Are there fees or permits required for Bassi Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bassi Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bassi Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Bassi Falls.

Bassi Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bassi Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bassi Falls.

California • 109 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Eldorado National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Tommy Huynh CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

José Antonio Galloso CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

blackwing_de CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

José Antonio Galloso CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Bassi Falls

Bassi Falls is a stunning 109-foot waterfall located in the Eldorado National Forest in California. It is known for its wide cascade over granite rocks, especially impressive during spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.

The Setting

Bassi Falls sits at 5,476 feet within Eldorado National Forest, in the high mountains of California. At 109 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 109 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Bassi Falls (#15E10), a 1.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

BASSI FALLS #15E10

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

10-12%

USFS Segment

0.03 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Bassi Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a forested area with some rocky sections. It is well-marked and leads directly to the base of the waterfall, offering excellent views along the way.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 109 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bassi Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bassi Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer

The best time to visit Bassi Falls is in late spring or early summer when the snowmelt creates a powerful flow. By late summer, the flow may diminish significantly.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring and Summer. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Eldorado National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution and supervise children closely. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can occur unexpectedly.

Know when to go.

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

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 175 feet of descent through Bassi Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 109 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 5,492 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 159 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 166 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bassi Falls near Meyers, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bassi Falls near Meyers, California, showing about 175 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 5,492 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 175 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bassi Falls is located off Ice House Road in the Eldorado National Forest. From Highway 50, take Ice House Road and follow signs to the trailhead. The last portion of the road may be rough and unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

5,476 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.892609° N, -120.330297° W

Land Management

Eldorado National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as parts of the trail are exposed. Be cautious on the rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery.

This trail sits at 5,476 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

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

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Nearby Campground

BIG SILVER GROUP

2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Big Silver Group Campground offers tent and RV camping for up to 50 guests. The campground is located 23 miles east of Placerville on Highway 50 and 16 miles north on Ice House Road, east of nearby Union Valley Reservoir.Recreation Visitors may enjoy forest-lined scenic views and recreation opportunities, such as, hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing and migratory bird spotting. The campground has immediate access to the Union Valley Bike Trail; an easy 5.8 mile, two-lane bikeway wi

Book on Recreation.gov