Sardine Falls

Mono County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Mono County, California
Access status: Partial guide: unmarked use trail; exact pullout not confirmed by an official source
The walk: Under 3 miles return
Ground & access: Unmarked use trail that is faint or overgrown in places. A July 2023 visitor crossed McKay Creek nearly knee deep in fast, cold water. Talus near the falls.

Must Bring Snacks: Hike to Sardine Falls on Sonora Pass, July 2023

Sardine Falls, CA
Photo credit
Photo: srsmedly, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ted Muller's 2012 account starts at a turnoff to an old road off Highway 108 on the way up Sonora Pass, where signs ban motor vehicles. The two-track becomes a use trail across Sardine Meadow; at a junction keep left toward McKay Creek. Near the cliff the trail fades. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Highway 108 roadside pullout through Sardine Meadow to Sardine Falls on McKay Creek

A July 2023 visitor describes the hike as less than 3 miles round trip. No official measured distance was found.

Unmarked use trail that is faint or overgrown in places. A July 2023 visitor crossed McKay Creek nearly knee deep in fast, cold water. Talus near the falls.

Where to start

Small roadside parking area at the old road turnoff on Highway 108, as described by visitors. The exact pullout is not given in an official source.

Timing & water

Highway 108 over Sonora Pass is closed in winter. In 2023 it opened June 9. Snowmelt makes the creek crossing deep in early summer.

Before you go

No fee or permit information found.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Mono County, California.

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