[Bloated Chipmunk]

Which is a shame, cuz several yrs ago it wasn't that bad. Nowadays it sucks unless you enjoy relentless routefinding through downed trees interspersed with poison oak & little shade the whole way. This hike took WAY too long for the distance, & we even got an extra early start. So yeah, not recommended. It's not often I say that about a hike!! This waterfall is in the Cuyamaca Mtns., which has had its fair share of drama so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. But still. Yikes. We parked @ the Milk Ranch Rd. TH & started up. The fire rd section is nice enough. The northerly turn on a trail that skirts the base of Middle Pk. is easy enough. Then shortly after leaving the official trail, it turns to crap the rest of the way. & I say this as someone who often does bushwhacking & is normally OK w/it. @ the TH:

1st junction:

Nice shade for a very short section:

Leaving the trail:

This sign lulls you into thinking it won't be too bad:

Oh good, still on the right track:

This part was OK:

Dafuq? What fresh hell is this?

More nastiness:

Hours later, we arrived:

Pretty meadow nearing sunset as we climbed back up:

OK, back on the trail:

Byeee, b!tch!:

I beg to differ w/the 3 hrs of moving time & 10 hrs of stopped time. More like the reverse. Went straight home, too late for a marg.