Three Sisters

Hike to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest

02.26.2025
Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. Three Sisters Falls flows nicely in winter, but not in the summer months.

Hikers descending the canyon trail to reach Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern Califronia

Hiker standing and looking at the Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest San Diego County

The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls. In spring, wildflowers pop, especially in purples like lupine and owl’s clover.

Hikers sitting on a rock slab near Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest close to Julian

The hike starts from the Cha’chaany Hamuk Trailhead. Within half a mile, you’ll see Three Sisters, and shortly after, at 0.7 mile, you’ll reach a junction with a trail heading west to Eagle Peak, but you’ll turn left to head to the falls. At about 1.3 miles in, you’ll get to a good vantage of Three Sisters.

The falls are your turnaround point, but of course you’ll want to stop and enjoy the oasis, plus gather some energy for the return trek (uphill). Boulders and large slab rocks make for some nice perches to relax and enjoy the view, just be mindful of picking something farther away from the flows, as scrambling too close to the falls is a slick, slippery zone (use good judgment). The hike out is a steady climb (1,000 feet of elevation). Have good treads as the trail demands good traction. On hotter winter days, be sure to go early to see the falls as the trail is exposed, with very little shade. Bring plenty of water, so you have all the liquid assets basking in nature’s riches.

Cha’chaany Hamuk Trailhead. The road to the trailhead can be a challenge; take your time and if you have a 4WD that’s better. Do not do this hike in summer. In winter, be sure to take plenty of water and sun protection and get an early start as the climb out is exposed and can be challenging. Wear proper hiking shoes. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by @mattitudehikes

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View