Waterfall Hikes Near Aptos, CA

6,614 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
14 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near Aptos? There are 14 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of Aptos. These trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, providing options for both casual hikers and experienced adventurers looking to explore the region's natural beauty.

Located at 36.9912°N, -121.8934°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Aptos

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

14 of 14 gauged

4 of 14 waterfalls near Aptos are flowing strongly today

Berry Creek Falls Moderate Butano Falls Strong Golden Falls Strong Silver Falls Strong Castle Rock Falls Barely Flowing Pfeiffer Falls Barely Flowing Pine Falls Barely Flowing Tehan Falls Strong

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Partly Sunny · 64°F

Sat 69°F Slight Chance Drizzle then Mostly Sunny
Sun 74°F Patchy Fog then Sunny
Mon 71°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Tue 66°F Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny
Wed 64°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
Thu 64°F Partly Sunny Best
Fri 68°F Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Aptos

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Tehan Falls Strong · 6 cfs 84th percentile
  2. 2 Butano Falls Strong · 9 cfs 76th percentile
  3. 3 Golden Falls Strong · 9 cfs 76th percentile
  4. 4 Silver Falls Strong · 9 cfs 76th percentile
  5. 5 Berry Creek Falls Moderate · 4 cfs 26th percentile
  6. 6 Castle Rock Falls Barely Flowing · 1 cfs 5th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Aptos hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Aptos

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Aptos (3 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Aptos (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

48.8 miles away
California
Moderate
7.5 miles 800 ft

All 14 Waterfalls Near Aptos

Maple Falls waterfall

Maple Falls

48.8 miles away
California
Moderate
7.5 miles 800 ft

Fiver Finger Falls

32.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Basin Falls waterfall

Basin Falls

34.5 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Upper Falls waterfall

Upper Falls

31.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Black Rock Falls waterfall

Black Rock Falls

34.1 miles away
California
Moderate
2.0 miles 300 ft
Triple Falls waterfall

Triple Falls

31.5 miles away
California
Moderate
3.0 miles 500 ft
Castle Rock Falls waterfall

Castle Rock Falls

33.1 miles away
California
Easy
1.2 miles 200 ft
Berry Creek Falls waterfall

Berry Creek Falls

44.5 miles away
California
Hard
10.5 miles 2 ft
Silver Falls waterfall

Silver Falls

41.3 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
Golden Falls waterfall

Golden Falls

41.3 miles away
California
Moderate
2.5 miles 400 ft
Butano Falls waterfall

Butano Falls

21.3 miles away
California
Moderate
4.5 miles 500 ft

Tehan Falls

37.9 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Pfeiffer Falls waterfall

Pfeiffer Falls

36.3 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
Pine Falls waterfall

Pine Falls

40 miles away
California
Moderate
3.0 miles 500 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Aptos

Are there free waterfalls near Aptos?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Aptos, including Golden Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Aptos?

There are 3 easy waterfall hikes near Aptos, including Castle Rock Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Aptos?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Aptos, including Golden Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Aptos?

There are 8 kid-friendly waterfalls near Aptos, including Berry Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Aptos?

The shortest waterfall hike near Aptos is Basin Falls at 1.2 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Aptos?

The tallest waterfall near Aptos is Castle Rock Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Aptos require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Aptos requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Aptos?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Aptos have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Aptos?

The closest waterfall to Aptos is Maple Falls, approximately 3 miles away.

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Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Aptos, California

Sargent Estate Warm Spring

16.5 mi 77°F

Sargent Estate Warm Spring flows at 77°F in the hills east of Gilroy in the Diablo Range. The modest 19-degree temperature rise...
Sulphur Hot Spring

Sulphur Hot Spring

20.3 mi 100°F

Sulphur Hot Spring flows at 100 degrees in Monterey County near Seaside at just 36 feet elevation, essentially at-grade with th...

Gilroy Hot Springs

23.3 mi 106°F

Gilroy Hot Springs flows at 106 degrees Fahrenheit within Henry W. Coe State Park, a California Historical Landmark and Nationa...
Mineral Springs

Mineral Springs

24.1 mi 84°F

Mineral Springs flows at 84°F near East Foothills in the Santa Clara Valley foothills, creating a modest 25-degree temperature ...
Alameda Warm Springs

Alameda Warm Springs

25.5 mi 80°F

Alameda Warm Springs flows at 80°F (27°C) in Mission Peak Regional Preserve near Milpitas, a modest thermal seep just 20 degree...

Unnamed Spring Monterey County

34.4 mi 114°F

This exceptional 114-degree thermal spring near Carmel Valley Village flows at just 255 feet elevation, creating remarkably hot...

Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Aptos, California on SoakingSprings.

Explore California springs

Where to Stay

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

8.1 483 reviews
Royal Villa - Ocean View - Heated Pools - SEASCAPE'S BEST 1 BEDROOM - 3 BEDS - End Unit

Royal Villa - Ocean View - Heated Pools - SEASCAPE'S BEST 1 BEDROOM - 3 BEDS - End Unit

9.7 22 reviews
Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

8.3 671 reviews
Casablanca Inn on The Beach

Casablanca Inn on The Beach

8.1 1,929 reviews
See all hotels near Aptos
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