MAJOR FAT BURNER Day Hike to Chiquito Falls in OC - TWO SCENIC WATERFALLS!!!
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Chiquito Falls Trail
When you think of hiking in Orange County, you don’t usually envision dramatic waterfalls. But there are a number of wonderful seasonal waterfalls that are just a hike away. One of my personal favorites is Chiquito Falls.
This hike is a 9 mile out-and-back route with nearly 3,000′ of vertical elevation gain. And there's actually two waterfalls. You not only get the beautiful serenity of Chiquito Falls at the turnaround point, but you’ll also soak in San Juan Falls en route.
The trailhead parking is across the street from The Candy Store on Ortega Highway (Route 74). Being in the Cleveland National Forest, you’ll need to display an Adventure Pass to park. If you don’t have a pass, you can purchase one at The Candy Store. They also have a few free parking spaces behind the store.
At the northeast corner of the parking lot, you’ll see this sign marking the San Juan Loop trailhead.
SHARING RIDES WITH OTHERS IS ENCOURAGED!!!
There’s a map of the trails in the area as well as the usual warnings about rattlesnakes and wildlife. Note that dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash.
The trail climbs for a short distance, then bends around the ridge taking you by the San Juan Falls. These falls see a lot of visitors due to their close proximity to the parking lot. It’s also a great place to take kids to give them a taste of the wilderness.
The multi-tiered San Juan Falls seen from the trail
I prefer to take a look from above, then leave the crowds behind and continue on to the more secluded and beautiful Chiquito Falls.
While you’re in the canyon, enjoy the shade of the oak trees. Most of the hike has full sun exposure.
Watch for the turn off to your right at about the 1.1 mile marker. Note that there is an unofficial turnoff before the official trail. Both cross the creek — an easy boulder hop usually — but only the second turn off has the official trail marker.
If you miss the turn and find yourself connecting back to Ortega Highway, you’ve gone too far.
Once you cross San Juan Creek, the trail parallels another tributary with good shade and a gentle climb. You’ll cross this tributary at about mile 2, and begin your ascent up the ridge.
The remaining 2+ miles to Chiquito Falls is exposed to the sun. As you climb up the ridge, you’ll be treated with some awesome panoramic views to the southeast, including Sitton Peak.
At 3.7 miles, you’ll reach the highest point on the trail — just shy of 2,700′ above sea level. Once you round the second bend, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Chiquito Falls.
As you near the falls, watch for the spur trail to the left. The main trail continues on connecting with the San Juan Trail.
The spur leads to the top of the falls, There are some great places to sit, enjoy the views and share lunch.
You can easily climb down to the base of the falls for a view from below. See the photo gallery below for more pics.
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead parking lot is directly across the street from The Candy Store on Ortega Highway 74, about 15 miles east of the 5 Freeway and San Juan Capistrano.
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Milton
May 15, 2013
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A former member
This is too hard for me. >.<
April 21, 2013
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Jay
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE! We have a birthday celebration that will probably last until late into the night. I don't want guests feeling too tired to even go or end up just leaving home early. Therefore the date has been changed to something less encroaching and more relaxing.
March 26, 2013
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Jay
Kim, sure you can get a ride with me. But just in the very likely case you change your mind at the last minute, I'll have someone else on standby. LOL
January 22, 2013
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Kim P.
Sorry Jay...my driver (DJ) can't make it so I have to cancel as well =(. I still owe you the sandwiches.
March 26, 2013
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A former member
Sorry Jay, it's just because I want to make sure I make Joo's b-day event that same evening.
March 26, 2013
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A former member
Sounds like most of u are in LA, me too. Anyone has an open seat I can carpool with? I will pitch in for gas. Thanks.
February 18, 2013
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Sharon
Hey Van & Julie - I just realized we're gathering that wknd for my sis's bday so I'll most likely need to drive directly from/to OC. Perhaps u two can arrange a carpool without me? Sorry about that..
March 11, 2013
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A former member
Thanks Sharon for the early notice. As of now, since everyone's schedule can change at anytime, I prefer to talk about carpool closer to the event day. Just a thought, nothing more. :-)
March 11, 2013
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Cancelled
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Carpool anyone? I can drive and am @ westside.