Llewellyn Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 1,100 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Llewellyn Falls

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Toiyabe National Forest NF · US Forest Service
Photo Credits (1)
1.
James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

6.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

600 ft

About Llewellyn Falls

Llewellyn Falls is a picturesque cascade managed by the U.S. Forest Service inside the Toiyabe National Forest. Nestled among mountain meadows and forested slopes, the falls are most impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the flow. The setting is quiet and photogenic, making it a rewarding stop for hikers looking for a scenic payoff without technical climbing. Access to the falls is via the USFS CORRAL VALLEY Trail (Trail #21020), a short native-surface segment recorded at about 0.2 GIS miles that leads toward the cascade as part of a longer outing. Plan for a moderate, out-and-back hike of roughly 6.0 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain; the approach features stretches of 12–20% grade and occasional Class 2 scrambling, so sturdy footwear and steady footing are recommended.

The Setting

Llewellyn Falls sits at 8,002 feet within Toiyabe National Forest, in the high alpine of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Corral Valley (#21020), a 6.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 600 feet of elevation gain with grades of +12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

CORRAL VALLEY #21020

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

+12-20%

USFS Segment

0.20 mi

Trail Description

USFS trail: CORRAL VALLEY (Trail #21020). Surface: native material. USFS-recorded GIS miles for this trail segment: 0.2. Trail class: 2 (some easy scrambling and route-finding possible). Typical grade: +12–20% in steeper sections. Overall hike: approximately 6.0 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with about 600 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. Expect well-defined native tread with moderately steep pitches; the route is suitable for hikers comfortable with brief Class 2 moves and sustained uphill grades.

What to Expect

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 Llewellyn Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Llewellyn Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Llewellyn Falls is during late spring and early summer when the snowmelt enhances the waterfall's flow. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler temperatures and colorful foliage.

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 Toiyabe National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. Carry a map or GPS device, as cell service may be limited. Watch for wildlife and stay on marked trails.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

1,100 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 98 years of record

5.37 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 10296500
9.2 mi from waterfall
Drainage: 250 sq mi
Altitude: 5,520 ft

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Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Llewellyn Falls is located near the Leavitt Meadows area in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The trailhead can be accessed from the Leavitt Meadows Campground off Highway 108 (Sonora Pass).

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Leavitt Meadows Campground trailhead. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

8002 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.460185° N, -119.604902° W

Land Management

Toiyabe National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to enjoy the falls. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed in some sections. Check weather conditions before your visit, as snow or rain can make the trail more challenging.

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With 6.0 miles and 600 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Where to Stay

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Nearby Campground

Clark Fork Campground

11.4 miles away · 0 sites

 Clark Fork Campground is situated along the banks of the Clark Fork of the Stanislaus River, five miles from the junction of Clark Fork Road and Highway 108. It is about 25 miles east of the Summit Ranger Station.There are two loops in the campground: A-Loop and B-Loop. Both loops have paved roads and parking pads. A-Loop has 28 sites with a table and a campfire ring at each site. Three of the sites are double sites. The restrooms are vault toilets. Water is available at hydrants serving several

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Leavitt Meadows, Sonora Pass, and the Hoover Wilderness offer additional hiking and outdoor opportunities.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Keep a safe distance from all animals.

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