Upper Eagle Falls
El Dorado County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- El Dorado County, California
- Access status
- Official trailhead; seasonal parking typically closes mid-October
- The walk
- Short; under 1 mile one way
- Ground & access
- Steady climb on rocky steps and uneven trail. Creek crossings.
Start at the Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead on Highway 89 across from Emerald Bay. Follow the Eagle Lake trail uphill on rocky steps. The Upper Eagle Falls area along Eagle Creek is one of the first highlights. Do not confuse this with Lower Eagle Falls, reached from the Emerald Bay side. Return the same way or continue to Eagle Lake.
Plan your visit
Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead on Highway 89 to Upper Eagle Falls
Calexplornia gives roughly a mile one way to Eagle Lake and places Upper Eagle Falls early on that trail. Exact distance to the falls not published.
Steady climb on rocky steps and uneven trail. Creek crossings.
Where to start
Forest Service trailhead lot. Parking is seasonal; the area is very crowded on weekends.
Timing & water
The Forest Service says the trailhead is typically open from mid-May through mid-October, depending on weather. Seasonal parking; no restroom or trash service in winter.
Before you go
Forest Service day-use fee: $5 per vehicle per day. A free self-serve Desolation Wilderness day permit is required at the trailhead.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
Lower Eagle FallsOfficial state park trailEl Dorado County, CA0.2 miE
Eagle FallsLower Eagle Falls route verifiedEl Dorado County, CA0.3 miE- Cascade FallsResearched route and starting areaEl Dorado County, CA1.3 miSE
- Modjeska FallsShort trail from a named trailhead; limited parkingEl Dorado County, CA5.2 miS
- Horsetail FallsRoute and parking verified; conflicting fee/permit notices require confirmation.El Dorado County, CA8.3 miS
Bassi FallsPartial notes: Millionaire Trail approach documented; parking and distance convention unverified.El Dorado County, CA12 miW- Genoa FallsPublic trail system; moderate canyon hikeDouglas County, NV14 miE
Lower King's Canyon WaterfallShort official trail route and trailhead documentedCarson City, NV21 miNE- Bridal Veil FallsPartial guide: parking rules at the highway pullout are not confirmed by an official sourceEl Dorado County, CA24 miSW