Lake, River, or Waterfall 
Rainbow Falls & Rainbow Pools near Groveland
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Who hasn't always wanted to find just the perfect swimming hole? The one all the locals know about but seems to always escape the casual passerby. We have one for you conveniently located just off Highway 120 on the way to Yosemite National Park!
Rainbow Pools are natural swimming holes along the south fork of the Tuolumne River, where one can dip their feet, take a plunge or just watch courageous kids jump the rock lined ledges into the largest of the inviting pools. Originally a Toll Stop on the Big Oak Flat Road to Yosemite, and later a resort development, the area is now a popular picnic, swimming, hiking and fishing spot.
Rainbow Pools is located 15 miles East of Groveland. Just after you pass the View Point parking area called Rim of the World, which looks down onto the Tuolumne River canyon, watch for a turn on the right just before the big bridge. If you miss the right, just after the bridge is the turnoff to Cherry Lake, you can turn around there.
Swimming, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, FUN!
The area is accessible all year round. If the gate for the road down to the parking area is closed, you can park on the road and walk in. Swimming is best in summer, July through September, but fishing and hiking is good all year long.
Fees: No Access Fee
photos
Patrick Sawyer wrote on May 14, 2013: I have swam there on many, many occasions, doing 1-1/2 dives off the one cliff, the other cliff is a dodgy dive with rocks below and I do not recommend it unless you are a super diver and know what you are doing. Down the fire trail on the other side of Highway 120 are Three Pools, but swimming in the pools can be dangerous, access wise and current wise. Best to stay at Rainbow. The Third Pool has a great jump/dive (about 80 feet), right next to the waterfall, but almost leads into a chute that would mangle you. Don't do it unless you are competent. Again, stick to Rainbow Pool.
Richard Moustirats wrote on September 13, 2012: Does anyone know the fishing regulations at Rainbow pools? Can you fish with bait or keep the trout?
Susan Parker wrote on August 13, 2012: Beautiful place, but even on a Monday very crowded!!!
Chris Massey wrote on July 25, 2012: This place is so awesome!! First time ever been here and I loved it! And everybody was so nice!! Definitely gonna come back here asap!! And some cute ladies! ;)
Kellie wrote on July 16, 2012: Yes, it is safe for toddlers. There are smaller wading pools uptop where the little ones can play so long as they remain under CONSTANT eye because this is where the water fall flows from. They can also play in the bigger pool as long as they are good swimmers or in life vests/floatation devices. Its very fun for adults and older kids who wish to jump from the cliff or manage the current from the waterfall to sit behind the falls.
principle ortega wrote on July 16, 2012: I’ve never been and I’m just wondering if it's safe for toddlers with life jackets?
Dayle Wilson Smidt wrote on July 03, 2012: In respose to the comment by Mr. Firman: no, sadly the lodge burned in 1958. I am writing a book about the Cliff House. My father was the manager then. Are we cousins? You may respond to msdayle@earthlink.net.
Richard S. Firman wrote on January 25, 2012: In 1953/54 I spent a summer at the Cliff House. Is the building still standing? My uncle managed it at that time.
The Nonaka Family wrote on July 31, 2011: We went there 7/29/11 and had a lot of fun. See pix at http://www.flickr.com/photos/blumberg/2780068605/
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