Paradise Pools, Yosemite's Hidden Treasure

Yosemite California has long been known for its magnificent water falls, mountain ranges, climbing, hiking and fishing. Each year an average of 34 million tourists flock to Yosemite National Park to take in the natural splendor of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome in search of the perfect family outing. These are destinations that can be found in any brochure or on any map but there are places to see in Yosemite that have been kept secret by the locals since the Indians left the area. One of the greatest secrets Yosemite keeps is the location of miniature waterfalls and swimming holes like Paradise Pools.

Paradise Pools is an unmarked location to the west of Yosemite Village. Californian locals have continued to keep Paradise Pools a secret because typical tourists have been known to leave trash strewn around the wilderness and most of us that partake in this natural wonder have no desire to see it ruined. It's our spot and we intend to keep it that way. The pools gather at the bottom of a series of waterfalls caused by the run off of melted snow. Because the run off has been rushing down the mountain side for hundreds of years, it has cut through the rocks that have over time become as polished as glass thus creating a perfect natural made waterslide and swimming hole.

At one time Paradise Pools was a bathing ground for Yosemite Indians including the Tenaya and Ahwahnee tribes. Up until 1851 very few non-Indians knew that Yosemite Valley existed. When gold was discovered in the Sierra foothills in 1848 thousands of gold diggers flooded the area. By the time 1851 had rolled around, the theft of Indian lands and murders of their people resulted in the Mariposa Indian War. The state sanctioned Mariposa Battalion became the first group of people that were not Indians to record their entry into Yosemite Valley.

It was during a hike in the Yosemite Mountains that first led us to the pools. We had run into a medicine man from the Paiute tribe, he gave us the directions only after a lesson in its history and a warning for us to keep the site clean of debris and food. Reaching the falls is somewhat of a workout. There are no paved roads, marked paths or trails that lead you through the dense forest and across the switchbacks. The hike in is long and tedious, taking nearly an hour to make it all the way to the top of the pools. Perilous rocks jut out of the side of the mountain and block your way at times, the only way to get past is either climb over or find another route around. Tree branches poke your legs and scratch your face and checking for poisonous oak is a top priority.

The hike into Paradise Pools is well worth the effort. The pools are shallow, some are only ten feet deep in the center and are crystal clear. Ledges hover around the pools that have become perfect points to dive from. The temperature of the water is cold enough to keep your sodas cool as they float around the pool and Yosemite's famed trees are great for hanging towels and providing shade. Because locals have kept this spot a secret there usually aren't too many people there when we go but you have to be careful if you take children along because nude sunbathers adore lounging on the rocks at the top of the pools.

As a true California local I won't tell you how to find Paradise Pools. I will tell you though that if you follow the Merced River eventually you will find someone who might tell you where it is but heed this warning; they may send you on a scavenger hunt to keep you from finding the real deal.