Carlon Falls Trail

Carlon Falls Trail follows the South Fork Tuolumne from Evergreen Road to the base of Carlon Falls and back: about 2.9 miles round trip. It is mostly a shaded, gently graded river walk, with a steeper rise near the end. Allow one to two hours on foot, plus any time you spend by the water. Mileage descriptions differ; this route follows the main trail to the falls base, and does not include the rougher climb above it.

Start at the small Carlon Falls pullout just beyond the bridge on Evergreen Road. The route begins in Stanislaus National Forest, then enters Yosemite Wilderness shortly after the start. It follows the river upstream through forest on mostly smooth dirt, with occasional roots and rocks. Two small stream crossings can shrink or dry later in summer. The walk stays fairly level for most of its length; the short, steeper approach comes near the falls.

The main trail reaches the base of a cascade roughly 20 to 30 feet high and about as wide. A pool sits below it, with smaller cascades downstream; the waterfall's width and flow change with the season. The main route ends here. Continuing toward the upper falls means leaving the mapped trail for a rougher scramble over boulders and roots, so don't assume it is a maintained extension. For a photo, include one of the river boulders in the foreground with the falls and pool behind it.

Evergreen Road leaves Highway 120 near the Big Oak Flat entrance. The trailhead pullout has limited spaces; a separate picnic and day-use area is across the bridge. Vehicle access can be affected by snow and seasonal road closures, so check current road notices before driving. There is no water faucet or other service at the trailhead. Pets and mountain bikes are not allowed once the route enters Yosemite Wilderness, and overnight camping is not allowed along the trail.