Are there fees or permits required for Cholollo Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Cholollo Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cholollo Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cholollo Falls near Pierpoint, California, showing about 324 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (South Fork Tule River) · 7 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Cholollo Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cholollo Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Cholollo Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Tule River Reservation TRIBL · DESG

About Cholollo Falls

Cholollo Falls is a seasonal cascade tucked into a quiet pocket of California’s foothills, offering a peaceful waterfall experience when winter rains and spring runoff feed its drop. The site is best visited in the wetter months when the stream is flowing; at other times the falls can be reduced to trickles, making visits during the wet season most rewarding. The setting favors hikers who want a low-key outing away from the more trafficked waterfall destinations in the state. The falls lie within the Tule River Reservation and are managed by the Tule River Tribe. The nearest established campground is Redwood Meadow, roughly 10.3 km away. Visitors should respect tribal land and local guidance when planning a trip to Cholollo Falls and check with the Tule River Tribe for any access information or seasonal considerations.

The Setting

Cholollo Falls sits at 4,213 feet within Tule River Reservation, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

South Creek Falls (95 ft) lies 10.4 miles to the southeast.

South Creek Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Official surface, grade, and USFS trail class data are not available for this route. Hikers should be prepared for natural tread and variable terrain, and confirm access details with the Tule River Reservation before setting out.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a seasonal waterfall that may vary in flow depending on recent rainfall. The surrounding area is likely to feature natural landscapes typical of California.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cholollo Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cholollo Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit Cholollo Falls is typically during the spring or after significant rainfall, when the waterfall is most likely to be flowing.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails if available.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Fork Tule River, 0.9 miles away, not on Cholollo Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

7 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2.10 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. PH is normal at 7.8 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

7.8

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

105 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA

USGS 11203580

0.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 20 sq mi

Altitude: 3,674 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF TULE R NR CHOLOLLO CAMPGROUND NR PORTERVILLE CA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

7 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

7 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Sat

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Sun

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

7 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late May, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

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

Is Cholollo Falls Frozen?

Updated about 9 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Cholollo Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 51°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 7 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

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.

The ground through the falls loses about 324 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,212 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 198 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 224 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,212 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 324 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

The exact location and access details for Cholollo Falls are not widely documented. Visitors should research local maps and guides for directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or designated areas if available.

Elevation

4,213 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.059670° N, -118.645089° W

Land Management

Tule River Reservation TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall may be dry during periods of low rainfall. Bring a map or GPS device, as trails may not be well-marked.

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

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

Nearby Campground

REDWOOD MEADOW

6.4 miles away · 14 sites

Reservable

Overview Redwood Meadow Campground located within Sequoia National Forest, in the southern portion of Giant Sequoia National Monument. The area is named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree, which grows in more than 30 groves on the forest's lower slopes.Recreation Touring the Sequoia National Monument is the area's most popular activity. Hikers enjoy the Trail of a Hundred Giants as it wanders through the ong Meadow Giant Sequoia Grove. Other points of interest within the sourthern se

Book on Recreation.gov