Vault toilet
Public bathroom
3.7 (3)
Wards Ferry Rd, Sonora, CA 95370
Historical River Swimming-Hole AccountCA
Gods Bath
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Separate God's Bath on the Clavey River from Cleo's Bath. Confirm lawful road, parking and river access; no jumping depth or guaranteed swimming season.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Confirm lawful access and current rules; do not transfer another destination's recreation permission or jump from granite ledges.
Water type
Historical River Swimming-Hole Account
Swimming status
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Confirm current destination-specific charges; no blanket free-access claim.
Best season
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Sonora, Tuolumne
Water body
Clavey River
Status summarizes our reviewed record, not today's opening or safety. Check current rules, swimming boundaries and notices before visiting.
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Sonora, Tuolumne
Access location not verified
TUOLUMNE, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
God's Bath is a Clavey River destination, not Cleo's Bath
God's Bath refers to the historical Clavey River swimming-hole account near Sonora. Cleo's Bath is a different destination. Do not substitute its photos, routes or facilities when planning this visit.
Confirm the bridge approach before leaving paved roads
The old account describes a bridge and an upstream scramble, but it is not a reliable current road or parking plan. Ask the Stanislaus National Forest about the intended Clavey River approach, applicable road restrictions and lawful parking. Do not rely on the old point as a surveyed water-entry pin or use an uncertain turn-by-turn route into the canyon.
Regional recreation information is not this pool's permission
Forest Service Highway 108 day-use information lists recreation elsewhere in the forest. It does not establish God's Bath access, fees, toilets or drinking water. Arrange supplies and a separate authorized overnight stay before considering a remote river visit.
Do not turn a plunge-pool story into jumping advice
Granite scenery and water clarity do not certify depth or submerged hazards. No comfortable summer temperature, gentle-flow season or safe jumping ledge is established here. Keep out of swift water and difficult banks; choose an established open destination if you cannot confirm the approach and conditions.
Getting There
Confirm the intended Clavey River bridge approach, current road restrictions and lawful parking with Stanislaus National Forest. Do not use Cleo's Bath routes or the old point as an exact water-entry pin.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The historical Clavey account is retained as history, not a confirmed current approach. Regional official sources are context, not site permission.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Confirm lawful access and current rules; do not transfer another destination's recreation permission or jump from granite ledges. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Cleo's Bath
Lake
4.7 (30)
California 95364
3-Hour Public Parking
Public parking space
4 (1)
S Washington St &, E Church Ln, Sonora, CA 95370
3 Hour Parking
Parking lot
176 S Stewart St, Sonora, CA 95370
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
3.5 (4)
Sonora, CA 95370
Dragoon Gulch Trail Head
Hiking area
4.5 (495)
680 Woods Creek Dr, Sonora, CA 95370
A 2.5-mile hiking trail system looping through 35 acres of scenic oak woodland.
Columbia Laundromat
RV park
4 (111)
21770 Parrotts Ferry Rd, Sonora, CA 95370
Natural Bridges Trailhead
Hiking area
4.7 (868)
Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251
Scenic, riverside hiking area featuring a trail leading to natural pools & swimming caverns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gods Bath
Is God's Bath the same as Cleo's Bath?
No. This listing refers to the Clavey River account. Do not use Cleo's Bath photos or directions for it.
Are the old bridge directions a verified current route?
No. Confirm the intended Clavey River approach, current road restrictions and lawful parking with the Forest Service before travelling.
Does the Highway 108 day-use page authorize this pool?
No. It is regional context for other recreation areas, not God's Bath visitor rules or an entrance permit.
Is a safe jumping depth established?
No. Neither scenery nor water clarity establishes depth, underwater hazards or a reliable exit. Do not jump or dive.
Can I count on toilets, drinking water or a free campsite?
No exact-site facility, fee or camping arrangement is confirmed. Carry supplies and arrange an authorized overnight stay separately.
Does June through August guarantee suitable swimming?
No. No fixed safe-flow or warm-water season is established. Confirm actual conditions and choose an alternative when uncertain.
Highlights
God's Bath and Cleo's Bath distinguished
Current road and parking checks
No unsupported jumping or summer-safety promises
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Appearance does not establish depth, water quality, submerged hazards or a reliable escape route
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect cultural sites and Tribal use; visitor access is not permission to disturb sensitive places.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use only permitted public viewpoints; no gallery photo approved in this review.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect closed areas and property boundaries, stay on authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, weather and notices before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No surveyed accessible swimming descent established.
Fee
Confirm current destination-specific charges; no blanket free-access claim.
Facilities
Do not assume toilets, drinking water, changing facilities, supervised swimming or authorized parking.
Activities
Clavey River visit planning after lawful access checks; no verified jumping itinerary
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Use an authorized campground and check its current availability separately from water access.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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