I think it’s time to share my secret spot – Rainbow Pools.
I’ve been here twice now, once on a Saturday and once on a Sunday – both in the summer, and this spot still amazes me. It’s takes about 150 miles to get here, through highways, one lane roads, a twisty mountain climb, and on your way towards Yosemite.
I usually leave around 7am to avoid the traffic and heat. My first gas stop is about 100-110 miles from home in Oakdale.
Once the boring stuff is out of the way, it’s time to hit route 120.
Here’s what it looks like from the riders perspective:
About 30 miles in, you can continue on route 120 through these twisties up the mountain, OR take a shortcut through Old Preist Grade road.
Once you make it to Groveland, you can stop at the first ever bar in California – the Iron Door Saloon. Rainbow Pools is just 15-20 miles from Groveland in the Stanislaus National Forest. Be sure to stop by the Rim of Fire vista point for an awesome view of the forest.
Once you make it to Rainbow Pools, the entrance is on your right before you cross the bridge. There is ample parking for both cars and motorcycles. Usually the big watering hole where people can cliff jump gets crazy packed, especially on a Saturday. What I like to do is follow the dirt path across from the big cliffs and hike ~5 minutes out along the river to find a quieter spot to swim in.
I’ll usually get here at around 11am and swim until 1/2pm. On the way home, I have lunch at The Iron Door Saloon, fuel up at the gas station 5 miles from there, and head back on Highway 120. I don’t recommend taking Highway 49 North and then Highway 4 back West because it is incredibly boring and just a straight road back towards Fresno.
Total miles for this trip is about 300, and I’m usually home by 6pm.
Catch me here again sometime in September where I’ll hopefully be camping in the area too!
-Kim
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