Three Sisters Falls & Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak and Three Sisters Falls share a single remote trailhead off Boulder Creek Road out past Descanso, and between the two of them they cover pretty much everything that's good about San Diego backcountry hiking — a real summit and a swimming hole, both from the same dusty parking area.

Eagle Peak is known for its 360-degree views, and it sure didn't disappoint — a narrow, rocky social trail climbs the ridge to a broad summit with a sweep of the San Diego River valley in one direction and range after range of chaparral-covered peaks in the other. It was hot out there, with zero shade the entire way up, but the views from the top made every exposed step worth it.

From the summit it's back down to the main junction and into the canyon for Three Sisters Falls — a steep, rocky descent that drops fast into a hidden pocket of granite slabs and clear pools fed by Boulder Creek. A perfect way to cool off after the climb, and a genuinely great combination of a proper summit and a proper swim in one hot, satisfying day.