Bonita Falls facts for kids

Bonita Falls are a beautiful set of waterfalls located in the San Bernardino National Forest in California. They are formed by Bonita Creek and are known for their impressive height. Many people consider them one of the tallest waterfalls in southern California.

Discover Bonita Falls

Bonita Falls are made up of several different sections, or "tiers." Experts say the main part of the falls is about 370 to 400 feet (113 to 122 meters) tall. However, if you include two smaller waterfalls higher up the canyon, the total height could be as much as 495 feet (151 meters)!

This makes Bonita Falls the second tallest waterfall in the San Bernardino National Forest. Only Big Falls, which is about 500 feet (152.5 meters) tall, is higher. Both of these waterfalls are thought to be among the tallest in all of southern California.

What Do the Falls Look Like?

Bonita Falls are split into three main sections that you can easily see. Higher up in the canyon, there are two more hidden waterfalls. One is a 60-foot (18 meter) waterfall that looks like it's split into parts. The other is a 25-foot (7.5 meter) waterfall that flows like a gentle slide.

In the lower part of the canyon, the very top section of the main falls is a 195-foot (59.5 meter) cascade. This means the water tumbles down a rocky slope. Below that, there's a 45-foot (13.7 meter) section that looks like a slide. The final and steepest part, called Lower Bonita Falls, plunges 160 feet (49 meters) into the creek below.

Sadly, some parts of the canyon around the falls have been covered in graffiti and litter. It's important to always pack out what you pack in to help keep natural places beautiful.

Visiting Bonita Falls

You can usually see water flowing at Bonita Falls all year round. The lower part of the falls is a popular spot for hikers. The hike is about 3/4 mile (1200 meters) each way, which means it's about 1.5 miles (2400 meters) round trip.

The first half-mile (800 meters) of the trail follows the South Fork Lytle Creek. Then, you'll find a side trail that takes you about 1/4 mile (400 meters) directly to the base of the falls.

How to Get There

The starting point for the hike is an unmarked parking area along Lytle Creek Road. It's about one mile past the Front Country Ranger Station in Lytle Creek. You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park your car there. On busy summer weekends, the parking area can fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to arrive early.

You can buy an Adventure Pass and get a map to the falls at the ranger station. You can also see the upper part of the falls from Bonita Ranch Campground, which is just past the parking area. However, remember that the campground is private property.