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I went a few times as a kid and then went recently as an adult, and it still was just as fun. Keep in mind a few things though: 1. You need to bring $10 cash in order to pay the parking fee, and 2. the water is FREEZING!! This river is very close to the mountains so the water is still very very cold. There are a few places in the basin to jump in, ranging from 5-20 feet. I also went fishing up the river and caught a couple of rainbow trout. They aren't exactly big enough to make a good meal, but you can catch and release them if you like to fish for fun. Also please for gods sake don't litter or throw bottles in the river. As a kid, i cut my foot open in the river on a beer bottle and needed stitched, which is also why i recommend wearing water shoes.
It was absolutely beautiful clean and not crowded on a weekday plus it's on the way to Yosemite. I swam quite a bit and there is current as you swim towards the falls . I was considerate enough to pay the daily fee and most people ignored it!
One of my friends introduced the idea of visiting Rainbow Pools during 2020 in the heat of summer. I have to say, as a swimming enthusiast, this area of free style swims, and the waterfall is pretty breathtaking. It was so refreshing, and you can dive, and there's plenty of room to spread out even when it's crowded. Really, my only hesitancy about visiting here is that it's pretty rugged on any vehicle used to drive here. Twists, turns, tight stretches of road. I had just had my brakes replaced literally before this trip and am thankful for that. I would almost want to rent a car to avoid putting wear and tear on my personal vehicles. BUT, this is a must visit and should be bookmarked!
The rainbow pools are a beautiful and relaxing stop on the way to Yosemite! It was a gem! Highly recommend stopping for an hour or two on your trek! Parking can be very busy and tight. We went around 4 pm and it was perfect.
You can jump off the cliff in the top right of the photo. If you don't know how to swim, DO NOT go up. The currents can be strong & unsafe. There was a guy who swam across & drifted to the left & got stuck for a bit but he was able to come back. Other than that, the water is cold but it is refreshing on a warm day.
This is a must see. It seems extremely busy during the day time so we waited until dinner time and everyone was gone and there was plenty of parking. It was still completely warm enough to swim. Evening time also seemed to be the time the locals were there so that makes me think that's the best time to go. People were also fishing in the evening, but that made it more difficult to swim.
Absolutely amazing and breathtaking place. Settled remotely in the Yosemite lakes area, this place is sure to regenerate your soul. Pro tip--arrive early. It gets busy near noon and then parking is very limited. I will come back and jump off the 40ft cliff again. I highly recommend.
It's been said, quite accurately, that I have about a 5 degree range of comfort. Set the dial at 74 degrees and I'm okay if it goes 5 degrees in either direction but more than that and you're apt to hear some bitching. Said bitching began on the hottest day of 2018, when I arrived at my lodging to find the pool closed. I got into my hotel room, grumbling audibly at my fate and then sat for a few minutes, thumbing through the book of hotel amenities as it were. Rainbow Pools was less than 2 miles away and it took me about 30 seconds to announce that's where I was headed. Wednesday is likely the quietest day of the week in these parts and it was past 4 p.m. when I got to Rainbow Pools. A sign on the highway made it simple to find and though there's not a lot of parking I found a spot easily. Two sets of stairs - each ending in rocks - lead you down to nature's pool. Follow the one on the right and you'll first encounter the sandy area with a swimming hole beside it. This part sits right atop the waterfall. Make your way down further (or come in from the left, a bit easier and more direct), scaling the rocks, and you'll have access to the lower hole. Either way, these swimming holes will be perfect. The water was less chilly than it is in Yosemite Valley and on a day when temperatures were over 90 degrees it felt perfect. A high outcropping of rocks is difficult to get up to but a perfect place for daredevils to jump from. The more conservative will choose to leap in above the waterfall itself. Me? I was happy to just swim around, neck deep in nature's bath. Located about 10 miles outside the Route 120 entrance to Yosemite, Rainbow Pools is a good place to cool off on a hot day.
