Are there fees or permits required for Jawbone Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Jawbone Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Jawbone Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Jawbone Falls near Long Barn, California, showing about 115 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 19 ft³/s · About average

Jawbone Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Jawbone Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Jawbone Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Stanislaus National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

About Jawbone Falls

Jawbone Falls is a seasonal cascade tucked into the Jawbone Canyon area of Kern County, California, and managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Stanislaus National Forest. The falls are at their most impressive after heavy rains or spring snowmelt, framed by rugged canyon walls and the scrubby, open terrain common to the region. Because the flow is intermittent, timing your visit for the wet season rewards you with flowing water and the best photo opportunities. Access to the falls follows a USFS-managed route — CHERRY LK NO OHV-ATV (Trail #18EV272) — and the commonly hiked route is about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain (rated moderate). The USFS mapping records a 1.16-mile segment for the trail corridor; most visitors treat the route as an out-and-back, and Cherry Valley Campground sits about 5.43 km away for those looking to camp nearby. Check current Forest Service conditions before you go, bring plenty of water, and plan your visit for spring or immediately after rainfall to see the falls flowing.

The Setting

Jawbone Falls sits at 5,568 feet within Stanislaus National Forest, in the high mountains of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Cherry Lk No Ohv Atv (#18EV272), a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

CHERRY LK NO OHV-ATV #18EV272

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+12-20%

USFS Segment

1.16 mi

Trail Description

USFS trail CHERRY LK NO OHV-ATV (Trail #18EV272) provides the primary approach to Jawbone Falls. The route is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles total with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The tread is native material with typical grades of +12–20%, and the trail is classified as Class 2 — mostly walking with occasional easy scrambling over rocks and uneven surfaces. Expect an unimproved, natural surface rather than a paved or gravel path; wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for loose rock and short steep pitches along the way.

What to Expect

Jawbone Falls is a seasonal waterfall, so water flow is not guaranteed. The surrounding area features desert landscapes, rock formations, and sparse vegetation. The falls are most likely to flow after heavy rains or during the spring.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Jawbone Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Jawbone Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring, after rainfall or snowmelt, is the best time to visit for a chance to see the waterfall flowing.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of loose rocks and uneven terrain. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for high temperatures. Avoid visiting during or after heavy rains due to potential flash flooding.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

19 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5.46 ft

Water depth at gauge

46°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

CHERRY C BL VALLEY DAM NR HETCH HETCHY CA

USGS 11277300

4.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 118 sq mi

Altitude: 4,343 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHERRY C BL VALLEY DAM NR HETCH HETCHY CA (7 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

19 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

19 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

18 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

11 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

7 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early July to late September, peaking in July.

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 Long Barn 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 115 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,567 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 89 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 76 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Jawbone Falls near Long Barn, 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: 5,567 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 115 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Jawbone Falls is located off Jawbone Canyon Road, accessible via Highway 14. The area is remote, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for navigating the unpaved roads leading to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available in informal pullouts along Jawbone Canyon Road. There is no designated parking lot.

Elevation

5,568 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.008254° N, -119.971849° W

Land Management

Stanislaus National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after recent rainfall for the best chance of seeing the waterfall flowing. Bring plenty of water, as the area is arid and temperatures can be high. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing the area.

This trail sits at 5,568 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.

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

CHERRY VALLEY

3.4 miles away · 45 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the central Sierra Nevada, camping at Cherry Valley campground offers many beautiful sights. It is located in a forest of mixed conifers about 1.5 miles northeast of Cherry Valley Dam, 1 hour east of Tuolumne City, 1 hour northeast of Groveland, and 2.5 hours from the northwestern border of Yosemite National Park. Lake access is available via a hiking trail. The road to the campground is a winding mountain road and must be taken slowly.Recreation There are unlimited opportuni

Book on Recreation.gov