Home › California › Rancho Cucamonga › Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,584 Google reviews · Running trail in Rancho Cucamonga, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3.4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Etiwanda Falls Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfall, rock and trail area, with a peaceful ambience, a creek and views of the city.
What runners say about Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
“Must visit, keep it clean and clean up after yourself.”
“Once you reach the Etiwanda Falls area, it feels like a total hidden oasis: The waterfall is beautiful and flows surprisingly well.”
“It’s mostly an open dirt and gravel access road, so there isn’t much shade at all for the first couple of miles.”
Good hike not to bad. Kid friendly. Will suggest to wear hiking boots due to the gravel. Went around 1630 and took about 50 minutes to get to the top. Going back down is always easier and faster of course since you walking downhill. The hike up does have flat surfaces so it's is not all steep.
This trail is a great start for beginners as its not too long and the incline isn't too difficult. You do have to arrive early, around 6:30am to find parking, otherwise you are waiting for about 30-50 mins for parking. There is a parking fee of 5 dollars for 4 hours.
Love this places lots of trails lots of cool little secret spots. Even a small lake bottom of gauging station. 45 to an hour from parking lot. Different water falls different ways to get to them. Tarantulas, deers, snakes, coyotes, rabbits, owls, and other cool creatures.
My 2nd time coming to this trailhead. 1st time completing it. For someone Who no longer hikes all the time, this one was difficult for me. It's a constant uphill and it's definitely uneven terrain. The waterfall at the end is beautiful and so are the views. Worth the hike but just be prepared!
Trail conditions & character
“If you are looking for a solid outdoor workout with some awesome views and a waterfall at the end, the Etiwanda Falls Trailhead in Rancho Cucamonga is a fantastic option.”
“If you are looking for a solid outdoor workout with some awesome views and a waterfall at the end, the Etiwanda Falls Trailhead in Rancho Cucamonga is a fantastic option.”
“It’s mostly an open dirt and gravel access road, so there isn’t much shade at all for the first couple of miles.”
“Challenging incline but not too hard, good length ~3mi round trip with possibility to make longer.”
“Very rocky terrain makes it a bit harder for foot placement when running.”
“Morning hike at East Etiwanda Canyon and primary trail loop.”
“It takes about an hour to get to the fall but it's mostly uphill with some flat areas.”
“It's a no-pet allowed trail, but there were a few dogs there and some not even leashed!”
“It’s mostly an open dirt and gravel access road, so there isn’t much shade at all for the first couple of miles.”
Plan your run at Etiwanda Falls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3.4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Rancho Cucamonga
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Etiwanda Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 952 reviews
Relaxed hiking trails in a rugged landscape with waterfalls, streams and a variety of wildlife.
Etiwanda Falls
4.7 ★★★★★ 394 reviews
Casual-paced, out-and-back trail featuring wildflowers, rocks, creeks and waterfalls.
Day Creek Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 552 reviews
Picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts & softball fields, plus green space for soccer & football.
Olive Grove Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 123 reviews
Area for kite-flying, picnics and family outings, featuring a playground.
Foxborough Trails
3.5 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
Windrows Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 225 reviews
Urban park looped by an equestrian trail with fields for soccer & softball, exercise & play areas.