You’ve probably seen the photos. A perfectly symmetrical heart, carved into solid granite by nothing but the sheer force of water, sitting right next to a 20-foot waterfall. It looks fake. It looks like someone went out there with a chisel and a lot of free time to create a tourist trap in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest.
But it’s real.
Heart Rock Crestline CA is one of those rare spots that actually lives up to the Instagram hype, provided you don’t get lost trying to find it. Honestly, the "trail" is less of a traditional hike and more of a stroll through the woods that happens to end at a geological anomaly. If you’re looking for a grueling trek to test your quad strength, this isn't it. But if you want to see what thousands of years of swirling pebbles and high-velocity creek water can do to a rock face, you need to get up here.
The Secret to Finding Heart Rock Crestline CA
Most people mess up the arrival. They put "Heart Rock" into their GPS and end up idling their cars near Camp Seeley, looking confused because there aren't massive neon signs pointing the way.
Here is the deal: The trailhead is technically located near the entrance to Camp Seeley off Highway 138. The camp itself is private—often used for weddings or by the City of Los Angeles—so don't go wandering into their cabins. You want to look for Forest Service Road 2N03.
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Where to park (and why it matters)
Parking used to be a headache involving the National Forest Adventure Pass. As of 2026, the rules have relaxed a bit. You generally don't need a pass to park in the dirt turnouts near the gate, but these spots fill up by 10:00 AM on a Saturday. If the small lot is full, you’ll have to park further back along Highway 138.
Walk the extra quarter-mile. It’s better than getting a ticket or having your side-mirror clipped by a tourist in a Suburban.
It Is Not Just a Rock: The Seeley Creek Trail
The actual path is called the Seeley Creek Trail (officially 4W07). It’s short. We’re talking about 1.7 miles round trip.
What’s weird about this hike is the elevation. Usually, you hike up to a waterfall. Here, you start at the top and hike down. This catches people off guard. You’re strolling along, enjoying the Jeffrey pines and the smell of cedar, and then you realize the return trip is all uphill. It’s not a cliff, but it’ll make you realize how out of shape you are if you spend the whole afternoon eating fudge in nearby Lake Gregory.
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The trail follows the creek. In the spring, the water is loud and aggressive. By late August? It might be a trickle. If you want the full "waterfall through the heart" experience, you have to time it with the snowmelt or a recent rain.
The Geology Bit
The "heart" is technically a pothole. Geologists love these. Thousands of years ago, a stone got caught in a depression in the granite. The current of Seeley Creek spun that stone around and around, grinding it deeper into the bedrock. Eventually, the shape smoothed out into the heart we see today. It’s about five feet long.
Survival Tips for the Overlook
When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll be on a high ledge. This is where people get nervous. To actually see the heart, you have to look over the edge of the granite cliff.
- Watch your footing. The granite is slippery even when it’s dry. If it’s been raining, stay back.
- The "Heart" is to the right. Most people look at the big waterfall (Seeley Creek Falls) and wonder where the heart is. It’s located in the rock face just to the right of the main drop.
- The Base Path. There is a smaller, steeper dirt path that leads to the bottom of the falls. If you want to swim in the pool at the base, take this. Just know you can’t see the heart shape very well from down there.
Why You Should Go in Winter
Everyone goes in the summer. It's crowded. You’ll be waiting in a literal line to take a photo of a rock.
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Try going in January or February after a light dusting of snow. Crestline sits at about 4,700 feet. When the black oaks are bare and the granite is dusted with white, the "Heart Rock Crestline CA" vibe shifts from "family picnic" to "National Geographic." Plus, the water flow is much better.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning to head out this weekend, keep these specific points in mind to ensure you actually see the formation:
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty once you drop into the canyon.
- Check the Gate: Sometimes the Forest Service Road gate is closed to vehicles, adding about 0.5 miles to your walk. Budget an extra 20 minutes just in case.
- Leave No Trace: Seriously. This spot has a history of graffiti and trash problems. Pack out your protein bar wrappers.
- Footwear: Leave the flip-flops in the car. The final approach to the overlook involves scrambling over uneven boulders where you'll want actual grip.
Once you've finished the hike, drive five minutes back into the town of Crestline. Grab a sandwich near Lake Gregory or walk the paved perimeter trail there to cool down. It’s the perfect low-stakes mountain day trip that feels like a much bigger adventure than it actually is.