Explore Arnold
Carlon Falls
A shaded two-mile round trip along the South Fork Tuolumne to a wide, year-round waterfall just outside the Highway 120 Yosemite gate.
First things first
First things first
Carlon Falls is the rare Yosemite-area waterfall that runs all year, because it is fed by a river rather than by a single season's snowpack. The walk in is about a mile each way with very little climbing, mostly in shade along the water, which makes it one of the friendliest hikes in the area for mixed-ability groups.
The trailhead sits near the old Carlon day-use area just off Highway 120, a couple of minutes outside the Big Oak Flat park entrance. From Arnold plan on around two and a half hours of driving each way.
Geography
Where Carlon Falls sits
A river-fed waterfall that runs all year, reached by an easy shaded mile along the water.
The trailhead sits just outside the park boundary, which keeps the walk simpler than most Yosemite waterfalls.
About two and a half hours each way from both cabins; most guests pair it with a Yosemite day.
- Region
- Sierra Nevada, the South Fork Tuolumne just outside Yosemite
- County
- Tuolumne County
- Elevation
- About 4,500 ft
- Nearest town
- Groveland, twenty minutes west
- Getting there
- Highway 120 east past Groveland to the Carlon day-use area, then a mile on foot
The walk
From the parking area you cross the bridge, pick up the trail on the north bank and follow the river upstream through cedar, dogwood and oak. There are a few rocky steps and one or two spots where the path narrows above the water, but nothing technical. Kids who can manage two miles will manage this.
The falls appear at the end: a broad curtain spilling over a granite ledge into a deep pool ringed with mossy rock. People swim here in late summer when the water has warmed and slowed. In spring the pool is a cold, powerful churn and is best admired from the bank.
Seasons and what to expect
Spring is the biggest water and the greenest forest, with dogwood in bloom along the river. Summer is warm, dusty and swimmable. Autumn is the quiet season and arguably the best walking. Winter access depends entirely on snow at around 4,500 feet — the trail can be perfectly walkable one week and packed snow the next.
Because the trailhead is just outside the park boundary, the walk itself has not historically required a park reservation, but the road you drive to reach it does pass the entrance area and rules change season to season. Check the National Park Service Yosemite conditions page and the Stanislaus National Forest alerts before you set off.
Practical notes
Parking is limited and informal; arrive early on summer weekends. There is no reliable water, so carry your own, and there may be no toilet at all. Bears live here — never leave food in view in the car.
Wear shoes with grip. The granite around the falls is slick where it is wet, and most injuries at waterfalls happen on the rock rather than in the water.
Where to stay for a Yosemite-edge walk
Arnold is a Highway 4 base rather than a Highway 120 one, so this is a full day out from either cabin. Guests usually build it into a Yosemite day: the falls in the morning, the valley or Tuolumne Grove afterwards, then the long drive home to a hot tub and a real kitchen.
Nearby
Keep exploring
Stay nearby
Lodging for a Carlon Falls and Yosemite day
An easy waterfall mile just outside the Big Oak Flat gate — a long day from Arnold, and best combined with the park itself. Looking for cabins near Arnold hiking trails? Arnold Haven has two dog-friendly cabins — a five-bedroom A-frame chalet that sleeps 12 and a two-bedroom loft that sleeps 4. Minimum stay is 2 nights, check-in is at 3pm and check-out at 11am.
- Check-in
- Self check-in, 3pm
- Cancellation
- Full refund 5+ days ahead; holidays 30 days
Check live availability, see your full price, and book securely — ID check and payment are handled by Stripe.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Carlon Falls hike?+
About two miles round trip with modest elevation gain, usually an hour and a half to two hours including time at the falls.
Does Carlon Falls flow year-round?+
Yes — it is river-fed rather than snowmelt-fed, so it runs in every season, though it is far bigger in spring.
Do you need a Yosemite reservation to visit?+
The trail sits just outside the park boundary, so historically no park reservation has been needed for the walk itself. Entry rules change year to year, so check the National Park Service Yosemite page before you go.
Can you swim at the falls?+
In late summer people do swim in the pool. In spring the water is cold and fast and swimming is not sensible.