Road Maps and Parking
Topographic map
The first mile of the hike is on the San Juan Loop, which is documented above. Either the north or south exit may be taken from the parking lot, with both trails leading to the well-marked junction with the Chiquito Trail.
The first mile of the Chiquito Trail follows a tributary of San Juan Creek. The oak trees along the stream provide shade and a scenic route. Poison oak is ubiquitous along all the streams of Santa Ana Mountains. The remainder of the hike is through bolder-strewn chaparral.
After an 850 foot climb to the southern end of a ridge the trail descends into Lion Canyon. At 5 miles the trail passes the Chiquito waterfall, also referred to as the Lion Canyon Falls. That is the turn-around point for this hike, although the trail continues on for another 4 miles to the Blue Jay Campground. You will see the grove of trees that is just beyond the waterfall as you descend into Lion Canyon, long before reaching the waterfall.
For most of the year the waterfall is dry or just a trickle, but it would
become a torrent after a heavy rain.
The polished granite that is sometimes found in streambeds can be as slippery
as glass even when dry, so don't be too adventuresome.
At some times of the year the
waterfall is visited by hummingbirds. They hover precisely at the top of
the falls and dip their beaks into the stream. Their presence adds a
nice touch to a refreshing picnic area.
Assuming a 1/2 hour lunch break, the round trip requires about 5 1/2 hours. Two or more quarts of water may be needed when the weather is hot. Tennis shoes are not recommended.
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