Cliff Jumping

Aztec Falls

Aztec Falls via Splinters Cabin - CLOSED UNTIL 2021

2020 UPDATE : San Bernardino National Forest to CLOSE popular Aztec Falls, stretch of Deep Creek for 1 year due to crowds

Yes, it’s true, unfortunately. News like the article above is extremely sad to read, and is becoming more commonplace with LA outdoor favorites (see also: Jim Morrison’s Cave).

Overcrowding alone doesn’t cause outdoor areas to close down….littering, graffiti and vandalism do.

Unfortunately this area had all three of them.

If you want your favorite places to stay open, please take care of them! PLEASE pack out your trash and leave places better off than you found them. :)

Summary - We found this hidden gem on our way back home on a recent camping trip to Big Bear. Just a 20 min. drive north of Lake Arrowhead, it was a perfect side adventure to catch after a summer weekend in Big Bear.

Hiking Distance - .5 miles each way

Pros - Several tiers of cliff jumps, roughly 20, 40 and 60+ ft. There's also a great beach area with plenty of shade below the falls.

Cons - Expect it to be crowded on a hot day during the weekend.

Hiking to the Falls - Just a few minutes of hiking past the trailhead, you'll see a footbridge above you. Look for a small trail on the right-hand side leading up to that bridge. Take a right onto the bridge, and you'll find yourself on the Pacific Crest Trail. Follow it for just under half a mile to a side trail on the right-hand side of the path. It should be marked by tree carvings and/or spray-painted arrow. This steep but short trail leads directly down to Aztec Falls.

Unexpected Challenges

Finding the falls from the trailhead can be a bit tricky. Look for spray-painted arrows pointing the way, and follow the guide in the Resource section below.
Expect a steep off-trail descent from the hiking path down to the falls themselves.
At the falls themselves, be precise about where you jump. The hole at the bottom of the falls is deep but not extremely wide.

Directions

Travel north on Hwy. 173, then turn right on Hook Creek Rd. At the end of Hook Creek Rd., follow Forest Road 2N26Y to Forest Service Road 3N34C, and turn right. Follow this rocky dirt road to the Splinters Cabin trailhead. Park at the Splinters Cabin trailhead. An Adventure Pass is required.

Resources

Outdoor Project - Aztec Falls Swimming Hole
Flickr - Step-by-Step Photo Guide of How to Find Aztec Falls

Deep Creek to Aztec Falls Day Hike

An interesting idea we haven't tried yet....Aztec Falls and Deep Creek Hot Springs both lie along the Pacific Crest Trail, exactly 8.6 miles away from each other. It's a long hike (approx. 3.5 hours each way), but if you're camping at Deep Creek and feel like an adventurous day hike, I couldn't think of a better way to explore the Southern leg of the PCT.