3 Sisters Falls San Diego

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The 3 Sisters Falls San Diego was one hike that I had been wanting to do for quite some time. We finally had a free Saturday to put this hike into motion, but my husband was dealing with a back injury, and I was a bit worried about doing this hike with just my kids. Luckily, a friend and her boys were down to join us, so off we went.

A parking permit is not required for the 3 Sisters Falls hike

There are a couple of things you should know before you take off. First, there is a lot of mixed information about whether or not you need an Adventure Pass to park. Currently, in May 2023, it is not required even though many websites I saw said it was. Check with the US Forest Service website to verify this information before you go.

Second, the 3 sisters falls hike is downhill to the falls, and uphill on the return trip, so plan accordingly, especially when checking the weather and knowing what the temps will be on the second half of your hike.

Finally, even though I saw posts that said there are porta-potties in the parking lot, there weren’t any when we were there, nor were there any along the trail or at the falls. Again, plan accordingly.

If you are thinking of doing this hike, check out the Amazon store for my hiking essentials recommendations.

The drive to the 3 sisters falls San Diego is very straightforward. I was worried the dirt road would be easy to miss, but the paved road literally just turns into dirt. You’re on this dirt section for the last eight miles of the drive. We made it to the parking lot around 10:15 on a Saturday morning. The lot was already full, but there is additional roadside parking just up the hill from the lot. Be sure not to park where the street markers say No Parking.

What to Expect

The 3 sisters trailhead is at the back of the parking lot. Once you’re on the trail, it’s very straightforward. There’s a sign that points you to the falls about a quarter mile in. Not long after, you’ll begin hearing water (assuming the falls are flowing when you visit), and then you’ll turn a corner and have an amazing view of the 3 falls in the distance. The kids were so excited when they saw them, and they couldn’t believe those were the falls we were hiking to.

The Waterfalls

When you arrive at the three sisters falls, you’re at the level of the middle pool. The middle pool and lower pool are easy to access. If you want to go up to the top fall, though, you’ll need to cross the second pool and traverse some granite rocks. As much as I wanted to, I knew this wouldn’t be the best idea to do with six kids, so we did not. But eventually, we will!

Note: there were multiple deaths at these falls this past year. Please, please use caution if you choose to visit. Deaths at the 3 sisters falls San Diego were caused by slipping and falling, as well as from jumping in and not ever coming back up.

We found a spot near the bottom pool and enjoyed our lunch while watching people slide down the fall into the pool. The kids went partially into the water, but definitely noted that it was cold. It was a beautiful sunny day when we went, but was only about 64 degrees. Perfect hiking weather!

I was literally blown away that somewhere so beautiful is right here in San Diego. I feel like this hike is one I’d see in Hawaii or Yosemite.

After spending about an hour at the falls, we decided we should start the trek back. I was prepared to take lots of breaks for the kids on the way back, but they were like energized bunnies, running ahead and somehow never slowing down. They do all play sports and they run at running club before school everyday, so they are active, but even still, they’re 7 and 9 year olds! I was beyond impressed.

Plan Ahead for the 3 Sisters Falls Hike in San Diego

We started this hike around 10:30am and we were back at the car by 1:30pm. The kids definitely could have played at the falls longer, but I knew we had the hike back plus the long drive home. We will most definitely be doing this hike again! My husband can’t wait to join us when his back is better. If you’re looking for another good San Diego hike, check out the Kitchen Creek Falls hike, the Cedar Creek falls hike and the Mission Trails 5 Peak Challenge hikes.

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