Monumental Questions - Waterfalls in Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument

Nate Lillge • September 21, 2023

As TLC says, “Don’t go chasin’ waterfalls” – please stick to your trusted source of all things Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument: Tuleyome. We are happy to direct you to our favorite spots!


Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument stretches over 100 miles north to south in the Inner Coast Range, from Lake Berryessa through Snow Mountain Wilderness in Mendocino National Forest. Although the Inner Coast Range tends to be dryer than the Outer Coast Range, there are still plenty of hikes for waterfall lovers to visit in the Monument.


Zim Zim Falls is the most popular waterfall in Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. This year-round fall is located north of Lake Berryessa and is easily accessed via Berryessa Knoxville Road – as long as one is willing to navigate some low water crossings and uneven pavement. The trail has many stream crossings and comes alive with wildflowers in the spring. A dip in the pool at the base of the falls can be refreshing on a warm day.


Pierce Canyon Falls is possibly the easiest waterfall to experience. The trail to the overlook is County Road 53, which leads into the hills west of Guinda. These falls are usually dry by mid-summer and can only be seen from the other side of the canyon as they are located on private land. Despite this, the views of Capay Valley as you climb along the trail make the trip worthwhile.


If you are looking for a more secluded, less visited waterfall, look to Snow Mountain Wilderness. Take to the West Crockett Trail to Crooked Tree Trail. A short hike along the Waterfall Connector Trail will lead you to a gorgeous, year-round fall that seems out of place in the Inner Coast Range (pictured above). The canyon walls on either side of the falls are covered with ferns and the clear, cool water makes this a wonderful lunch spot or resting place while in Mendocino National Forest. Start your trip at the West Crockett Trailhead.


There are many other waterfalls – year-round and seasonal – in Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. We have our favorites, what are yours?



-Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org)


Tuleyome Adventures and Engagement Director


Certified California Naturalist

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