Short Hike through a wash to see a towering waterfall.
The Bonita Falls hike offers a relatively easy opportunity to catch an elusive Southern California waterfall without a ton of effort.
You'll start at the trailhead, which is only about 10 minutes from the 15 freeway. From the trailhead, you'll make a quick descent down a small hill and have to cross Lytle Creek. For most of the year, this is an uneventful crossing, but during the winter months, it could be flowing aggressively.
Once you've crossed the creek, you will make your way up the wash towards the mountains. I'd recommend sticking to the the left as that is ultimately where you will enter the forest to the falls. Here, you'll find the footing very uneven, so be cautious with every step.
Around the half mile mark (feels longer because its not flat ground), you see a small path to your left that will take you up to the falls. Some parts of the path are not particularly clear, but the graffiti on the nearby trees/rocks give it away. Eventually, you'll come to a point where you'll have to climb over some rocks to get to a slightly higher elevation.
At this point, you'll hear the water falling and rushing down the creek. So long as you follow the sounds of the water, you can't go wrong.
After scrambling over a few more rocks, you'll be at the falls. Depending on the flow, you'll be able to access different vantage points to see it. Unfortunately the area at the base of the falls is limited, so if several people are present, it may be tough to get an unobstructed view of it.
While its nice that it is easy to access, it also presents problems in that a lot of people visit the falls and destroy the surrounding area. It is covered in graffiti and many unfortunately leave their trash behind.
After you've dipped your toes in the cold water, head back the way you came. It's a great waterfall to if you're yearning a hike with falling water and don't have a lot of time, but unfortunately it tends to be a crowded one with an unreasonable amount of litter.
Know Before You Go
You will need an Angeles National Forest Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead. Check for where you can buy one before heading to the trail.
The waterfall is often loaded with teenagers in the summer months - you can expect lots of music, litter, and smoke when large groups are present.
Be cautious of the water flow at the stream crossing - if the flow is aggressive, try another day. Use a stick to test the water depth.
You're likely to climb on wet rocks when you near the falls - be sure to have good footwear with traction.
Resources
Video
The video below shows an overview of the hike to Bonita Falls.
Location
Just 10 minutes off of the 15 freeway, slightly north of Rancho Cucamonga. The trailhead will be on your left and parking will require an adventure pass.