Paradise in Southern California

07/01/2008 15:51

posted by brad

June 29, 2008

This trip exploited a last chance opportunity to explore Boulder Creek drainage, a tributary of the San Diego River, before it dries up completely until next year. The destination of this journey depicted in this photograph was near the top of the Three Sisters waterfall. The tough climb down into the drain is rewarded with the cool waters flowing through this desert oasis.

The trailhead is on Boulder Creek Road that runs from Pines Hills (near Julian) to Descanso so it can be reached from the north or south. From the north turn south on Pine Hills Road then after 1.5 miles turn right on Eagle Peak Rd. Veer to the left at Boulder Creek Road and continue for eight miles (five unpaved) to the trailhead.

Map to Three Sisters

07/01/2008 16:23

posted by brad

The hike begins at the hairpin turn on Boulder Creek Road shown clearly in the center of grid 4 of the above map. The route follows an old dirt road south of Cedar Creek Road along the ridge that leads to Eagle Peak. Turn at the point where the trail drops gently down into Sheep Camp Creek drainage, and follow the trail across Sheep Camp Creek and back up onto the ridge between Boulder Creek and its tributary.

The rugged path down the other side is well represented on the map as a dotted line going around the ridge at the intersection of grids 4, 5, 8 and 9 before traversing down to a steep drainage that it follows the rest of the way down to Boulder Creek.

Detailed map of the waterfall

07/01/2008 16:39

posted by brad

Note how the Boulder Creek drainage opens up in this region prior to its confluence with Sheep Camp Creek. The route continues by climbing up Boulder Creek drainage to the waterfall. It is not difficult to climb up to the highest of the three falls by following a steep trail up the right side of the drainage. It is possible to climb up the left side as well, but the approach requires a dangerous traverse across slippery reeds.

The highest falls

07/01/2008 16:48

posted by brad

The pool underneath the highest of the three falls is definitely an awesome swimming hole. And of course there are several suitable spots to drop in and cool off all along Boulder Creek. There are many shady spots as well, the abundance of which increases as the day wanes. This place is proof that the desert oasis truly exists.

Two Sisters

07/01/2008 17:06

posted by brad

Looking down from the swimming hole