiking boots or shoes This is a short hike (less than 2 hours) so water is always essential but you may not want to load too much on food or a lot of snacks.
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking will be a challenge. There is NO FEE for this trip except the parking fee listed above. Once we determine the list of attendees, we can assist in setting up carpooling.
Lance Whitmier will be leading this hike.
Lance can be reached at: LanceLyleWayne@gmail.com
Special COVID Related Requirements:
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
- I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the leader.
- I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
-
I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 7 days of the event
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions.
