CARLON FALLS
This is a great hike along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River to a gorgeous 20-foot waterfall. It is about 1.5 miles each way and climbs 300 feet as you near the falls. Small sandy beaches, great for picnics, can be found along the way; the falls also make for an enjoyable picnic and relaxation spot. Carlon was recently featured by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of America’s best swimming holes.
At the front of the lodge turn right and drive six miles towards Hwy 120. Park on the left just before the second bridge. There is not a marked trailhead, but you will see a clear path over a log and a ‘no camping’ sign. The trail climbs along the left side of the river. For the Day Use areas that do not require hiking, park just after the bridge on the left or right. There are picnic tables by the river.
RAINBOW POOLS
This day use site, originally a toll stop in the stagecoach days and later a resort, is now a popular swimming and picnic area. Rainbow Pools is a series of natural swimming holes along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River where you can dip your feet, take a plunge or just watch courageous kids jump from the rock lined ledges into the largest of the inviting pools. To get there, take a right as you leave the Evergreen and drive 7 miles to Hwy 120. Take a right and drive 7 more miles to the big bridge just past signs for Cherry Lake Road. Slow down on the bridge and take an immediate left at the end of it to enter the parking area.
MIDDLE FORK DAY USE AREA OF THE TUOLUMNE
If your time is limited, consider heading to the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne. Here you can splash around in gorgeous granite pools and enjoy the shade of the pines for a quick nap or a picnic overlooking the river. Drive 1.5 miles on Evergreen Road towards Hwy 120 to the first bridge.
Friendly reminder to play it safe – wet granite is very slippery so please walk carefully.
HETCH HETCHY
The Hetch Hetchy area is a lesser-traveled part of Yosemite that provides pleasant hiking, warm weather at low elevations, and some of the finest spring wildflower displays in the park. Most Yosemite visitors do not know Hetch Hetchy exists, which explains why fewer than 100 visitors a day pass through the entrance. Hetch Hetchy also provides great fishing for Rainbow and Brook trout. Please be aware that swimming and boating are not allowed in the reservoir in order to preserve water quality. Visit our Hetch Hetchy pages for more detailed information.
HETCH HETCHY – WAPAMA FALLS
This 5-mile roundtrip hike makes gradual climbs and descents along the reservoir as it winds its’ way to Wapama Falls. One mile from the start you’ll find the Lake Vernon trail junction; those wishing more of a workout can turn left and begin a serious climb to the granite slabs above and a view of the reservoir and the high country peaks. For a less strenuous walk to Wapama Falls, continue straight, passing Tueeulala Falls where you may get your feet wet in the spring season.
From Evergreen, turn left on Evergreen Road and then turn right at the stop sign at Camp Mather, continuing through the entrance station and driving 8 miles to the O’Shaughnessy Dam. Park and cross the dam where the trail will begin on the far side of the dam.
TENAYA LAKE
Caught between immense granite domes and clear Sierra Nevada sky, Tenaya Lake is the largest lake in Yosemite National Park and Yosemite's front country. Because of its remarkable scenic qualities, its inviting blue water, and its proximity to Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is one of the most popular destinations for summer visitors in Yosemite. It is quite popular for picnicking, swimming, paddle boarding, floating, and canoeing. The closest spot for a forest beach day!