Carlon Falls Trail

Carlon Falls Trail follows a quiet stretch of river along the western edge of Yosemite National Park near Groveland, ending at a wide waterfall that turns into a popular swimming hole once summer heats up. Visitors consistently call it an easy-to-moderate hike that rewards a modest effort with one of the prettier, less-crowded falls in this corner of the park.

What to Expect

The trail runs mostly flat and clear along the river, with the water's sound as a constant companion, though a couple of moderate uphill stretches show up as you near the falls. Downed trees occasionally cross the path after storms, and hikers looking for more can continue to the top of the falls. It's open 24 hours a day, but conditions swing hard with the seasons — visitors report a cold, jacket-worthy trail in December and still-frigid snowmelt in early June, softening into warm, swimmable pools by mid-July.

Good to Know

• Rating: 4.7 out of 5 from over 200 visitor reviews
• Best for: families and casual hikers who want a shorter outing with a swimming payoff
• Dogs: some visitors have brought leashed dogs, though Yosemite generally restricts dogs on unpaved trails — worth confirming before you bring one