Lewis Creek Trailhead

Lewis Creek Trailhead sits on Highway 41 about seven miles south of Yosemite's south entrance, roughly halfway between Fish Camp and Oakhurst. It's the main access point for the Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail, a Sierra National Forest path that forks just past the parking lot — go left for Red Rock Falls, right for Corlieu Falls.

Two Waterfalls, One Trailhead

Corlieu Falls is the short option: about a half-mile round trip, 15 to 30 minutes, ending at an 80-foot cascade dropping through a narrow canyon. Red Rock Falls is the longer leg — roughly 3 miles round trip with about 300 feet of elevation gain — leading to a shorter but wider, more powerful falls. Both start from the same lot, so plenty of hikers combine the two into a half-day outing.

Trail Conditions

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a steep, short climb on the Corlieu Falls section
• Best season: Spring, when snowmelt fills both falls and wildflowers line the trail
• Watch for: poison oak near the Corlieu Falls approach, mosquitoes in summer, and check current conditions — a bridge near the Red Rock Falls approach has washed out in the past

Good to Know

This is national forest land, not park property, so leashed dogs are welcome — a rare perk this close to Yosemite. There's no restroom or potable water at the trailhead, so come prepared. The Bass Lake Ranger District (559-877-2218) can confirm current trail status before you go.