Must GO!! We went 2 times out of the 5 days we were up there and this place is sooooo fun. I watched dudes do all kinds of neat dives from the cliffs and I even got to see a guy do a back flop from about 25-30 feet HILARIOUS!!! Be safe out there but most of all have fun
This spot was our savior while staying up the road at one of the campgrounds. It was soooo hot, 106 degrees and we had no shade! We were able to come just two miles down the road and cool off. The falls were beautiful, but the place was packed. Go early or later in the day. If the main area is packed you can also walk a little ways up or down stream on the paths and find some secluded areas. We also saw many people cliff jumping. Enjoy this spot, but keep the area clean and pack out your trash!
You have probably seen the sign on your way into Yosemite, but what exactly is rainbow pools? It's a gorgeous little slice of paradise, any time of year. In the winter, they close the road but you can park a short hike away, off of the highway and hike down. Just be very careful, as the water flow is very dangerous in the winter and is not safe for swimming. However, this is the time of year that you will see why they are named rainbow pools. In the summer this place can be packed with hoards of families and friends seeking relief from the heat. There is NO garbage service here. Please, please pack out everything that you bring in. I always grab a stray piece of trash that someone else left behind. This is our land folks, let's keep it beautiful. There are basic rest rooms. No alcohol and Rangers do patrol the area. As long as you are there being responsible, they are very friendly. Take the short hike under the bridge and down to where the river forks meet. It is jaw dropping beautiful in years with decent rainfall.
Beautiful place no phone service though so be prepared on that end we had an awesome time here. Fun jumping off the cliff
2 months ago
Don't think, just stop. This is the best $10 you will ever spend, besides maybe that NFT investment you made last year...yes, we all know about it. Anyways, this place is the real deal. Right off the highway, clear water, big leaves like in the dinosaur movies you still watch (no judgement), and the perfect cliffs to jump off of with a rather safe landing. There is a sign about hazards, but I think it's a governmental approach at satire, because everybody and their grandma was jumping (saw one cannonball with walker). Nice work feds, you finally did something right. But still, make sure to bring your goggles and thoroughly inspect all conditions before jumping, flipping, and / or bellyflopping into the best day of your life. I'll post a full story and underwater videos on YouTube and IG soon IG: instagram.com/luke.kitchel YouTube.com/@PlantBasedLuke read more
!!Warning!! We witnessed a young boy suffer a traumatic head injury here. Please don't dive. Protect and supervise your children. There is no reception so getting help takes time (and you have to run to the entrance for help). It took the ambulance 30 minutes and the medical helicopter even longer. We came here late summer 2026, parking is $10 cash only. Parking is very limited but there is plenty out back (10 minute walk). It gets crowded. I'd say the main pool is not a place for kids under 7-8. Rocks can be slippery and there isn't much of a safe space for the littles. You can drop off your gear by the restrooms on the way up. They have smaller pools above the waterfall that may be more suitable for the littles, regardless, parents beware. Many were jumping off the cliffs (we did too) which may be relatively safe for the olders but no way for young ones. Please take care I'd give this a 4 of 5 if I had not witnessed what I did. Swimmers beware read more
1 year ago
We had so much fun here very close to our campsite and drop in payment per car. People jumped from the top where around the parking site. It's perfect for cooling off in this heat wave. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
I went a few times as a kid and then went recently as an adult, and it still was just as fun. Keep in mind a few things though: 1. You need to bring $10 cash in order to pay the parking fee, and 2. the water is FREEZING!! This river is very close to the mountains so the water is still very very cold. There are a few places in the basin to jump in, ranging from 5-20 feet. I also went fishing up the river and caught a couple of rainbow trout. They aren't exactly big enough to make a good meal, but you can catch and release them if you like to fish for fun. Also please for gods sake don't litter or throw bottles in the river. As a kid, i cut my foot open in the river on a beer bottle and needed stitched, which is also why i recommend wearing water shoes. read more
1 year ago
It was absolutely beautiful clean and not crowded on a weekday plus it's on the way to Yosemite. I swam quite a bit and there is current as you swim towards the falls . I was considerate enough to pay the daily fee and most people ignored it! read more
