Outbound Collective logo

Hike to Bassi Falls

Kyburz, California

4.6/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

1.22 miles

Elevation Gain

194 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Beth Young

Scenic views of a powerful waterfall, granite boulders and towering pines. Few crowds. Photographic possibilities abound, including the foliage and boulders at the base of the falls. 1.2 mile hike. 250 foot elevation gain.

109' tall Bassi Falls is located in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest. These gorgeous falls at peak Springtime flow crash over enormous boulders and the water sheets over huge, flat slabs of granite. It is located off a rural, pot-holed dirt road (high clearance vehicles recommended) . Afternoon is a preferable time to photograph here, since the light will be hitting the falls, and if you're lucky, you'll witness rainbows as well.

On Highway 50, east of Pollock Pines, head north on Ice House Road for approximately 15 miles, until you cross Big Silver Creek, east of Union Valley Reservoir. Turn right onto the first dirt road, heading left at the first fork. After approximately 1.5 miles, the dirt road terminates to a dead end parking area where the trail is clearly marked, and you will hear the powerful falls from the trailhead approximately 1/2 mile away!

There is also a steep climb to the top of the falls, to (carefully) witness Bassi Creek hurtling over the edge.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to Bassi Falls Reviews

I went to the Bassi Falls which was located in the El Dorado county.It was a great place to visit.Drove along the way,the scenery was wonderful.And it was a easy hike.It only took 15 minuets to get to the falls from the parking area.I climbed the rocks to the middle of the falls.I felt and saw the water splashed on my face;breathed the air over there,that was fantastic.I planed to get to the top of the falls,but began raining,so I decided to go home.However ,when I started to drive,the rain stopped.I should have gone to the top.I felt so regret about that.I might go camping here next time.

Short hike. Lots of room to find a private space. Opportunity to swim. Dog friendly. Beautiful.

All the snow is melting so the water is so abundant and powerful! It's so beautiful 10/10 recommend

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Ice House Reservoir

Backpack Desolation's Primitive Western Edge through Rockbound Pass

Gertrude Lake Trail

Hike to Twin and Island Lakes

Backpack to Smith Lake, Desolation Wilderness

Hike the Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lake Trail