Best Places to Swim in Yosemite

When you find one of the best places to swim in Yosemite, there’s nothing quite like cooling off in the water on a hot, sunny, spectacularly beautiful summer afternoon. If you’re staying with us at Scenic Wonders, you’ve got plenty of options for taking a dip—whether it’s in a wild waterway or a swimming pool.

• Lakes and Rivers

  While Yosemite is blessed with loads of glorious river bends and mountain lakes, it’s vital to remember safety first: Waters can be cold, dangerously fast-running, and full of hidden debris. There aren’t lifeguards at the natural swimming holes, so bring flotation devices and always heed on the side of caution. Check with a ranger station for current conditions before heading out.

• Tenaya Lake

  One of the best places to swim in Yosemite is Tenaya Lake, swaddled within the high divide between the Merced and Tuolumne basins and easily accessed off the Tioga Road. The biggest of Yosemite’s easy-to-access lakes, Tenaya has a picture-perfect setting amid gleaming Sierra domes and pine woods. It’s also a popular place for swimming: Just take an easy hike to the lapping shores. There's even a handy granite outcrop for drying off. Tenaya Lake is also one of the most popular fishing spots. 

• Merced River

  The South Fork of the Merced River in the Wawona area is another one of the great places to swim in Yosemite. It's one of the best spots for a wilderness dip—although keep in mind the water may be prohibitively cold and swift in late spring and early summer.

• Carbon Falls

  Another great swimming spot, hidden away from crowds of tourists, is Carbon Falls. A beutiful small waterfall filled with a series of small cascades downstream. The trail follows the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, and if you're there early enough in the year, guides you past a variety of wildflowers. asy hike along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. The trail is smooth and only occasionally dimpled by roots & rocks.

• Swimming Pools

  Families with very young children, or anyone preferring a more secure and controlled environment to the wild swimming holes, might opt for dips at the swimming pools at Curry Village or the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, which have lifeguards. Scenic Wonders lodgers can take a plunge here for $5 per day (adults) or $4 per day (children). It’s hard to beat a refreshing dip after a day hiking, biking, or auto-touring around Yosemite!

Yosemite Lodging with Pools

If you’re making reservations in Yosemite, consider making your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite cabins within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from the all the best places to swim in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE ( 1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.