Hike to Bassi Falls
Kyburz, California
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.
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Reviews
Bassi falls is a great place to just get away for the day. There are several mini swim holes going down the stream. I took my young adult children and the next thing I know, I’m hearing stories of them and their cousins And friends going there to get away. I got into the stream where water drips about 5’ between pools. The sound and power was intimidating but once I put my head into the mini fall it was exhilarating and stress relieving. Just awesome! A very nice place for a family outing. The hike is nothing for youth. It’s a tad bit harder for us grandparents.
4.0
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.
4.0
Short hike. Lots of room to find a private space. Opportunity to swim. Dog friendly. Beautiful.
5.0
All the snow is melting so the water is so abundant and powerful! It's so beautiful 10/10 recommend
5.0
This is a beautiful waterfall that is best seen during the spring and early summer. It is an easy hike and is great for families.
4.0
The great thing about the area is there are multiple parking areas and multiple trail heads. This leads to accommodating more people which does take some of the quaintness out of the hike, but the great part is a few of those parking lots allow for a bit longer of a hike. If you forego the last left hand turn and stick straight once you turn off Ice House Rd, take that until you reach the dead end and there is parking there or down the hill at a second parking lot. These lots have trail heads for a 2 mile hike to the falls, which we loved so much more than the small hike the author talks about. The longer hike lets you see more of the falls that are downstream of the main falls. The hike is easy with all elevation changes being gradual. We went in July and it was 80* out, so out water packs helped out immensely, but the ability to stop at multiple points on the river and stick your head/feet in really helped, and added to the hike. The falls are probably best to see in the April/May timeframe as the water was a little low today, but nonetheless, still a fun, worthwhile hike
5.0
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