Waterfall Hikes Near Kennedy Meadows, CA

93 residents

Los Angeles Time Zone

9 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Looking for the best waterfalls to hike near Kennedy Meadows? There are 9 waterfall hiking trails within a 50-mile radius of Kennedy Meadows. 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 36.0076°N, -118.1099°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Kennedy Meadows

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

7 of 9 gauged

7 waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows have live flow data today

Chagoopa Falls Barely Flowing Volcano Falls Barely Flowing Tufa Falls Barely Flowing Cholollo Falls Barely Flowing Salmon Creek Falls Barely Flowing South Creek Falls Barely Flowing Fossil Falls Barely Flowing

Updated 37 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Friday

Sunny · 79°F

Wed 78°F Sunny

Thu 78°F Sunny

Fri 79°F Sunny Best

Ind 82°F Sunny

Sun 82°F Mostly Sunny

Mon 84°F Sunny

Tue 84°F Sunny

Flowing best right now near Kennedy Meadows

Updated 37 minutes ago

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

Know when to go.

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

Find waterfalls to hike near Kennedy Meadows

See All California Waterfall Hikes

Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.

🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Kennedy Meadows (2 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.

Fossil Falls

22.2 miles away

California

Easy

0.6 miles 100 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Kennedy Meadows (2 waterfalls)

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

Salmon Creek Falls

44.8 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

All 9 Waterfalls Near Kennedy Meadows

Fossil Falls

22.2 miles away

California

Easy

0.6 miles 100 ft

South Creek Falls

39.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.0 miles 300 ft

Salmon Creek Falls

44.8 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Cholollo Falls

28.6 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Volcano Falls

24.9 miles away

California

Moderate

3.0 miles 500 ft

Chagoopa Falls

California

Hard

30.0 miles 6 ft

Darwin Falls

43.6 miles away

California

Easy

2.0 miles 200 ft

Tufa Falls

12.8 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Manly Fall (historical)

38.3 miles away

California

Moderate

2.4 miles 350 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Kennedy Meadows

Are there free waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows, including Fossil Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Kennedy Meadows?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Kennedy Meadows, including Darwin Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Kennedy Meadows?

There are 2 dog-friendly waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows, including Fossil Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows, including Darwin Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Kennedy Meadows?

The shortest waterfall hike near Kennedy Meadows is Chagoopa Falls at 0.6 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows?

The tallest waterfall near Kennedy Meadows is Salmon Creek Falls at 120 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows require permits?

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

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Kennedy Meadows?

Yes, 7 waterfalls near Kennedy Meadows have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Kennedy Meadows?

The closest waterfall to Kennedy Meadows is Fossil Falls, approximately 10.3 miles away.

🏙️ Other Cities Near Kennedy Meadows With Waterfalls

Nearby Hot Springs

Hot springs near Kennedy Meadows, California

Explore California hot springs

Unnamed Spring Kern County 1

12.1 mi 80°F

An 80-degree spring rises at 3,200 feet in the Mojave Desert's high country, 15.5 degrees warmer than the surrounding air, acce...

Soda Springs

12.7 mi 100°F

Soda Springs flows at 100°F in the high Sierra Nevada at 7,857 feet elevation, delivering water 54.5 degrees warmer than the fr...

Fumarole

12.9 mi 203°F

Fumarole emerges at an extraordinary 203°F within the restricted Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake at 4,280 feet elevation, ...

Devils Kitchen

14.4 mi 207°F

Devils Kitchen emerges at an extreme 207°F from volcanic terrain within Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, featuring some of...

Coso Hot Springs

16.3 mi 207°F

Coso Hot Springs surges from the earth at an extreme 207°F (97°C) within the Coso Volcanic Field, representing one of Californi...

Jordan Hot Springs

18.9 mi 124°F

Jordan Hot Springs delivers 124-degree water from the Golden Trout Wilderness at 6,533 feet elevation, ranking among California...

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

Explore California springs

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.