Chiquito Falls Hiking Trail(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate and popular 9 mile total distance in and out trail in Cleveland National Forest that leads to a small waterfall called Chiquito Falls (not Lion Falls as shown on the map which is nearby). The falls can be reached by two trails, one starting from the Candy Store at Ortege Oaks and one from Blue Jay Campground. This description is from the Candy Store. The hike is a moderate hike with about 1400 feet elevation gain over the first 4 miles followed by a short and moderate drop to the falls. Return is the same as the entry. The trail is used primarily by hikers, but a few intrepid bikers take the single track trail also, so keep you eyes open. The trail has great views of the rocky Santa Ana mountains and Sitton Peak to the east.

Chiquito falls is a smaller waterfall, and has no water during most of the year. The pool at the bottom of the falls is a cool and gravelly rest stop during these times. If one wishes to see it in all it's glory, then visit within 48 hours of a major rainfall event. The trail starts at the parking lot, then follows the San Juan Loop north or south. North leads past a nice overlook for the tiny San Juan Falls then loops back to chair. The south trail just loops parallel to the Hwy 74 before turning back to the trail junction marked by a bench and a sign pointing to "Chiquito".

The side trail then goes 100 yards down to the creek. The creek is usually small and easily crossed. During the rainy season and after a big rainstorm, the creek can swell to a thigh deep torrent that can be challenging to cross, so caution is necessary. The trail continues on the other side of the creek before dropping into another canyon where it parallels that smaller creek for awhile before crossing.

The trail then climbs steadily using switchbacks with continuous views of Sitton Peak and the mountains. The trail winds over a bouldery ridge with a few locations with nice sitting rocks and boulders for a rest or maybe a shorter hike turnaround. The trail reaches it's highpoint rounding a ridge at about 4 miles then drops down 200 feet to the falls. You pass a trail to the right just as you reach the falls which is the trail going to Blue Jay Campground which is moderate, about 3 miles long, but less popular and more obscured by blowdowns and other obstacles.

The rocks around the falls are slippery, so be careful. There are several areas to sit and enjoy the sound of the falls. The climb to the bottom of the falls is easy, but requires a bit of bouldering and can be slippery and muddy, but affords the best view of the fall itself.

Like all waterfall hikes in the Santa Ana mountains there is always the potential for ticks in the wet season and some poison oak down in the creek areas.

Getting Started

Drive to Hwy 74. From OC, drive west on Hwy 74 until reaching the parking lot marked by the famous blue Candy Store at Ortega Oaks. The marked trailhead on the north side of the parking lot leads to San Juan Falls.

Taking Children

This is a popular hike for children. At 9 miles total distance, it is perhaps a bit long for younger kids, getting this hike a 4 out of 10 for children. The falls in and around the parking lot are very popular with children and the San Juan Loop itself, at only two miles, is one of the best kid's hikes around.