Cedar Creek Falls reopening 01 Apr 2012

Post date: Apr 1, 2012 4:54:03 AM

Effective Sunday, April 1, 2012, the Cleveland National Forest is opening the east access to Cedar Creek Falls located near Julian, CA off of the Eagle Peak Road. The west access to Cedar Creek Falls and surrounding area, located in Ramona, CA off of the Thornbush Road, will remain closed in order for the following to take place:

    • We are progressing but not finished with new management rules for west access. We estimate a final decision concerning the west access will be made in summer 2012.
    • The west access is difficult to manage as almost unlimited parking takes place throughout the subdivision, and is adjacent to a residential neighborhood that was impacted by unregulated use last year.

In contrast, the rural east entrance has comparatively less parking and therefore less visitation. Opening the east entrance also allows for hunter access with spring turkey season in full swing.For those using the east entrance please be aware of the following:

    • The “difficult” 7 mile roundtrip trail is recommended for advanced hikers only!
    • Parking is limited, and vehicles blocking road access will be towed at owner’s expense.
    • Alcohol possession and use in the area including the falls is prohibited.
    • The cliffs surrounding the falls are closed to jumping and diving (swimming is allowed).
    • Visitors are not required to have a permit at this time.
    • Law enforcement agencies will be on site to enforce these rules.

The Forest Service is continuing to work with partner agencies and interested public groups to develop measures that provide for the safety of visitors and quality of resource base. The original closure was put into place on July 9, 2011, and ran through November 8, 2011. A new closure order was implemented that extended the closure through April 1, 2012. On March 30, 2012, new Forest Orders were issued that allowed for the east access to be opened, while the west access remains closed. The new Forest Orders also provide for the banning alcohol use at the falls, and banning jumping and diving from the cliffs that surround the falls.

Source: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/cleveland/home/?cid=STELPRDB5314380&width=full

Cedar Creek Falls