Bonita Falls Trail is a 1.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lytle Creek, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Remember to stop at the Ranger Station or AMPM for your daily parking pass - $5. America The Beautiful passes also qualify
California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543
Directions from San Bernardino, CA: Take Interstate 15 to Sierra Avenue exit north. Head north on Lytle Creek Road approximately 5 miles to the Ranger Station. Proceed half a mile past Station. At the South Fork (looks like dry creekbed), park on road where you see the dry creekbed. Hike across creekbed, then half a mile to the break in the cliffs to the left. Hike up the mountain to the left to each the falls. (If you park along the main road, go across running creek, along the main road. Hike up dry creek bed half a mile to the break in the cliffs to the left. Hike up the mountain to the left to reach the falls.)
This short trail is unmarked and you can easily miss the ascent to the waterfall. Must cross the creek, you will get wet. Must stay on the left side closest to the mountain, pass the graffitied rocks, until you find the ascent to the waterfall. The terrain on this hike is very rocky all the way there. Waterfall was gorgeous. What's upsetting to me is how people have ruined nature with all the graffiti and the trash they leave behind. What a shame.
One must look past the human art (graffiti) to enjoy the nature. From where you park you’ll need to cross the creek to begin the trail. The first part of the trail is rocky. Then you begin to ascend and the path is dirt, not as much rock and wet because patches cross through water that flows down from the waterfall. The waterfall area is not spacious and people hangout to eat. But, the waterfall and pool are beautiful. When I first saw it I said, “que bonita”, and understood why it was named Bonita Falls.
The view was beautiful. Not too many people were around when I came. There are lots of rocks that span out at least a mile walk. Sturdy but watch your step. If possible, wear hiking boots to keep your ankles supported and feet dry. The trail was mostly clean and folks were friendly if close. I brought my 12lb dog who loved the adventure and could walk most of the way. I had to carry my dog up across the creek and up large rocks. Cool weather too.
Living so close to it never knew about this trail. Went with the sister and kids. The kids didn't really enjoy the walk. Especially since we had to cross the river, and tons of rocks to get to the waterfall. My sister and I loved it. Walking thorough all the rocks was worth it. The waterfall is beautiful...
Beautiful adventurous trail. You start at the creek and continue along a rock bed before you reach the entry to hike up to the most beautiful waterfall! This past weekend the trail up to the waterfall was filled with fallen trees, rockslides and lots of trash from visitors and let’s not mention the graffiti. It’s such a shame to see our natural resources be defaced in such manner. Also if you never been, bring hiking shoes or shoes you can wet because you have to cross the creek. Please anyone see trash or your own trash, pick it up and bring it to the trash bins by the parking area.
All rocks on the way there and uphill to get to the falls but wayyyyyy worth it!!! Way bigger than we thought.
It had just snowed the night before I was out in the AM so no trail in sight! Boy was I lost, thank goodness for this map! No service so make sure to download it beforehand! I crossed a large creek using these thin logs at the start of the hike, not sure if it was the right way but they were fairly unsteady and a bit risky. Waterfall definitely is bonita, worth the hike!