Etiwanda Falls

Meeting Time: October 21, 2023 at 7am

Meeting Place: Abundant Living Family Church parking lot closest to youth building and tan portable buildings off Spruce Street south of Foothill Blvd. If you live closer to the site meet us in the parking lot of the trail head at 7:20am. This is a popular trail on the weekends.

Parking Fee:  $3 (https://specialdistricts.sbcounty.gov/nep/north-etiwanda-parking-fees/)

Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderately challenging (Easy in some places and challenging in others). 

Number of Miles: About 3.2 miles round trip.

Estimated Time to Complete: Approximately 2.5 hours including resting and admiring the views. We will take our time.  Weather: Check the weather and dress accordingly. Dress in leayers as you may be cool or cold at the start and warm up as the hike progresses (accuweather.com).

Recommended Footwear: hiking shoes or good tennis shoes with support and tread. Trail is rocky in some parts.  Recommended Gear: a LIGHT backpack or waist pack for healthy snacks (nuts, tangerines, protein bar, etc) and water. Consider bringing walking sticks to help with balance in the rocky areas. Also consider bringing insect repellant, sun block, sunglasses and a hat on this trail. No heavy or dark clothing. You will want to stay cool. If you wear long sleeves make sure it is light breathable material. And don’t forget your camera!

Minimum Amount of Water to Bring: 2 bottles. More if you think you need it. There is no public water.  As always, never drink the stream water.

Hike Description: (include terrain, destination, challenges, flora, fauna, and history)

Etiwanda Preserve: This trail is rocky. Wear thick soled tennis shoes or hiking boots. The trail has no tree cover, which is why we are hiking early to evade the heat and sun. The trail is a steady incline up to the water falls, but well worth it. The views of the valley, Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Jacinto and neighboring mountains are awesome.

The core preserve area consists of a 763 acre parcel of land located on the Etiwanda Fan in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, north of Rancho Cucamonga and adjacent communities. The Etiwanda Fan also encompasses significant historical and cultural resources related to the local area history. The land within and adjacent to the Preserve has important historic and contemporary religious significance to the Gabrielino-Shoshoni Nation. The Etiwanda Preserve Management Commission and San Bernardino County Special Districts manage the Preserve and surrounding conservation lands. Habitats on the Etiwanda Fan are composed of Oak Woodland, Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, White Alder/Willow Riparian, Sycamore/Oak Riparian, and non-native grassland.

Can I bring my dog?: NO, Dogs are NOT allowed on this hike per the County of San Bernardino.

Direction: 4890 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 The North Etiwanda Preserve is located at the northern terminus of Etiwanda Avenue in the foothill area above Rancho Cucamonga.

From the 210 Freeway: Exit Day Creek Blvd, north toward the mountains, in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Proceed on Day Creek Blvd 2.2 miles until you reach Etiwanda Ave. Day Creek will veer east and end at Etiwanda Ave.

Take Etiwanda left (north) about .3 miles until pavement ends. Continue 600 feet on unpaved road and park in dirt lot/

Seven questions each participant must answer “yes” to before being allowed on hike:  1. Are you medically fit to participate in this hike?  2. Are you bringing adequate food and water?  3. Do you have the required footwear for this hike?  4. Do you have the proper clothing for this hike?  5. Do you have the proper gear for this hike?  6. Did you prepare physically for this hike?

7. Are you free of Covid-19 symptoms?

In case of emergency: Dial 911   Nearest medical facility: San Antonio Hospital 999 San Bernardino Road Upland, CA 91786 (909) 985-2811

Nearest law enforcement: Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, 10510 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730; Dispatch non-emergency: (909) 941-1488

Leaving early: If you must leave the hike early please tell me. If I think you’re lost, I’m going to call heaven, my prayer partners, Pastor John Matthews, all emergency services will be notified, your family will be called, most likely the hiking group will be calling their families telling them they are waiting for you and every angel in heaven will be on alert. We can avoid unnecessary stress, use of emergency personal and heavenly time if you communicate. Emergency services are charged to people who unwisely use them.

What happens when the weather does not co-operate: We will never go hiking in inclement weather (storms, lightning, thunder, possible flash floods, icy roads etc). Only God knows all things, my job is to do the best at planning a great trip. I will make all efforts to email you if we must postpone a date or change sites.