Is swimming allowed at Twin Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Twin Falls.

Live Conditions · 553 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Twin Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Twin Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Twin Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Inyo National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

tombenson76 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

docentjoyce CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

inkknife_2000 (14 million views) CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Twin Falls

Twin Falls sits in the Sierra Nevada under the care of the U.S. Forest Service, tucked into the Inyo National Forest. The waterfall lives up to its name with two close-running cascades framed by forested slopes, making it an inviting destination for photographers, families, and day hikers. Access to the falls is via the RIM Trail, USFS Trail #2723, so you’ll be following an established Forest Service route rather than a remote scramble. Because the site is managed by the USFS, nearby recreation amenities are easy to find: New Shady Rest Campground is about 5.78 km away and serves as a convenient basecamp for an overnight stay. Whether you’re stopping in on a longer Sierra drive or planning a short nature outing, Twin Falls offers a compact, scenic reward without committing to a long backcountry trek.

The Setting

Twin Falls sits at 8,835 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high alpine of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Rainbow Falls (101 ft) lies 4.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Lower Rainbow Falls (101 ft, 4.5 mi).

Rainbow Falls Lower Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy hike follows Rim (#2723), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is minimally developed (Class 1).

USFS Trail

RIM #2723

Trail Class

Minimally Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

Trail Description

The hike to Twin Falls is an easy, out-and-back route along the USFS RIM Trail (Trail #2723). The trail is 1.5 miles round-trip with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, typically rated easy and suitable for most visitors. USFS trail data list it as a Class 1 route with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%, so expect a straightforward footpath with some short, moderately steeper stretches rather than technical obstacles. Well-suited to day hikers and families, the trail provides a quick, scenic approach to the falls and connects conveniently to nearby camping at New Shady Rest Campground.

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 Twin Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Twin Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Twin Falls is in the spring or early summer when the snowmelt ensures a strong flow of water. Fall is also a great time to visit for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

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 Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be icy or muddy during certain times of the year.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Roaring

553 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

115 248 508 701

Based on 15 years of record

5.38 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

MF SAN JOAQUIN R NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA

USGS 11224000

4.4 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 44 sq mi

Altitude: 7,570 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Twin Falls is located near Mammoth Lakes, California, in the Inyo National Forest. The trailhead can typically be accessed via Lake Mary Road, which is well-marked and easy to navigate.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but it may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8835 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.611603° N, -119.010132° W

Land Management

Inyo National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Arrive early during weekends or holidays to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.

This trail sits at 8,835 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.

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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.

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This easy 1.5 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.

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

NEW SHADY REST CAMPGROUND

3.6 miles away · 94 sites

Reservable

Overview New Shady Rest Campground is a large facility convenient to numerous outdoor activities and attractions in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The campground is popular for hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing and hitting the adjacent town of Mammoth Lakes for shopping and dining. The facility accommodates both tents and RVs.Recreation The Mammoth Lakes area has much to keep campers busy. The majestic scenery and challenging trails are an obvious draw for hikers and mountain bikers. Ski

Book on Recreation.gov