Updated July 2026
Carlon Falls
Carlon Falls is a modest waterfall on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River near Yosemite's Big Oak Flat / Hetch Hetchy area, flowing year-round. The mostly easy riverside trail crosses into Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check US Forest Service for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carlon Falls drops about 35 feet. That makes it the 509th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 26% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Carlon Falls Trail reaches it about 4 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, rated easy. The nearest town is Groveland. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with US Forest Service for closures and current conditions.
late spring to early fall. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
- Cataract Falls
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.