Are there fees or permits required for Tufa Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Tufa Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tufa Falls.

Live Conditions · 88 ft³/s · About average

Tufa Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tufa Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Tufa Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Sequoia National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (2)

Peter J. Caprio CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Tufa Falls

Tufa Falls is a quietly beautiful cascade tucked inside Sequoia National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The falls get their name from the tufa — porous limestone — formations that frame the flowing water, creating a sculpted, otherworldly setting that’s often less crowded than more famous park attractions. Flow can be seasonal, so the falls are best visited in wetter months or after spring runoff when the stream is fuller. The hike to Tufa Falls rewards visitors with a peaceful, natural setting ideal for photography and a short day outing. The route to the falls is an out-and-back trail of moderate difficulty; before you go, check current conditions with park rangers at Sequoia National Park, as access and water levels can change with the seasons.

The Setting

Tufa Falls sits at 8,412 feet within Sequoia National Park, fed by the Marble Fork Kaweah R, in the high alpine of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Managed by the National Park Service within Sequoia National Park (no USFS trail number applies), the route to Tufa Falls is an out-and-back trail of approximately 2.4 miles round trip with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Official USFS surface/grade/class data are not applicable or not available for this NPS-managed trail. Visitors should be prepared for natural trail conditions; some sections may be informal or unmarked as you approach the falls, so wear sturdy shoes and exercise caution.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by unique tufa rock formations. The water flow may vary depending on the season, and the area is likely to be less crowded compared to more popular waterfalls.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tufa Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tufa Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is typically the best time to visit, as water flow is likely to be at its peak due to snowmelt and rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.

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 seasonal changes in water flow. Always stay on safe ground and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

88 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

18 45 131 184

Based on 11 years of record

8.98 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 about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

MARBLE FORK KAWEAH R AB HORSE C NR LODGEPOLE CA

USGS 11206820

12.9 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 7,135 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Tufa Falls is located in California, but specific directions to the site are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to research local maps or consult with nearby park services for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options near the site.

Elevation

8412 feet above sea level

Coordinates

36.443821° N, -118.598142° W

Land Management

Sequoia National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the location may not be well-marked. Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check water flow conditions before visiting, especially during dry seasons.

This trail sits at 8,412 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

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.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 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.

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

STONY CREEK SEQUOIA

20.1 miles away · 48 sites

Reservable

Overview Stony Creek Campground sits at an elevation of approximatly 6,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's nestled among Sigar Pines, Jeffrey Pines, Red Firs and the scenic Stony Creek is just steps away. This campground is ideally located along the Generals Highway, in between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, near the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, and tucked within the heart of Hume Lake Ranger Districts Sequoia National Forest. Recreation Hume Lake is a popular recreation destinat

Book on Recreation.gov