Instead of Bonbons: Bonita

Hike to Bonita Falls in the San Gabriels

What’s sweeter than chocolate? How about one of the largest waterfalls in SoCal! Bonita Falls goes year round, but in winter with snowmelt the waterfall is at its grandest.

Hike to this oasis of the San Gabriels on a 2-mile (round-trip) trek. The route to the waterfall is up through Lytle Creek’s south fork, which is a rocky creek bed so there’s not much of a trail. Sadly the canyon and many of the boulders around Bonita Falls have been marred by graffiti, but the waterfall still outshines all of it.

Hike to Bonita Falls in the San Gabriels

Parking is unmarked on a spacious side of the road (it’s common for many cars to be here). From the trailhead, descend a small hill into a picnic area and thereafter encounter Lytle Creek’s rushing water. The first challenge is to find a way past the creek, which can be shin deep in spots.

A small bridge made of logs and branches within view of the picnic area gets you to the other side. Bring spare socks and watch the footing; it’s not the most stable of bridges.

Bonita Falls San Gabriels

Once you’re past the creek, you’ll head up the Lytle Creek south fork, which threads through a vast canyon. Work your way over the rough rocks to the left side of the canyon—that’s where the terrain is the smoothest and you’ll find the most semblance of a trail. Just over a half mile into the wash, turn left and head up the trail for a rapid landscape change from wide-open canyon views to dense foliage of Fremont cottonwoods.

The graffiti is undesirable, but it can be a good marker that you’re on the right track. Ascend around 300 feet over a short distance alongside running water. Eventually, through the trees, Bonita Falls will come into view. It’s difficult to miss. There’s a lot of space to find a seat and relax by the pool at the base of the waterfall. Okay, go ahead: Have some bonbons with Bonita.

From the I-15 in Fontana, take the Sierra Ave. exit and head north. Continue onto Lytle Creek Rd. for 5.8 miles. Parking will be on the left. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View