North Etiwanda Preserve
A scenic desert hike leading to a seasonal waterfall, offering panoramic views of the Inland Empire.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
North Etiwanda Preserve
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic desert hike leading to a seasonal waterfall, offering panoramic views of the Inland Empire.
"Beautiful hike with a rewarding waterfall, but parking is a nightmare and it gets hot!"
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive before 10 AM on weekends. Pay via QR code. No dogs allowed!
💧 Bring Lots of Water!
Very exposed trail with no shade. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Etiwanda Falls
End of the main trail
A rewarding, seasonal waterfall at the end of a scenic desert hike. Best after rain!
Scenic Desert Views
Throughout the preserve
Enjoy panoramic views of the Inland Empire from this beautiful, rocky desert landscape.
Gazebo Rest Stop
Near the trailhead
A pleasant spot to relax and take a break before or after your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive before 10 AM on weekends. Pay via QR code. No dogs allowed! +1
💧 Bring Lots of Water!
Very exposed trail with no shade. Stay hydrated! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is rocky and can get steep. Good footwear is essential. +1
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Pack a hat and sunscreen as there's minimal shade on the hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited!
Arrive before 10 AM on weekends. Pay via QR code. No dogs allowed! +1
💧 Bring Lots of Water!
Very exposed trail with no shade. Stay hydrated! +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is rocky and can get steep. Good footwear is essential. +1
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Pack a hat and sunscreen as there's minimal shade on the hike.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
While some ignore this, it's best to leave your furry friends at home. +1
💰 Parking Fee Required
Use the QR code system to pay for parking. Spots are limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the scenic desert views and the rewarding Etiwanda Falls, especially after rain. However, parking is a significant issue, often filling up early, and some have unfortunately experienced car break-ins. The trail is rocky and exposed, requiring good footwear and plenty of water.
"First time visit to the preserve. So nice..didn't make the falls this trip, but definitely planning to come back in Spring for that! Dirt trails are rocky. Great views of the IE. It started getting busy around 10:30am. A couple of routes available, main path is 3.22 miles. Gates open and close with the sun. Dogs are not allowed. Pass required or pay parking with the QR code."
BREW
"I've been to this Preserve four times already. It's a moderate hike with an incline towards the waterfall, also rocky in some areas so be sure to have comfortable footwear and also water. There's also a nice gazebo in the beginning of the trail to relax. The parking lot is big and you can pay via QR code on the sign posted at the parking lot."
Darrell Cioco
"Beautiful hike 4.25 for 4 hours get there early because after 10am no parking available"
Jessica O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Etiwanda Preserve is located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Access is typically via car, with the main trailhead offering parking. Be prepared for limited parking, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive.
While specific directions can vary, you'll generally head towards Rancho Cucamonga and follow signs for the preserve. Use a GPS navigation app for real-time directions.
No, parking on nearby residential streets is often permit-only and strictly enforced. It's best to park in the designated preserve lot.
The best strategy is to arrive very early, ideally before 10 AM, especially on weekends. Weekdays also offer a better chance of finding parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee. You can pay using a QR code system posted at the parking lot. +1
The gates typically open and close with the sun. It's advisable to check local listings or arrive during daylight hours.
A parking pass or payment is required for parking. Ensure you pay to avoid potential tickets.
No, dogs are not allowed in the North Etiwanda Preserve. +1
There are no bathrooms available at the trailhead. It's recommended to use facilities before you arrive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail is an out-and-back route, approximately 3.2 to 3.4 miles roundtrip. It starts relatively flat but becomes steeper and rockier as you approach the falls. +1
It's considered a moderate hike. The incline near the end and the rocky terrain can be challenging for some, but it's manageable for most.
Etiwanda Falls is seasonal and is best seen after rainfall. The waterfall may be dry during drier periods.
You'll experience beautiful desert scenery with great panoramic views of the Inland Empire.
No, the trail is very exposed with minimal shade for most of the hike. Sun protection is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The area around Etiwanda Falls offers great photo opportunities, especially when the water is flowing. The scenic desert landscapes and panoramic views are also picturesque.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and offering a softer glow.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive desert views, while a telephoto lens might be useful for details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing waterfall motion.
Keep an eye out for desert flora and fauna, especially during spring when wildflowers might be present. The unique rock formations also make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the lack of shade and the potential for heat, it's crucial to go early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and crowds. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the rocky paths. While dogs are not allowed, the natural beauty and the destination of a waterfall can still make for an engaging experience for kids who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack your own water and snacks, as there are no concessions available at the trailhead. Visiting on a weekday can also help avoid the peak crowds, potentially making the experience more enjoyable without additional cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Etiwanda Falls Hike
It's important to note that the trail is highly exposed, offering very little shade for the majority of the hike. This means that sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, is essential, especially during the warmer months. Visitors are strongly advised to carry ample water to stay hydrated throughout the trek. The waterfall itself is seasonal, meaning its flow is dependent on recent rainfall. For the best chance of seeing a flowing waterfall, plan your visit after a significant rain event.
Despite the challenges, the reward at the end is a beautiful waterfall, offering a refreshing sight and a great spot for photos. Many visitors also appreciate the scenic desert views of the Inland Empire along the way. There's also a gazebo near the trailhead that provides a nice place to rest before or after your hike.
Navigating Parking and Access
Payment for parking is handled through a QR code system, which can be scanned from signs posted in the lot. It's important to ensure you park within the designated lot to avoid potential tickets. The preserve's gates generally open and close in accordance with sunrise and sunset, so planning your visit during daylight hours is advisable.
It's also worth noting that dogs are not permitted within the preserve, a rule that some visitors observe being disregarded. While there are no restrooms directly at the trailhead, visitors are advised to plan accordingly and use facilities elsewhere before their arrival.
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