Discover the Enchanting Heart Rock Trail and Lake Gregory

Just when I thought I had explored every significant waterfall hike in the region, the Heart Rock Trail offered a delightful surprise. This discovery highlights the immense value of joining a local community group like “Hiking-With-Friends,” which I will detail later in this guide.

The Seeley Creek Trail Experience

The journey took us through the serene San Bernardino National Forest near Crestline. Following the path of Seeley Creek, we enjoyed ample shade provided by towering trees and the sight of fascinating rock formations.

The trek to Heart Rock is generally considered easy, though it does feature a few rough patches. Unusually for a waterfall hike, the trail slopes downward from the trailhead. This means you descend to reach the destination rather than climbing up.

Traveler Tip: Because the hike begins with a descent, remember to conserve energy for the return trip. You will need to hike back up that same incline to return to your car.

The trail begins at “Camp Seely,” a property managed by the City of Los Angeles. While there is a parking lot, it was closed during our visit. We parked safely along the side of Highway 138, which is a common alternative.

Find your Southern California adventure here.

The route starts on a fire road, an alternate route to the falls. However, the more scenic main trail veers to the right, hugging the creek, approximately 0.3 miles from the start.

Trail Note: We encountered a fallen tree obstructing the main path during our visit. Navigating around it required care. Fortunately, our group assisted one another through this obstacle. Always proceed with caution in maintained wilderness areas.

Once on the main trail, keep to the left of the pool building and continue your descent. Roughly half a mile later, you will arrive at a fork in the path.

Taking the right fork leads to the overlook. This is the prime spot to admire the waterfall and the famous heart-shaped depression in the granite. A short walk further brings you across the stream to the very top of the waterfall.

Did You Know? The "heart" next to the waterfall is technically a geological formation known as a pothole. It was carved over thousands of years by the hydraulic force of water swirling stones and debris into the solid granite bedrock.

If you take the left fork, you will descend to the base of the waterfall. While the heart shape is not visible from this angle, the view of the cascading water and the surrounding stream is stunning.

Regardless of which fork you choose first, it is possible to complete a loop around the waterfall area and return to the main trail.

User Comment: "This is a great little hike that pays off with a beautiful view. It can get crowded on weekends, so try to go early in the morning to get the heart rock photo without waiting in line." — Source: AllTrails Reviewer

The boulders surrounding the falls create a natural amphitheater perfect for a picnic. Take a moment to relax, listen to the soothing rush of water, and snap a photo with the iconic Heart Rock.

After your hike, I highly recommend heading into Crestline for a leisurely lunch or a walk along Lake Gregory.

Find your Southern California adventure here.

Crestline – Lake Gregory

Crestline is a charming mountain village nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, roughly 30 minutes north of the city of San Bernardino. Sitting at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, the town offers a refreshing Alpine climate that contrasts sharply with the valleys below.

As you ascend Highway 18, you will feel the temperature drop. The landscape shifts dramatically from high desert scrub to lush Alpine forest. In winter, visitors are often greeted by snow blanketing the ground and dusting the pine trees.

Village life centers on Lake Gregory. Here, you can explore the Regional Park, hike the flat trail that circles the lake, or engage in seasonal water sports like kayaking and fishing.

If you work up an appetite on the trail, Crestline boasts several excellent dining options. We stopped for lunch at Toni's Kitchen, a local favorite known for authentic Mexican cuisine and lovely lake views from the balcony.

We sampled the Coconut Shrimp plate and the Beef Chimichanga. Both dishes were packed with flavor and served in generous portions, perfect for refueling after a hike.

Hiking-With-Friends Group

The Facebook group Hiking-With-Friends is a fantastic resource for discovering new trails and meeting like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. They frequently post upcoming events on their Facebook page, and you can reserve spots easily via Eventbrite. Best of all, these group hikes are free to join.

The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, fostering a supportive environment where help is always available if the terrain gets tough.

Hike Stats

Distance: 1.4 miles (out and back)

Elevation Change: 200 feet

Hiking Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on photo stops).

Camp Seely

Camp Seely serves as a popular recreational facility in the San Bernardino Mountains near Crestline. It is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

The camp offers a variety of programs for both youth and adults, ranging from outdoor education and leadership retreats to family camping weekends. During the summer months, Camp Seely buzzes with organized camps featuring activities such as archery, hiking, arts and crafts, and nature studies.

With its serene setting, rustic cabins, and amenities like a swimming pool, sports courts, and a lodge, it is an ideal destination for groups seeking to connect with nature. It is also a favored venue for weddings, reunions, and retreats, providing a picturesque forest backdrop for memorable events.

Trailhead Address