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A pleasant, easy trail to a popular swimming spot and uniquely see-sawing cable bridge


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.2

KM

Point to Point

4,210' 1,283 m

High

4,131' 1,259 m

Low

31' 10 m

Up

79' 24 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Short, easy trail with good access make this a low-stress outing. Kids will enjoy walking over the rushing Merced river on the skinny Swinging Bridge and swimming if conditions permit.

Description

From the tiny parking area at the end of N. Chilnualna Falls Road, head slightly uphill and towards the southeast. Soon the wide, forested trail begins to descend gently until it reaches the river. Following along the river on the level trail, you'll soon arrive at the trail's namesake feature and cross the sturdy, but certainly mobile wooden bridge.

The highlight of this trail is the swimming. There are several chilly pools to splash about and wade in here, but as always use caution. There is also a natural rock waterslide (just upstream of the bridge) that some people scoot down if the water levels are just right. This is a great spot on a hot day to relax and cool off. Bring a picnic and enjoy! Retrace your steps back to the parking area.

The best place to look for wildflowers in the early summer is on the southern side of the river past the bridge.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#28106

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3,021

in California

#28,106

Overall
2 Views Last Month
609 Since May 13, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Taking a break along the Swinging Bridge Trail.
May 13, 2016 near Midpines, CA
The Swinging Bridge.
May 13, 2016 near Oakhurst, CA

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Check-Ins

May 28, 2023
Brian L
1.4mi
Jan 25, 2023
Amelia Williams
An amazing hike with Kiddo. Was able to get some great pictures. Are some power nuggets (nerd rope gummy balls). A little icy and a ton of snow. 1.4mi
Sep 1, 2019
Amanda Lee
Jun 23, 2017
Bonnie Smith
May 8, 2017
Stefanie Zavodny
Jul 24, 2016
Christopher Higginson
Jun 8, 2016
Jennifer Perez
Nice easy trail. It was a great short hike for the kids. — 13h 30m
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