About Sawyier Falls
Sawyier Falls is a named waterfall in El Dorado County, California, located about 6.9 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Emerald Bay 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°52′39″ N, 120°05′28″ W (38.87744, -120.09106). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Glen Alpine Spring (spring, 0.3 mi), Lily Lake (lake, 0.5 mi), and Glen Alpine Creek (stream, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Horsetail Falls, 3.7 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: approx. 250 ft. long; located along Glen Alpine Creek on private land within Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (U.S. Forest Service); Sec 22, T12N, R17E, Mount Diablo Meridian
Name history: Named for Robert Lee Sawyier, Jr (1917-2008) and Alice Olson Sawyier (1921-2015), who owned property and a cabin overlooking the falls.
Weather at Sawyier Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Sawyier Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Sawyier Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Sawyier Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Glen Alpine Spring — spring, 0.3 mi
- Lily Lake — lake, 0.5 mi
- Glen Alpine Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Indian Rock — pillar, 1.2 mi
- Grass Lake — lake, 1.2 mi
- Angora Peak — summit, 1.2 mi
- Lost Lake — lake, 1.2 mi
- Cathedral Lake — lake, 1.2 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.87744, -120.09106. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Sawyier Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sawyier Falls located?
Sawyier Falls is in El Dorado County, California, about 6.9 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. Its coordinates are 38.87744, -120.09106 (38°52′39″ N, 120°05′28″ W).
What town is closest to Sawyier Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is South Lake Tahoe, CA, about 6.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Sawyier Falls?
The closest is Horsetail Falls (3.7 mi southwest). Others within reach include Eagle Falls (5.2 mi), Bassi Falls (13 mi), and East Snow Mountain Falls (32 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Sawyier Falls?
Sawyier Falls appears on the USGS Emerald Bay 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.