Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
105.00 ft (32.00 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
0.80 mi (1.29 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Fern Falls is an incredibly scenic 20-foot waterfall along Hitchcock Canyon Creek that is part of the Kahn Ranch addition to Garland Ranch Regional Park.

Though there is a strenuous hiking trail that accesses the falls from a starting point in Garland Ranch, the easiest and most direct way to access the falls is through the Kahn Ranch addition and a round-trip hike of less than a mile.

Accessing the falls through Kahn Ranch requires obtaining a permit to grant legal access through the private drive. Outside of the trail between the parking area and the falls, there is no hiking, bicycling, or other use allowed.

The hike first traces a closed fire road with a couple active residences before veering onto a foot trail that follows Hitchcock Canyon Creek. Signs warn to be cautious of newts crossing the trail, and newts and turtles can be seen in a wide pool below the falls. While the waterfall has a year-round flow and lies in a beautiful scenic canyon area, restrictions limiting access ensure that it remains quiet, and visitors are likely to have the area to themselves.

Only 10 cars are admitted per day. Rules regarding obtaining permits and their use may be seen here. And permits may be obtained through Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks Department here or by calling 831.372.3196, ext. 108.

The waterfall is open from sunrise until sunset daily.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Sometimes

Pros

Beautiful trail. Diverse wildlife along trail.

Cons

Very limited access. Requires obtaining a permit in advance.

Trailhead Elevation

602.00 ft (183.49 m)

Features

Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California
  •  

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.