California · Hiking · Near Yosemite Valley

Preston Falls

8.1 mi
round trip
365 ft
climb
2,770 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Preston Falls open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Preston Falls, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Preston Falls is an out-and-back hike of about 8 miles in the Groveland Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 2,436 feet to about 2,770 feet, with a total elevation gain of 365 feet, and is rated hard. The route is on natural surface, and both horses and bikes are allowed. That makes it a versatile option for riders and pack animals. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Groveland show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average about 91°F. Several other destinations sit close by. Cherry Creek is under a mile away, and North Mountain Lookout and Andresen Mine are each within about 1.6 miles. For an overnight stay, Spinning Wheel campground is about 3 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Spinning Wheel

    Campground

    Campground · 3.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Pool Bar

    Bar

    On your way back · 5 mi
  • If it rains

    Union Point

    Viewpoint

    In town

    Mountain in California, United States of America

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Yosemite Valley
  • Best time to go · Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Preston Falls

    Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      53° / 31°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 35°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 38°

      7 wet

    5. May

      73° / 44°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 51°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 56°

      0 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 55°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 50°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 42°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 35°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 31°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Groveland 2, CA, 15.3 mi away at 2,800 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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