Cedar Creek Falls

When asked to lead a hike to Cedar Creek Falls, I was a bit cautious having never been there before. Don't get me wrong, hiking isn't something that typically intimidates me. I recently was talked into a 28-mile day hike in the Grand Canyon, and enjoyed every minute of it. I've been hiking since I was old enough to walk, and have fallen madly in love with the fresh air, scenery, and the inevitable

exercise that results from

a great hike.

Although I was certain that Cedar Creek Falls would be an awesome hike, I knew it was going to be a challenge blindly leading a group there. But, if guiding trips has taught me nothing else, it has taught me to be confident with what I know best. Since I'm an avid hiker, I figured this hike couldn't throw much at me that I haven't experienced before.

Cedar Creek Falls is a spectacular 80 foot waterfall, and has understandably become an extremely popular hiking destination. However, a lot of visitors, lacking knowledge of the area and knowledge about hiking in general, fail to prepare themselves for the risks associated with the area. Calls for help are more common in this area than any other hiking trail in San Diego, and at least one person a year dies at Cedar Creek Falls. As a guide, it was impossible not to be intimidated by these facts. Risk management is something that never leaves my mind as a guide, but knowledge of the potential hazards at Cedar Creek Falls caused me to approach the trip with more caution than I am used to.

The group crossing the river.

The trail to the falls includes several river crossings, which meant there was no way to avoid getting wet. Luckily, I had warned the group, and most people were prepared with water shoes 'at the ready.' Other hikers on the trail weren't so fortunate. I noticed several groups attempting to cross barefoot. This may seem harmless, but because of the extremely rocky river bottom and the heavy current, I thought they were taking a pretty big risk. At times like these, it's important to consider the fact that no matter what, you still have to hike BACK. Some people forget this minor detail and manage to make some pretty poor decisions. An injury caused by crossing a river barefoot isn't worth the pain you'll experience trying to hike back out with that injury.

The river is certainly a hazardous detail on the trail, but the real action happens at the waterfall itself. After hiking for an hour or so in the heat, nothing sounds better than jumping in the refreshing Devil's Punchbowl at the base of the falls. This is where a lot of people start making bad decisions. Yes, a swim sounds glorious after breaking a sweat on the trail. No argument there. But where a lot of people go wrong is in their decision to go cliff-diving into the inviting swimming hole. A lot of times, people get away with it, no harm done. But who wants to be the exception? I'm sure the adrenaline rush is great, but a lot can go wrong when you fling your body over a rock ledge in hopes of hitting the water safely. Because of the numerous accidents that occur at the falls, my group was encouraged to enjoy the waterfall from a distance. A cool day prevented anyone in the group from swimming, but knowing all that can go wrong in a dive off the surrounding cliff ledges, I don't think any of them would have chosen to take the plunge.

The SD Outdoors Class on the trail.

Despite the risks associated with Cedar Creek Falls, I absolutely loved the area, and plan to go back at least once more before graduation. People will continue to make poor decisions, but I think the hike taught me an important lesson about risk management: Never to underestimate risks in the backcountry. If something goes wrong, it's a lot more difficult to find help than it is in an urban area. Just because other people take big risks doesn' t mean I have to do the same. I have a lot more hiking to do in my lifetime, and I'm not taking any chances in ruining my ability to hit as many trails as I can!

I highly recommend Cedar Creek Falls to anyone who enjoys hiking. San Diego has a lot of fun things to offer, but you definitely don't want to miss this amazing place!