Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
3.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Red Rock Falls
Red Rock Falls is a small waterfall, about 20 feet or less, on Lewis Creek in Sierra National Forest between Oakhurst and Fish Camp, south of Yosemite. It is the upper of two named falls on the Lewis Creek Trail; the larger, multi-tier Corlieu Falls is downstream. From the Lewis Creek trailhead on Highway 41, the trail reaches a signed junction in about 0.1 mile, and Red Rock Falls is to the north.
The Setting
Red Rock Falls sits at 4,154 feet within Sierra National Forest, in the mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Shady North (#21E228), a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
SHADY NORTH #21E228
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.06 miTrail Description
From the Highway 41 trailhead, walk about 0.1 mile to a signed T-junction and turn left (north) on the Lewis Creek Trail toward Red Rock Falls; Corlieu Falls is about 0.3 mile the other way. One hiker report puts Red Rock Falls about 1.75 miles along the trail from Corlieu Falls.
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 Red Rock Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on the Lewis Creek Trail; bikes and horses are not.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Red Rock Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Red Rock Falls is during the spring and early summer when water flow is strongest. Fall offers cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions, so caution is advised.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Sierra National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry sufficient water. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Oakhurst hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Red Rock Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Red Rock Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 49°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- no gauge
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 112 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 4,142 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 27 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 15 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 4,142 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 112 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive Highway 41 north from the main intersection in Oakhurst for 7.3 miles to the Lewis Creek trailhead turnout on the east side of the road, about 8.5 miles before Yosemite's south entrance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Free parking in paved turnouts along Highway 41 at the trailhead. A turnout by a 4,000-foot elevation sign a tenth of a mile earlier can serve as overflow.
Elevation
4,154 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.433829° N, -119.636541° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid the heat and ensure parking availability. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed in some sections. Check trail conditions beforehand, especially after heavy rain, as the path may become slippery or muddy.
Where to Stay
River Falls Retreat
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites
Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn
Sierra Sky Ranch
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
SOQUEL CAMPGROUND
4.4 miles away · 24 sites
Overview Soquel Campground consists of two loops on the banks of Willow Creek. The primitive sites are well-shaded by pine and fir trees and can accommodate small trailers and tents. Reservations for this campground are now site-specific. Recreation Trails can be found off Highway 41 west of the campground, including the 3.7-mile Lewis Creek National Recreation Trail and the Miami Motorcycle Trails, a network of forest roads and trails for dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. The Shadow of the Gian
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Clovis, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Corlieu Falls, a multi-tier drop of about 150 feet, is about 0.4 mile from the same trailhead. Yosemite's south entrance is about 8.5 miles north on Highway 41.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Red Rock Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Red Rock Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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