One of my friends introduced the idea of visiting Rainbow Pools during 2020 in the heat of summer. I have to say, as a swimming enthusiast, this area of free style swims, and the waterfall is pretty breathtaking. It was so refreshing, and you can dive, and there's plenty of room to spread out even when it's crowded. Really, my only hesitancy about visiting here is that it's pretty rugged on any vehicle used to drive here. Twists, turns, tight stretches of road. I had just had my brakes replaced literally before this trip and am thankful for that. I would almost want to rent a car to avoid putting wear and tear on my personal vehicles. BUT, this is a must visit and should be bookmarked! read more
The rainbow pools are a beautiful and relaxing stop on the way to Yosemite! It was a gem! Highly recommend stopping for an hour or two on your trek! Parking can be very busy and tight. We went around 4 pm and it was perfect. read more
You can jump off the cliff in the top right of the photo. If you don't know how to swim, DO NOT go up. The currents can be strong & unsafe. There was a guy who swam across & drifted to the left & got stuck for a bit but he was able to come back. Other than that, the water is cold but it is refreshing on a warm day. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
This is a must see. It seems extremely busy during the day time so we waited until dinner time and everyone was gone and there was plenty of parking. It was still completely warm enough to swim. Evening time also seemed to be the time the locals were there so that makes me think that's the best time to go. People were also fishing in the evening, but that made it more difficult to swim. read more
Absolutely amazing and breathtaking place. Settled remotely in the Yosemite lakes area, this place is sure to regenerate your soul. Pro tip--arrive early. It gets busy near noon and then parking is very limited. I will come back and jump off the 40ft cliff again. I highly recommend. read more
It's been said, quite accurately, that I have about a 5 degree range of comfort. Set the dial at 74 degrees and I'm okay if it goes 5 degrees in either direction but more than that and you're apt to hear some bitching. Said bitching began on the hottest day of 2018, when I arrived at my lodging to find the pool closed. I got into my hotel room, grumbling audibly at my fate and then sat for a few minutes, thumbing through the book of hotel amenities as it were. Rainbow Pools was less than 2 miles away and it took me about 30 seconds to announce that's where I was headed. Wednesday is likely the quietest day of the week in these parts and it was past 4 p.m. when I got to Rainbow Pools. A sign on the highway made it simple to find and though there's not a lot of parking I found a spot easily. Two sets of stairs - each ending in rocks - lead you down to nature's pool. Follow the one on the right and you'll first encounter the sandy area with a swimming hole beside it. This part sits right atop the waterfall. Make your way down further (or come in from the left, a bit easier and more direct), scaling the rocks, and you'll have access to the lower hole. Either way, these swimming holes will be perfect. The water was less chilly than it is in Yosemite Valley and on a day when temperatures were over 90 degrees it felt perfect. A high outcropping of rocks is difficult to get up to but a perfect place for daredevils to jump from. The more conservative will choose to leap in above the waterfall itself. Me? I was happy to just swim around, neck deep in nature's bath. Located about 10 miles outside the Route 120 entrance to Yosemite, Rainbow Pools is a good place to cool off on a hot day. read more
6 years ago
Must GO!! We went 2 times out of the 5 days we were up there and this place is sooooo fun. I watched dudes do all kinds of neat dives from the cliffs and I even got to see a guy do a back flop from about 25-30 feet HILARIOUS!!! Be safe out there but most of all have fun read more
This spot was our savior while staying up the road at one of the campgrounds. It was soooo hot, 106 degrees and we had no shade! We were able to come just two miles down the road and cool off. The falls were beautiful, but the place was packed. Go early or later in the day. If the main area is packed you can also walk a little ways up or down stream on the paths and find some secluded areas. We also saw many people cliff jumping. Enjoy this spot, but keep the area clean and pack out your trash! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
