Outdoors
Waterfalls near El Cajon
17 named waterfalls within 37 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Waterfalls within 37 mi
17
Closest
6.3 mi
Adobe Falls
Within 10 miles
1
Map
Map of 17 places loads as you scroll.
All waterfalls, nearest first
- 6.3miAdobe Falls
- 15.4miLos Penasquitos Waterfall
- 19.1miCedar Creek Falls
- 20miSecond Sister Falls
- 20.4miUpper Falls
- 20.6miDevil's Jumpoff Falls
- 20.8miMildred Falls
- 23.3miGreen Valley Falls
- 24.5miTemescal Creek Falls
- 24.7miThe Falls
- 25.1miBlack Canyon Falls
- 25.5miOrinoco Creek Falls
- 27.4miCottonwood Creek
- 28miWashtub Falls
- 29miKitchen Creek Falls
- 32.6miPrisoner Creek Falls
- 33miEl Salto Falls
Straight-line distance from the center of El Cajon; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Most falls run strongest in spring and after storms, and some dry up by late summer.
Rocks near falls are slick with spray and algae; most waterfall injuries come from climbing or wading at the top.
Some falls are on private land or need a permit or parking pass. Confirm trail status before you go.
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Questions
What is the closest waterfall to El Cajon?
Adobe Falls, about 6.3 miles from the center of El Cajon.
How many waterfalls are near El Cajon?
17 named waterfalls are within 37 miles, 1 of them within 10 miles.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near El Cajon?
Spring and the days after heavy rain bring the most flow. In dry months smaller falls can slow to a trickle.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.