The best time to hike to Cedar Falls is in the spring when the falls will be at their peak and wildflowers are blooming. There is a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls where you can enjoy a swim. Elfin Forest|Cabrillo National Monument This can be a beautiful hike. Cedar Creek is a tributary of the San Diego River. There are a number of small falls in the area with Cedar Falls being the largest. Black oak, cedar, and cottonwood trees are common in the area. Bird watchers can spot local birds.
Summer Warning The San Vicente Fire Station has issued a warning that it is dangerous to hike Cedar Falls during the summer. Call the fire station if you are thinking about hiking this trail during the summer months. (760) 789-0191. 
Directions from the town of Julian: Drive two miles west on Hwys. 78/79. Turn left on Pine Hills Road. Continue 1.5 miles. Bear right onto Eagle Peak Road. Continue 1.4 miles. Bear right to stay on Eagle Peak Road. Continue another 9 miles to the signed trailhead for the California Riding and Hiking Trail. This last 9 miles will be partly paved and partly dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of the road with a sign that says "Saddleback Trail". Directions from San Diego: Take I-15 North. Exit at Scripps Poway Parkway/Mercy Rd. Turn right onto Scripps Poway Parkway. Turn left onto SR-67. Keep straight onto SR 78 (Main Street). About 1 1/2 to 2 miles before reaching Julian, turn right onto Eagle Peak Road. Continue 1.5 miles. Bear right to stay on Eagle Peak Road. Continue another 9 miles to the signed trailhead for the California Riding and Hiking Trail. This last 9 miles will be partly paved and partly dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of the road with a sign that says "Saddleback Trail". 
You will need to get an Adventure Pass parking permit from the U.S. Forest Service because this hike is on National forest land. Leave the pass on the dash of your car. Precautions: You do need to be in good shape for this trip. The hike to Cedar Falls is 4.5 miles roundtrip and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water. 3 quarts of water per person is recommended during warm weather. The trip to the falls is downhill, which means the return trip is uphill. It is dangerous to climb on the rocks around the falls. Jumping or diving into the pools is prohibited.
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Hike Cedar Falls to enjoy a romantic hike through the hills of Eastern San Diego. Be rewarded with waterfalls cascading into a pool below. Swim in the pool beneath the falls. The 100 foot high Cedar Falls is located southwest of Julian.