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Adobe Falls

adobe falls
Adobe Falls

Personal Experience

In my opinion, and especially for San Diego, this is a legitimate waterfall.

The scores of graffiti adds an interesting, urban touch which is sad (not only because the graffiti is pretty terrible) but also colorful and slightly surreal.

I guess that's what happens when a waterfall is easily accessible and neighbors a college town. This is one of the only non-seasonal waterfalls in San Diego.

Alvarado Creek draws its water from much of Del Cerro, San Carlos, Fletcher Hills, Grossmont and some of the hilly areas south of the I-8 corridor from Grossmont west until Fairmount Ave.

I am opposed to graffiti, especially along hiking trails. However, there is something artistic about the extravagant designs scattered across Adobe Falls.

This graffiti-covered hike is next to San Diego State University and in the middle of a residential neighborhood, yet you wouldn’t even know it unless you’ve heard about it through word of mouth or online.

Adobe Falls, as the name suggests, is a small waterfall colliding down heavily vandalized rocks. The bright colors sprayed across the landscape provide for a visually stimulating environment, albeit again I don’t condone graffiti in an urban or natural environment.

Unfortunately this hike is easily accessible, short and in close proximity to a college town – equaling a recipe for disaster.

Adobe Falls is also one of the only non-seasonal waterfalls in San Diego, flowing year-round.

Alvarado Creek draws its water from much of Del Cerro, San Carlos, Fletcher Hills, Grossmont, and some other hilly areas south of the Interstate 8 corridor from Grossmont west until Fairmont Avenue to provide this always flowing treasure.

This short trail is located just a ten minute drive off the freeway.

You’d never know to look for it here: there are no signs, no indication of hiking trails nearby, and it is literally in the middle of suburbia.

However, there is a street named after these falls and an apartment complex nearby conveniently named Adobe Falls, both of which suggest you are close to your destination.

At the bottom of a steep hill, past a “No Trespassing” sign, you will walk down loose terrain, veer left and cross a small stream to reach Adobe Falls.

From here the trail opens wide, and San Diego State University and the I-8 freeway will appear in the distance.

Shortly after, you will see the falls, and likely a plethora of garbage. I’ve come across empty and broken alcohol bottles, empty bottles of spray paint, and bags of chips just to name a few things discarded here.

Unfortunately, many have taken advantage of this site by not only defacing the natural habitat but also leaving behind litter.

Other great hikes in San Diego

Torrey Pines State Reserve >>

La Jolla Natural Park >>