You have probably seen the sign on your way into Yosemite, but what exactly is rainbow pools? It's a gorgeous little slice of paradise, any time of year. In the winter, they close the road but you can park a short hike away, off of the highway and hike down. Just be very careful, as the water flow is very dangerous in the winter and is not safe for swimming. However, this is the time of year that you will see why they are named rainbow pools. In the summer this place can be packed with hoards of families and friends seeking relief from the heat. There is NO garbage service here. Please, please pack out everything that you bring in. I always grab a stray piece of trash that someone else left behind. This is our land folks, let's keep it beautiful. There are basic rest rooms. No alcohol and Rangers do patrol the area. As long as you are there being responsible, they are very friendly. Take the short hike under the bridge and down to where the river forks meet. It is jaw dropping beautiful in years with decent rainfall. read more
4 years ago
Beautiful place no phone service though so be prepared on that end we had an awesome time here. Fun jumping off the cliff read more
6 years ago
The reason for the four stars is not because this spot isn't beautiful. It is, but it is has a very tiny parking lot and a small area that can and does become crowded on a hot summer day. On this visit though we, being my sister and me, parked up above and walked down. The parking lot was closed so we parked across the street and walked down and under the bridge. A very cool way to go! It was a cold day and we had to be careful as part of the road was shady and clearly icey. Probably why the normal parking access was closed. But there was no one down there! It was quiet and peaceful. The waterfall area is very small. In the summer it can become quite crowded, not really my cup of tea, but a beautiful spot. I have seen a person jump off the waterfall and it looks really scary, but if that is how you roll, then good for you! It is a spot that serves as a good pit stop on your way to the park. Be safe pulling off into it as the road down is steep and narrow. It is a one way road down and out. I look forward to going back in the warmer weather. Happy Yelping. read more
3 years ago
Nice swimming hole with limited parking. water is cold and pool is deep. not safe for young children. I would've preferred it if people didn't jump off the rocks. Jumping rock is nicknamed Suicide rock, cuz people get injured there and occasionally die. there is no cell phone reception there too, so stay safe there read more
5 years ago
6 years ago
This is a beautiful swimming place!!' You can jump off the waterfall but be careful everyone doing it makes it seem easy but it is not as easy as it looks don't be fooled use the higher jump it is better the top of the falls are slippery! I slipped when I jumped I got bruises all over my back end and legs. When I butt flopped after jumping and slipping. Next time I'm going off the higher jump! I hope it doesn't take me all day to build up the courage to jump again lol! The place was great after I picked up all the garbage two big bags full people are pigs there is garbage cans in the parking lot people jeez!! read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
be aware!!! take it from my tragedy please! i was sucked over the falls from a strong undercurrent, fell over the falls and landed 25 feet directly onto a boulder, i suffered a major spinal fractures in 4 spots, deangulated my tailbone and cracked my sternum! luckily i wasn't paralyzed but it was close according to the spinal doctor! i am out of work for a year and it ended my wonderful vacation not to mention the expensive medicalbills! please just use extreme caution! read more
6 years ago
This was a really fun experience. I went with a group of about 8 people and had a really good time. We got here around 9 and got a good parking. I recommend coming early to get a closer parking. read more
6 years ago
8 years ago
Easy to find & easy parking, maps says the exact location/directions. "Pool area" is at the top of the waterfalls, peaceful to take a dip & relax after the yosemite hikes** read more
This place was worth the 2.5 hour drive I did with my friends. The weather was perfect it was about 90 degrees out and the water was super cold and refreshing! There's about 2-3 cliffs that you can jump of off, each one with a different height. There is also a natural water slide you can go down. I'm giving it four instead of five stars because it was very crowded when I went and would have been nicer if there were less people. I'll definitely be going back here! read more
4 years ago
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More info about Rainbow Pools
Ca 120
Groveland, CA 95321
Directions
Hours
Payment methods
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Rainbow Pools
Is this a place to safely socially distance? Or are people on top of each other?
Plenty of space
Is it open? Can we go now because of the pandemic?
We were there during all this Covid and social distancing and there is plenty of space
Are there restrooms?
Yes there are porta potty's but I bet most people pee in the water lol
Review Highlights - Rainbow Pools
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
4 reviews that are not currently recommended
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