About El Salto Falls
El Salto Falls is a waterfall in San Diego County, California, located about 3.3 miles northeast of Carlsbad. Its mapped position is 33°10′46″ N, 117°17′58″ W (33.17935, -117.29952). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Washtub Falls, 30 miles to the east.
More Photos
53 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at El Salto Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at El Salto Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of El Salto Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
El Salto Falls holds a 3.3 average from 18 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 33.17935, -117.29952. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near El Salto Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is El Salto Falls located?
El Salto Falls is in San Diego County, California, about 3.3 miles northeast of Carlsbad. Its coordinates are 33.17935, -117.29952 (33°10′46″ N, 117°17′58″ W).
What town is closest to El Salto Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Carlsbad, CA, about 3.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near El Salto Falls?
The closest is Washtub Falls (30 mi east). Others within reach include Cedar Creek Falls (35 mi) and Mildred Falls (36 mi).