Swim-through Caverns

Hike to the Natural Bridges Water Tunnel in Calaveras County

A mug of stout beer on a hot summer day isn’t the only thing that’s cold, dark, and refreshing! There’s also the swim-through caverns of Natural Bridges in Calaveras County (aka Gold Country). This two-mile (round-trip) hike rewards with a cooling dip in Coyote Creek, whose currents have carved a swimmable tunnel through the limestone.

The trail to the creek begins in open grassland, wending its way to an oak-canopied ravine. Be forewarned about the rocky path: Sturdy shoes are recommended, tempting though it may be to trek there in your flip-flops. The trail widens as it continues along Coyote Creek Canyon, offering views of the valley beyond. About a mile in, you’ll come to a steep embankment made scalable by wooden stairs. At the bottom is a picnic bench and plenty of wide boulders for sprawling and relaxing. A bit of rock-hopping will take you inside the mouth of the massive limestone cavern, which narrows into the tunnel that leads to the other side. Gaze at the dripping geological formations overhead, then cool off with a swim, or bring a tube for a relaxing float.

Bonus: Just ten minutes up the road, the quaint Gold Rush town of Murphys is home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms. At Newsome Harlow (403 Main Street, Murphys), you can unwind on the comfy outdoor couches while sipping a sauvignon blanc or zinfandel.

Always check water depth before doing more than dipping your toes. To reach Natural Bridges, take Hwy. 4 east through Stockton to Vallecito. Turn right on Parrotts Ferry Rd. and continue about 3.6 miles. Make a sharp right onto Airola Road (look for the brown sign that reads “Natural Bridges Day Use Area”) and park along the shoulder (no fee) near the restrooms. No dogs at Natural Bridges. Newsome Harlow is dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View