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Carlon Falls is a 35-foot waterfall tucked into Stanislaus National Forest, just outside Yosemite's western boundary. Unlike most Yosemite waterfalls, Carlon Falls flows year-round, fed by the South Fork of the Tuolumne River.

The trailhead sits far enough off Highway 120 that most Yosemite visitors drive past it without noticing. That obscurity is part of the appeal for hikers seeking a quieter alternative to Yosemite Valley's crowded trails. This guide covers the trail itself, the seasons worth timing a visit around, and what to pack before setting out.

What Makes Carlon Falls Special

The waterfall itself is modest by Yosemite standards, dropping only 35 feet over mossy granite. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in setting, framed by shaded pine forest and river rock. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River carves this corridor, creating pools that stay cold even in summer.

Because the falls sit just outside the park boundary, the trailhead requires no Yosemite entrance fee. Few hikers make the detour off Highway 120, which keeps this stretch of forest noticeably quieter than the valley floor.

Trail Overview: Distance and Difficulty

The Carlon Falls Trail covers approximately 4 miles round trip, or roughly 2 miles each way. Most hikers complete the round trip in 1 to 2 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing. Elevation gain stays mild at around 200 feet, with a short, steep climb only near the very end.

The trail begins in Stanislaus National Forest, among the oldest forests in the country, before crossing into Yosemite. A narrow, V-shaped gate marks that boundary, built to keep motorcycles and horses off this stretch of trail.

The Carlon Falls Hike Experience

The path follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River for most of its length, staying shaded under pine and fir. Hikers can expect river views, granite boulders, and the occasional deer or woodpecker along the way. Photographers tend to favor the final stretch, where the falls drop over layered granite into a deep, cold pool.

Crossing the V-shaped gate at the park boundary is a small landmark moment most first-time hikers remember. Swimming is popular at the base of the falls during summer, when the cold water offers relief from the heat.

Best Time to Visit Carlon Falls

The experience at Carlon Falls changes significantly with the seasons, from powerful spring flows to quieter winter trails. Choosing when to visit can make a noticeable difference in both trail conditions and the waterfall itself:

Spring: Strong waterfall flow fueled by melting snowpack, with wildflowers beginning to bloom along the riverbank
Summer: More reliable hiking conditions and an opportunity to swim in the pool below the falls
Fall: Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, though the waterfall flow typically becomes lighter
Winter: Access depends heavily on snow at higher elevations, so check current trail and road conditions before setting out. Carlon Falls is one of the rare Yosemite-area waterfalls that keeps flowing through the driest months of the year.

Hiking Preparation Tips

A few preparations make the Carlon Falls hike more comfortable, especially during the warmer summer months.

Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners handle the granite and occasional wet rock near the falls well
Water and Snacks: Carry at least 1 liter per person, since there are no facilities along the trail
Trail Safety: Stay on the marked path near the falls, where wet granite can be slippery even in dry weather
Traveling with Family: The gentle grade suits children and casual hikers well, aside from the short climb near the end
Traveling with Dogs: Pets are welcome on the Stanislaus National Forest section but must turn back at the park boundary gate

Beyond the Falls: Groveland and the Tuolumne River

Carlon Falls puts you within easy reach of several of the Sierra’s most memorable landscapes, making it worth setting aside extra time to explore beyond the waterfall. Start with Yosemite National Park, where granite formations, high-country trails, and iconic viewpoints offer plenty to fill another day.

Closer to the falls, the South Fork of the Tuolumne River continues through forested terrain, offering quieter stretches to explore. Historic Groveland is another worthwhile stop, with a Main Street that still reflects its Gold Rush-era roots. Then there is Highway 120 itself, a scenic route through the Sierra that turns the drive into part of the adventure. Add a few stops along the way, and a visit to Carlon Falls can easily become a full day of exploring the surrounding mountain country.

A Historic Base near Carlon Falls

If Carlon Falls is part of your Yosemite-area plans, The Groveland Hotel offers a convenient base in the heart of historic Groveland. Set on Main Street, the hotel is roughly 24 miles from the Carlon Falls trailhead via Highway 120, making the drive to the trailhead straightforward while keeping you close to the town’s historic character. Built in 1849, the hotel carries a history that predates Yosemite National Park itself.

Its rooms and suites blend period details with modern comforts, while 2 room categories welcome guests traveling with dogs. After a morning on the trail, there is no need to head far for dinner, with the on-site restaurant offering an easy way to end the day.

Carlon Falls proves that some of the Sierra's quietest scenery sits just off the beaten path, not on it. The short hike rewards visitors with a year-round waterfall, cold river pools, and noticeably fewer crowds than the valley. Crossing that narrow gate at the park boundary marks a small, memorable moment on an otherwise easy afternoon.

Every season offers a slightly different reason to make the short drive out to these falls. A stay this close, like ours at The Groveland Hotel, makes that detour an easy one to fit into any Yosemite trip.

FAQs

1. How far is Carlon Falls from The Groveland Hotel?
Carlon Falls sits roughly 24 miles from The Groveland Hotel, a drive of about 32 minutes along Highway 120 East. The short distance makes it an easy half-day trip for guests already staying in Groveland.

2. Is there a fee to hike to Carlon Falls?
No entrance fee applies, since the Carlon Falls trailhead sits just outside Yosemite National Park in Stanislaus National Forest. The trail does cross into the park after about 100 meters, marked by a narrow gate.

3. How long is the Carlon Falls hike?
Most hikers complete the approximately 4-mile round trip to Carlon Falls in 1 to 2 hours. The trail includes a short, steep climb only near the very end of the hike.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Carlon Falls?
Summer offers the most reliable hiking conditions, along with the chance to swim in the pool below the falls. Spring brings the strongest waterfall flow, though trail access can depend on how much snow remains.

5. Can I bring my dog on the Carlon Falls trail?
Dogs are welcome on the Stanislaus National Forest section of the Carlon Falls Trail itself. They must turn back at the Yosemite boundary gate, since dogs are not permitted inside the national park.

6. Is Carlon Falls a difficult hike?
The Carlon Falls hike is rated easy to moderate, with only 200 feet of elevation gain over the full route. A short, steep section near the falls is the only real climb on the entire trail.

7. Where should I stay for a Carlon Falls hiking trip?
Groveland makes a convenient base for a Carlon Falls hiking trip, sitting right along Highway 120. The Groveland Hotel is the town's oldest, built in 1849, with rooms suited to an early trailhead start.

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Carlon Falls Trail: A Hidden Waterfall near Groveland