Is swimming allowed at Rancheria Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rancheria Falls.

Nearby gauge (Tuolumne River A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne) · 24 ft³/s · About average

Rancheria Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rancheria Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Rancheria Falls. Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Rancheria Falls, see below

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

s__i CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

randomcuriosity CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

clement.cc CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

s__i CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

clement.cc CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Rancheria Falls

Rancheria Falls lies within Yosemite National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. The cascade sits along Falls Creek (also known as the Falls River), the tributary that begins near the park’s northern boundary and flows about 24 miles to the Tuolumne River at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. That same creek drops over two well-known waterfalls as it descends, and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and other park routes follow the creek for much of its course — so the area around Rancheria Falls is part of a larger, scenic creek corridor that appeals to both day hikers and long-distance trekkers. The hike to the falls is a peaceful, accessible outing set in classic Yosemite terrain. With a short approach and the sound of rushing water as a reward, Rancheria Falls is an inviting stop for visitors exploring this less-crowded section of the park. As with all visits in Yosemite, expect basic backcountry conditions and follow NPS regulations and signage while enjoying the scenery.

The Setting

Rancheria Falls sits at 4,629 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Tueeulala Falls (880 ft) lies 3.5 miles to the west.

Tueeulala Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.0 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail stats (NPS): approximately 2.0 miles, out-and-back, with about 200 feet of elevation gain; rated easy. The route follows creekside park trails and is generally a short, gentle hike suitable for most visitors. Park-provided trail surface/grade/class details are not specified in the park data, so expect typical natural footpath conditions (roots, rocks, variable footing) and plan footwear accordingly.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a forested area with the sound of rushing water as they approach the falls. The waterfall is especially impressive during spring and early summer when water flow is at its peak. There are opportunities for photography and relaxation near the falls.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rancheria Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Rancheria Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Rancheria Falls is in the spring or early summer when the water flow is strongest. Fall is also a good time to visit for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 43°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on the marked trail to avoid getting lost. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be icy or snow-covered in winter.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tuolumne River A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne, 3.8 miles away, not on Rancheria Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

24 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

9 13 189 346

Based on 20 years of record

7.12 ft

Water depth at gauge

43°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 43 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

45 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

TUOLUMNE R A GRAND CYN OF TUOLUMNE AB HETCH HETCHY

USGS 11274790

3.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 301 sq mi

Altitude: 3,814 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge TUOLUMNE R A GRAND CYN OF TUOLUMNE AB HETCH HETCHY (6 km away).

High confidence

Strong right now

24 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

24 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

43 cfs

8/10

Tue

Strong

43 cfs

10/10

Wed

Strong

44 cfs

7/10

Thu

Strong

48 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

39 cfs

7/10

Sat

Strong

42 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

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

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 Foresta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Rancheria Falls Frozen?

Updated about 10 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Rancheria Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 48°F to 36°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 24 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 bare-earth surface loses about 174 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,658 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 188 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 127 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Rancheria Falls near Foresta, California, showing about 174 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 4,658 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 174 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

Rancheria Falls is located near Huntington Lake in the Sierra National Forest. From Fresno, take Highway 168 east to Huntington Lake. The trailhead is located near the Rancheria Campground, which is well-marked and easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Rancheria Campground. There is a designated parking area for hikers accessing the trail to Rancheria Falls.

Elevation

4,629 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.954921° N, -119.710452° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.0 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.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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

Yosemite Creek Campground

10.8 miles away · 76 sites

Reservable

Overview Yosemite Creek Campground is closed for the winter.Tucked away among the pines is the hidden gem of Yosemite Creek campground. Accessing this campground is an adventure down a rutted, 5-mile, single-lane dirt road. Motorhomes and trailers are NOT allowed.Recreation Your adventure awaits! Hiking, swimming, bouldering, napping (some of us are tired!), bird watching; the possibilities are as great as your imagination. Be sure to bring bug spray and sunscreen, plenty of water, and dress in l

Book on Recreation.gov