Arnold Rim Trail

Route Description for Arnold Rim Trail

The views along the Arnold Rim Trail are sublime, motivating you every step of the way. Located in the community of White Pines, this route is a local favorite, so you know it's good! Open year-round; this versatile route can be enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike. However, if you are one of the few daring enough to head out in the winter months, be sure to strap on a pair of microspikes or snowshoes! Additionally, this scenic adventure travels over sections of rocky terrain, which can be slippery, so mind your footing!

Boasting incredible scenes, the Arnold Rim Trail leads adventurers through forests of cedar, pine, fir, and oak, to the cascading waterfall. This lovely nature walk is ideal for intermediate hikers and families with older children. As you wander, you will enjoy the sights of vibrant wildflowers and mushrooms that line the soft forest floor. Though this wonderful trail is open year-round, we recommend hiking in the autumn when the foliage is crisp and the air is cool. This area is also regarded as a wonderful spot to spot wildlife and birdwatching!

Embark on your adventure along the Arnold Rim Trail from the northern terminus at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum. From here, the path treks northwest along the Arnold Rim Trail—this section is paved and accessible to those with wheelchairs and strollers. Soon after your departure, the pavement will end, and the path will become more primitive, immersing you in the mixed woodlands. Enjoy the sight of the looming trees letting through beams of sunshine. The path will mildly undulate as you wander, intersecting with several snow-melt streams, guiding you over rocky headlands.

Tracking west, eventually, the route will begin to descend into the forested valley. Carefully navigate a switchback down the single-track trail to the creek bed. At this point, you will be diverted north, following along San Antonio Creek. Enjoy the sights of the babbling creek adorned with granite outcrops. Hiking further into the canyon, the San Antonio Creek Waterfall will soon appear. Revel in the sight of the mesmerizing cascades that surge through the valley. When you are through admiring the scene, head back along the trail the way you came, back to the trailhead.

Trail Highlights

San Antonio Creek Falls

The San Antonio Creek Falls is an impressive 27 m cascade that surges from the San Antonio Creek in the Stanislaus National Forest. This scenic waterfall surges above the Arnold Rim Trail, boasting a mesmerizing scene and relaxing sounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Arnold Rim Trail?

The Arnold Rim Trail is a 12.7 km out-and-back hike.

Where do you park for the Arnold Rim Trail?

Find parking for the Arnold Rim Trailhead along the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum off Dunbar Road.

Are dogs allowed on the Arnold Rim Trail?

Yes, dogs are welcome on-leash on the Arnold Rim Trail.

Insider Hints for Arnold Rim Trail

• Note the terrain is rocky and uneven, so wear a sturdy pair of footwear
• Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds!
• Pack plenty of water and snacks so you can take your time enjoying the trail
• Charge your camera—the scenes along this route are picturesque