Local & Community
Southern California Swimming Holes to Cool Off in This Summer

With soaring temperatures and the multiple heat waves of summer, Southern California needs options for cooling off. Of course, there are beaches and some people have pools, but there’s another option: swimming holes.
SoCal is home to many of these beautiful spots, which are perfect for getting relief from the heat and going on an adventure while doing so. Keep in mind that water levels will vary with the season and drought conditions. Many of these swimming holes also require a hike to reach.
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*740/RedRockPool.JPG
Red Rock Pool
This popular swimming hole surrounded by beautiful scenery requires a short hike on the Red Rock Trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Photo: Ashley Lynn
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*1317/AztecFalls.jpg
Aztec Falls
A short hike along the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Bernardino Mountains leads to this serene spot to take a swim. Photo: Daniel Sanchez
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*1317/SolsticeCanyon1.jpg
Solstice Canyon
This Malibu hike features the ruins of multiple properties, as well as a waterfall and a small shaded natural pool. Photo: Alejandro Hernandez
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*337/MalibuCreekRockPool.jpg
Malibu Creek Rock Pool
This expansive swimming hole in Malibu Creek State Park is a popular spot for Angelenos looking to cool off in the summer. Photo: Tiffanie Tayrien
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*740/BridgetoNowhere.jpg
Bridge to Nowhere
Although not large enough to dive in, this small hole tucked inside the San Gabriel Mountains is great for a dip to help cool off. Photo: Jesse Kitnick
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*1223/CooperCanyonFalls.jpg
Cooper Canyon Falls
Located in the Angeles National Forest, lush mountainous pine forests line this calm pool and its waterfall. Photo: Instagram user @valarieswish
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*1112/SwitzerFalls.jpg
Switzer Falls
This waterfall and swimming hole in the San Gabriel Mountains is great for a dip in the water. There is also a picnic area nearby. Photo: Maria C.Canedo
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*987/Sturtevant+Falls.jpg
Sturtevant Falls
Among the most popular hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains, the hike to Sturtevant Falls will lead you to a beautiful waterfall and small pool. Photo: Chris Baum
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*740/Hermit+Falls.jpg
Hermit Falls
Some flock to this pool for cliff-diving, but it’s probably safer to keep your feet on the ground. This popular swimming hole in the San Gabriel Mountains is surrounded by slate-colored boulders. Photo: Kelly Thompson
https://media.nbclosangeles.com/images/987*1235/Teneja+Falls.jpg
Teneja Falls
Along the Cleveland National Forest on the Teneja Falls trail lies a waterfall and relaxing natural pool. Photo: Kali Johnson
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 7, 2018

Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry

Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
