Natural Bridges
Creek · California
About this swimming hole
Natural Bridges is a pair of limestone caverns on Coyote Creek where you can swim straight through a 100-yard cave past stalagmites and rock curtains. Natural light from the two big entrances is enough to navigate by, and the current is gentle enough to float both directions. A small gravel beach on the downstream side makes a fine picnic spot after the swim-through.
Good to know
| Water type | Creek |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 50s-60s in summer |
| Depth | overhead in the cave pools |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Free (BLM land) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | trailhead lot off the Parrotts Ferry Road area; 1-mile hike in |
| Amenities | vault toilets |
| County | Calaveras County |
| Nearest town | Vallecito |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; cold water; slippery limestone; poison oak along trail; protected geologic area — leave no trace |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Does Natural Bridges require reservations?
No reservations are required at Natural Bridges based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Natural Bridges?
Reported fee info: Free (BLM land). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Natural Bridges?
The best season is typically June-September.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026