Carlon Falls Trail

If you are trying to avoid the National Park entrance fee, this is a good option- the trailhead is outside the park boundary but the falls are inside. From the parking area on Evergreen Road, follow the South Fork of the Tuolumne upstream along the straightforward trail. Pass through a V-gate marking the park boundary. The grade is uphill, but never overly steep. This is a shaded, forested route with early season wildflowers. You may also spot some folks fishing for rainbow and brook trout. After travel over more level ground, the climb steepens a bit until you reach the 30-foot falls. The falls are fairly wide and flow over broad granite ledges. There are some pleasant picnic and wading spots right at the falls or you can continue to the top of the falls for more pools. As always, use caution in or near the water and slippery rocks. The best time for wading and swimming is after the spring runoff is over- usually late May to September depending on the winter snowpack. This is a popular spot, but usually there is enough room for everyone to spread out and enjoy it. In the Rim Fire burn area, watch out for falling trees during rain/wind storms.