Ascend Tokopah Falls

With rushing torrents of water pouring down 100 foot granite cliffs, calm pools of refreshing water, green trees, challenging climbs, and an ever increasing view of majesty, this will surely be a hike you will always remember.

Tokopah Falls Trail starts in Lodgepole Campground at an elevation of 6700 feet. The hike to the falls is family friendly with a gradual incline rising 600 feet over 1.7 miles. The hike to the base of the falls follows the Kaweah River through a beautiful valley with large granite slopes and forest on each side. During the summer there are great spots along the way to dip in and cool off in the river (just be conscientious of the wild life). Keep your eye out for deer, marmots, and occasionally bears. The last two would definitely like to join in your picnic.

Once you reach the end of the trail, there is little to no coverage, so make sure you re-apply the sunscreen. There is a great swimming hole at the base of the waterfall incase you want to dive in or take a quick dip to cool off before you continue on your journey. Parties not in favor of climbing the waterfall can easily spend a few hours relaxing and exploring around the base of Tokopah Falls.

Climbing beyond the base of the waterfall is not prohibited but it is not recommended, so this one is for you truly adventurous spirits out there. The total climb rises 1200 feet so it is not required to go all the way. However, with weather permitting, it is highly recommended that you reach the top. As you ascend, there are multiple levels where the waterfall plateaus. These make great spots to eat lunch, take pictures, cool off, or traverse. (There will be several times throughout the ascent where it is necessary to traverse the waterfall). There is no specific route to get to the top, but for the first third of the climb you will mostly be on the left of the waterfall and for the remaining two-thirds you will be on the right. The scenery of the waterfall changes as you ascend, yet never fails to impress. Once you make it to the top, or your endpoint, spend some time to enjoy what you accomplished. Afterwards, descend carefully (especially next to the waterfall) and don't forget to tell friends and family about your accomplishment.

Recommendations:

• As cool as some exploration or photograph might be, never do it if it causes harm to the environment and the wildlife. Leave no Trace.
• Make sure you are prepared for any sudden weather changes (It is the Sierras, so always make this a priority)
• Start early in the day if the end goal is to make it to the top (Its not a long trip in terms of mileage, but navigating the 1200 foot climb takes time)
• Never go alone
• Pack in excess as long as its not a burden to climb with (Its better to be over prepared)
• Take your time and don't forget to take in the beauty
• Take plenty of pictures to get snapshots of the moment (Get artistic with them, but also take pictures of your climbing party; if you can, combine the two)
• The higher up Tokopah Falls you get, the more majestic the view, so save your camera battery.
• Put on that adventurous spirit that gives you life and make the most of your exploration