This Underground Swimming Hole May Be Northern California’s Best Kept Secret
Looking for a place to cool off on a hot day or just want to experience one of the many natural marvels Northern California is known for? Your search is over. Natural Bridges in Calaveras County is an amazing and relatively unknown swimming hole that will blow your mind with how cool it is.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
The caves are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit, but in order to fully appreciate their beauty, you should at least dip your toes in!
The water in the entrance and exits of the caves is quite shallow, making it fun to splash around. Many folks hike up with floaties so they can relax in the water once they arrive.
The cave gets darker and the water gets deeper the further you go in, so be reasonable about your swimming abilities. Some people are afraid of dark water, but there's nothing here that will harm you beside maybe a few sharp edges on the rocks. We suggest wearing old tennies or other water shoes to protect your feet as you wade in.
Keep a careful eye out for poison oak on the trail; it's very abundant in this area! The trail is a mile down from the parking area and a mile up on your way back. Bring a snack and plenty of water so you are well fueled for the trip back up!
Coyote Creek is fed by snow melt from the Sierra Nevada mountains, so it really completes the spectacular experience with nature, despite how chilly it is.
We suggest arrive early, around 11 or so to beat the crowds. It's starting to become more and more of a popular hike and swim, so the afternoons can sometimes be very crowded.
Jill is a freelance writer from a small Northern California town and lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you have an idea for an Only In Northern California story, email her at [email protected]
Love Northern California?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!