Natural Bridges Trailhead

Category: Hiking area

Address: Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251, USA

Phone: +12095369094

Opening hours

Sunday: 7AM–6PM

Monday: 7AM–6PM

Tuesday: 7AM–6PM

Wednesday: 7AM–6PM

Thursday: 7AM–6PM

Friday: 7AM–6PM

Saturday: 7AM–6PM

Reviews

Sooo Amy

Jul 12, 2022

Went during the evening, J4th week. It was nice.. peaceful. Unsure of the water depth inside the cave but it wasn't busy. 30 minute hike down the trail.

Benjamin Grover

Jan 29, 2022

I had been here once before in the summer. We didn’t go swimming this time in the cave. Parking is $8 and the lot is small. Really amazing formation. Hike is less than a mile and moderate at best.

Sunday- Every-Day

Jan 19, 2022

Right now the water is mostly snow runoff, super cold. Still worth the hike during the winter time 👌 so many natural rock formations and beautiful scenery to enjoy. I'll be floating on through soon enough 😉

Arthur Weaver

Sep 29, 2021

This place is amazing, fun for tha family and friends. Hood hike to the bottom, about 3/4s of a mile. Bring your swimming gear and floatation devices. The water is cold. Definitely check it out.

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Questions & Answers

Are there any free camping areas nearby?

Boots Busang | Jan 25, 2021
Todd Conrado | Jan 26, 2021

No

I live in Valley Springs ca. In my 60s want to take the kids Sluicing With a 30” can I do that at natural Bridges . Myself and wife are raising six kids again not easy at are age looking for things to do that my grandfather did with me .

Jeffrey McCarty | Jan 26, 2019
Kristi Tahada | Jan 27, 2019

I saw a woman hiking the caves with three of her school aged children, they didn't look to be in their teens, with a baby strapped to her chest. I also saw a few seniors who looked to be in their 50's to 60's hiking the trail. I'd say if you're in reasonable health and take an easy, moderate pace, you should have no problem. If you have any balance issues, bring along some walking sticks or have your grandchildren help you at some of the rocky inclines but it's still very doable. If you want to get right up to or into the caves there is some climbing and balance involved. Be mindful of where the rocks are wet because they can be slippery. Not sure what sluicing is so that bit I couldn't tell you. Just be sure you pack out what you pack in. I think you can do this hike though so have fun!

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Is pets allowed??

Elias Velazco | Jan 26, 2019
Joy Garcia | Jan 27, 2019

I just checked with the park’s office and they said as long as the dogs are leashed, then it’s fine ;)

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What is the fees ??

Elias Velazco | Jan 26, 2019
Susan Otto | Jan 27, 2019

Free just park near and lock up your cars!

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So I'm really intrested in going! Never been.. Is there any camping near by or hotel? And is the trail easy to find to get to the water to swim at? I don't want to get lost haha Saw pictures from a friends visit and it looks so beautiful

samantha shaw | Jan 26, 2020
James Dean Booth (jimmy hazard) | Jan 27, 2020

My first time there I was worried too. Found it really easy. There were other people on the trail and it's pretty clear where to go. Trail isn't a hard hike but it's a bit tiring coming back uphill at the end of the day. As for camping or hotel, I'm sure there is but I don't know exactly where.

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Can you swim to the other side of the cave?

Alicia Solla | Jan 26, 2020
Jeanette Alonso | Jan 27, 2020

Yes but a floatation device is a must the water is very deep and v r ry cold....just an inner tube will do.

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How is this hike/experience in the winter months?

A Google User | Jan 26, 2019
MICHAEL TORRES | Jan 27, 2019

The hike is nice... With the recent rain though trail might be pretty muddy

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How deep is it

Jessica Leyva | Jan 18, 2022
Sunday- Every-Day | Jan 19, 2022

The entrance Is something U can skip rocks to ( don't wear shoes that can't get wet) The depth varies due to weather changes. Some places u can touch bottom.... Others Id stay in the raft.

I'm taking a girl's hiking trip this weekend. Any places near by to eat?

claudia macias | Nov 26, 2021
Steviemfg1 | Nov 27, 2021

Murphy's is within a 15 minutes

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Jennifer Ramos | Sep 27, 2021
Dharma M | Sep 28, 2021

I saw 2 dogs swam in the cave yesterday.

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Someone know if can go by bike ?

A Google User | Jul 29, 2021
Ian McDevitt | Jul 30, 2021

No, if you go to the website they say no bikes or dogs. They state that the area is fragile and want to keep it protected.

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Are they still currently closed due to fires or is it back open?

Kristen Vigil | Mar 31, 2021
Trachemysta | Apr 1, 2021

It is open and I did not see any fire sign. Beautiful :)

Can you take dogs

J guadalupe Gutierrez | Jan 25, 2021
Jacqueline Brown | Jan 26, 2021

We we just there over the weekend and there was a sign at the trailhead entrance that said no pets.

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Are dogs allowed?

Juan Gamez | Jan 25, 2021
Sonsy Baton | Jan 26, 2021

Do what you want its america lol you are responsible for your pet but know one cares just be responsible just know its a one mile hike down hill ain't bad but you might need the dog to pull you back up lol

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Where is the wheelchair accesability?

Juan Vega | Jan 18, 2022
Robert Hennessey | Jan 19, 2022

So this is a State Park correct ? It is not wheelchair accessible ? So those of us that have to comply to the ADA act and spend thousands upgrading in order to stay in business , can't use it if we are wheel chair bound, like vets and seniors. The state who enforces the laws don't need to comply with them . Typical. Something else that will have to stay on my bucket list.

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Where's the second cave?

sayuri naqvi | Jan 26, 2020
Pacman 408 | Jan 27, 2020

I think you're thinking about the moaning caverns

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can you fish here

George Williams3 | Jan 26, 2020
Nannette | Jan 27, 2020

To many people for fishing

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Is there a restoom anywhere close by?

Yvonne Davis | Jan 26, 2020
Daniel Mortari | Jan 27, 2020

There is only a restroom at the beginning of the trail

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Can you see the cave when your on the trail or do you have to walk off trail to find it.

Rose Garcia | Jan 26, 2020
Paige Christine | Jan 27, 2020

You'll find it if you follow the trail

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Is there a horse trail there? My daughter and I are wanting to explore horse trails in Calaveras County.

m k | Jan 26, 2020
Mitch Couch | Jan 27, 2020

The actual trail to Natural Bridges does not allow horses. There are other trails in the area that do sllow horses.

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Is it safe to float through the caves on a float tube?

Dave Conway | Jan 26, 2020
Chris Kennedy | Jan 27, 2020

All day, everyday. Cold, ice melt water though so suck it up and just do it. There's a rock halfway through the cave that you can jump off too. Once you get to the other side you can hike around the pools which lead to the cave. Fun for kids.

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How long is the hike

Robert Horner | Jan 25, 2021
Yadi Yadi | Jan 26, 2021

Definitely not 10 mins.. it took us about 30 mins..family of 7

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Can you camp there

Tracy Vega | Jan 26, 2019
austin fogle | Jan 27, 2019

Camping is not allowed. Also, the restroom that is available at the begining of the trail was not in the best shape when we went so be prepared.

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How do I get to these water caves and this area? I don’t see anyone offering hiking trails or directions on how to get here. Is there a tour guide or a company I need to call to reach this area? I very much want to visit.

Amanda Carls | Jan 26, 2019
Brydon Marks | Jan 27, 2019

The beginning of the trail is clearly marked once you pull off into the parking area.

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