Hike to Aztec Falls

San Bernardino County, California

3.3/5

based on 4 reviews

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Distance

1.2 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tori Marsh

Cool off in one of Southern California's most popular swimming holes! A short hike from the trailhead, you'll find a waterfall with plenty of cliffs and rocks for jumping.

From Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display your Adventure Pass in your car.

Take the trail and follow the creek until you see a bridge. You'll have to cross that bridge and continue along the ridge until you see a rock with a spray-painted blue arrow pointing downwards towards Aztec Falls. The trail is not very well marked, but chances are there will be plenty of people there to help you find it. It's best to visit this spot on a hot day because the water is very chilly!

Warning: This spot can be a bit crowded and some careless folks have left trash behind, so if you're looking for serenity, this may not be the best place for you. However the hike is nice and the scenery is beautiful! Remember to pack out what you brought in.

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Features

Chillin

Photography

Swimming

Hiking

Forest

Groups

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Reviews

angela henyan

Hike to Aztec Falls

08/04/20

Tourists left so much covid trash it is closed for a year. Gate locked, no walk in entry. Pack out what you pack in!

1.0

Isaac Orloff

Hike to Aztec Falls

09/04/17

Trash everywhere , graffiti everywhere, glass everywhere, noisy boisterous people with no regard to those around them. Rangers need to crack down on the crowds of people (50+ people when we were there) or else this place is doomed forever. Would not return unless its a weekday morning.

2.0

Falina Grell

Hike to Aztec Falls

06/26/17

We LOVE this place! Bringing the kids to play is so awesome. The Hike Out To The Falls Is Easy And My 3 Year Old Can So It All By Herself, Its When You Get To Separate Trail Leading Down The The Falls (there's A Rock With A Blue Arrow Spray Painted So You Know Where The Falls Are) But Anyways, That Little Trail Is What Takes The Longest And Is The Hardest Part. We Have To Carry Both Kids Down As It's Incredibly Steep. But It's 100% Worth It!

5.0

Josh Heineman

Hike to Aztec Falls

08/05/16

Beautiful hike with natural pools to go swimming in. Definitely going back!!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Aztec Falls

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Deep Creek Hot Springs via Bradford Ridge

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Castle Rock Trail at Big Bear Lake

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