Sonora Pass Beaches, Swimming Holes, and Pools
Swimming Caution
The waterways in the Sierra Nevada can be dangerous, especially in the spring and early summer when river flows are high and water temperatures are very cold. Children should wear life jackets when playing near rivers and should never be left unattended. Swift currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers beneath rocks and trap them there. Any swimming in rivers should be done with the utmost caution and only at times and places where the conditions are safe.
Pinecrest Lake
One of the most popular swimming places around Sonora Pass is Pinecrest Lake. The lake has a sandy beach and a roped off swimming area, making it one of the safest and most enjoyable places for swimming and wading. There is no life guard on duty, however. The water can be quite cold in the early summer. The swimming area is adjacent to the marina and the picnic grounds with access to restrooms and a summer snack shack. The day use area is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Note that dogs are not permitted in the day use area.
Twain Harte's County Swimming Pool
The Twain Harte public swimming pool is another of the favorite swimming places around Sonora Pass. The pool is located at 23075 Fuller Road (behind the Post Office) in the town of Twain Harte. It is operated by Tuolumne County Department of Recreation.
2024 Schedule TBA
For 2023 the pool was open for recreational swimming Monday through Saturday from 1:00-5:00 pm; Family Nights were Friday 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm Saturday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lap Swimming was available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Aquatic Fitness was held Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Call the pool for swim lesson information.
Fees
No fees for children under 3. For ages (3-17) $2.00; ages 18-61 $3; 62+ $2. Family rate $8. Aquatic Fitness $5.
209-533-5663
Beardsley Reservoir
Beardsley Reservoir has a dedicated swimming area roped off from the lake with buoys. A sloping, sandy beach offers plenty of room for sun bathing and activities. The Beardsley picnic area is next to the beach. There are flush toilets and a nature trail. To reach Beardsley, drive 3.7 miles east of Strawberry and turn left onto the Beardsley Reservoir Road. Follow it 8.5 miles to the picnic area on the south shore at Beardsley Point.
Cleo's Bath
Cleo's Bath is an unofficial swimming hole on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River several miles upstream from Pinecrest Lake. To reach it, circle to the far side of Pinecrest Lake on the trail and then turn upstream 1.3 miles. A use-trail appears at first but soon deteriorates and at times may be difficult to follow. Watch for a variety of trail markers. Near the end, a steep scramble brings you to a series of pools. Those using Cleo's Bath do so at their own risk.
