Location: Groveland, California
Overview
Rainbow Pool and Falls is a phenomenal swimming hole and waterfall located just outside of the western section of Yosemite National Park. While the falls aren’t very big, they are impressive, and the swimming hole is massive. Although the pool and falls are directly off of Highway 120, in the past, they never received the attention that they probably should have garnered, as visitors would mostly fly past, eager to arrive into Yosemite. However, that is no longer the case. As with nearly everything, the internet has opened up a whole new variety of visitors to almost every nook and cranny out there, as information is so easily dispersed and collected. While there was never a fee to access the pool and falls in the past, there is now a minimal $10 per vehicle fee.
Despite there only being so much parking here, crowds can get quite heavy. Visitors lounge around the banks and swim as others choose to cliff jump all throughout the day. Alcohol is not allowed, but you will almost assuredly see it, and it can get pretty hectic around the pool as the day draws on. For those eyeing solitude, mornings often bring minimal crowds here. With that being said, the pool and falls are absolutely stunning. It’s hard to imagine a more accessible swimming hole with such beauty.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
This was the first longer trip that our family has undertaken since our daughter, Scout, has been declared cancer free. Scout has been without her central line for quite some time, but being that she just turned 4, we are still getting her up to speed with swimming and being back in the water safely. This trip has largely been built around anything swimming related, to allow Scout to do her favorite thing (get in the water) and to entice her to go along on hikes with us by promising there will be a waterfall or pool along the way.
Today was about as easy as it gets with Scout. We pulled right up to the Rainbow Pool and Falls parking area and Scout looked down and saw the pool. She didn’t want to wait and was as eager as someone could be, to get down to the falls. We walked down the stairs and veered left through a mucky, stagnant creek bed. This only lasted for about 20 seconds until we reached the shoreline along the pool and falls.
It was still somewhat early in the morning and the pool was not horribly crowded yet. My wife worked on helping Scout swim while I battled the coldness of the water.
My wife said it wasn’t bad, but for some reason, I had a hard time enticing myself to go under. Finally, I did get in and our family had an amazing time swimming for nearly an hour. Eventually the pool got insanely crowded and it felt like a bit more of a college scene than I was expecting, so we decided it was time to continue our drive. We had an absolute blast watching Scout swim and were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have visited on this day.
Getting to the Rainbow Pool
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, during peak summer season there is a $10 per vehicle fee, which is also good for the Carlon Falls area. While the pools are open year round the gate may be closed at times and visitors may have to walk in to get to the falls.
Are there restrooms at Rainbow Pool?
- Yes, vault toilets are located in the parking area.
Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Pool/Falls?
- Yes, dogs are allowed but the must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
