Gods Bath Clavey River Trail [CLOSED] is a 0.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mi Wuk Village, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, rock climbing, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
Note: As of October 2020, users have reported that this trail is CLOSED right now. A recent fire has resulted in burnt trees and debris that still needs to be cleared out and there is continued high fire risk in this area. The forest service is fining anyone who tries to visit a fine of $500. Please check here for updates: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/stanislaus/alerts-notices There is high traffic on this trail. Please pack in and pack out all trash and belongings. There is no real trail, you have to traverse over rocks, but well worth it once you arrive to the falls. Once you climb down at the bridge you will have to hike up river a little over a mile to Gods Bath.
October 19, 2020A family friend just died by falling off the cliff here. Please do not take kids or elderly.
September 10, 2020Tried to access trail 9/9/2020. The road in is very remote and far in an ex-burned area. A toppled tree blocked a portion of the road at one point. There were signs stating the roadway was “closed due to fire hazard: permit only.” Encountered a ranger further on assisting someone who had driven off the road into the ravine and was informed I needed to turn around as I was in violation and could be cited a $500 fine. A highway patrol car passed me on the way out too although I’m not sure if that was to also assist the ravine-situation or enforce the signage. Be well informed as to the risks is all. Unable to reach Gods Bath today.
August 21, 2020PSA: PACK OUT YOUR TRASH! God’s Bath is one of my favorite swimming spots. The trail is a little bit technical to hike if you aren’t used to walking on river rocks. It is so worth the drive and trek out—it’s absolutely a one of a kind swimming spot. I’ve been coming here for 15 years and haven’t been for the last 6 years. I was DEVASTATED at the condition that I found God’s Bath in. There was so much garbage—I’m talking beer bottles, broken glass, cig butts, charcoal, chip bags, lunchables boxes, water bottles, plastic bags, fruit peels, so many socks, cupcake boxes and wrappers, popped pool floaties, used baby wipes, pads and tampons. *Absolutely disgusting* My family and I spent at least 45 minutes cleaning the place up when we first arrived. It looks much better. Please anything you take in with you, please take out. We can keep this area beautiful with just a little bit of effort.
August 17, 2020there is no real trail, you have to traverse over rocks but well worth it once you arrive to the falls. once you climb down at the bridge you have to hike up river a little over a mile to gods bath
August 16, 2020Reward was worth it .. climbing down with the rope was kind of sketchy until you actually go down, it looks scarier than it actually is . Once you grab the rope you feel way more stable and it’s not as scary .. if you walk to the right alllll the way down is where you find “gods bath” worth the hype
August 12, 2020PLEASE. PICK. UP. YOUR. TRASH!!!! Beautiful beautiful area! But the collection of trash is disgusting! I go on hikes every week and this is by far THE WORST place I’ve seen with trash being everywhere! Other than that it’s a fun place to swim and relax! You definitely have to climb over rocks the whole way there so if you’re not experienced you’re gonna be feeling it the next day! Take water shoes if you can and BUG SPRAY(on every hike) if you plan on being out there late! I highly recommend going to this spot though! You’ll have fun!
August 10, 2020This trail was awesome! Definitely super beautiful no matter which direction you go. Water is crystal clear and kept up. The water was so clear we spotted a snake swimming across the water! Only thing that can be alarming is the way down/up from the bridge. I wouldn’t suggest it for little kids or for anyone that doesn’t have any upper body strength. I’ve also seen a couple people hurt their hands with the rope on the way down. But overall this place is a thumbs up.
August 10, 2020Easy to find. When you get to the bridge with parked cars and graffiti you’re there. :( enough parking along the roadway for 20-30 cars spread out. Wasn’t mentally prepared for the trek down and up on the ropes but managed it no problem. Seen a lot of less than athletic people there so anyone can handle it. The hike was all along river rock which was a lot of fun. Place was packed on a Saturday, >50 people. Plenty of places to hang out along the hike and swim if you don’t want to stay with the crowd to jump off the rocks. Overall worth the drive and hike. Would go again. Also like other people have mentioned, CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES!!!
August 9, 2020bring gloves to have a easier time golding onto the ropes, i was not expecting to go down the side of the mountain on ropes and then climbing back up was not an easy task especially if you have no upper body strength.
August 8, 2020July 30, 2020July 28, 2020Did this hike July 19. Very crowded at the end water fall (~50 people) but found a nice quiet swimming hole along the River. Husband and I took our large multiday backpacks and hauled out 2 bags of trash and an additional bag just at the roadside pull out. Not sure the River will stay clean for long but we tried. Wish people would respect nature and haul out what they haul in.
July 25, 2020This was an incredibly arduous hike. Have fun scaling the rocks with that rope.
July 6, 2020Not really a hike. More of a climb and then rocky river side. Totally worth it though! Prob not the best for young kids.
June 21, 2020I STRONGLY recommend anyone severely out of shape to STAY AWAY! It is NOT an easy climb down for a guy who weighs 290 pounds. That being said, I did it anyway, i nearly fell a couple times, but I made it, and It was well worth it. I would suggest, instead of making the additional mile long rock climb up to Gods Bath, just stay right there at the bottom of the rope climb, or maybe only go a little upstream, there are MANY nice places to swim! even down stream there are a couple good spots. I only gave it a mere 3 stars because of the difficulty level, if your in shape, athletic, agile, young, etc. You should have no problem. But be warned, it is rough if you are overweight, out of shape or not-so-young.
June 16, 2020Has a fair out of trash laying around. Please keep it clean and pick up after yourself. Bring rope incase someone removes the existing one. No trail to follow just fallow the river.
June 15, 2020Everybody complains about the trash, nobody said they picked any up. Come on people: whether you are a local or a tourist, a trash bag is your number one piece of outdoor equipment in California. There are now more than 40 million of us, alas. I pretend than I am disposing of careless, thoughtless people when I remove their spoor.
June 15, 2020Nice an easy trail. When you get to the bridge park in the side. Go down using rope and turn right. GO UP HILL
