Green Valley Falls Hike
Saturday April 18th, 2026 @ 9am
This hike takes us to the southernmost part of Cuyamaca park and then we will Lunch at Green Valley Falls!
Starting at the East Mesa Trailhead parking area, we will travel west on the East Boundary Fire Road for 1.3 miles, turning south on the Blue Ribbon Trail for 1.5 miles. At the boundary of the park, we will pick up the Merrigan Fire Road 1.1 miles to the Sweetwater Trail and head back north 1.2 miles. We then take a small connector to the Falls Fire Road heading to the Green Valley campground. We will have lunch at Green Valley Falls (which will likely be busy); and afterward we walk through the Green Valley Campground and then head back to East Mesa Trailhead.
Event Start Time / Location: We leave promptly at 9 AM from East Mesa Trailhead. Rain cancels.
Length & Elevation: A bit less than 8 miles and approximately 800 feet elevation gain. Out & Back.
Estimated Hike Duration: 9 AM start, est finish is 2PM
Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Pack water, lunch, snack and ten essentials.
Parking & Directions: Take SR (HWY) 79 North from Interstate 8. The East Mesa Parking area/Trailhead is about a half mile past the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park entry sign. It comes after the Oakzanita parking area and before the Green Valley Campground. No parking pass is required to park here. There are no restrooms on this trail until we reach the Green Valley Campground.
Costs involved: Free
Pets Permitted: No
Who to Contact with Questions: Scott Opis at [email protected]
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
