About Golden Falls
Golden Falls is a named waterfall in Santa Cruz County, California, located about 9.0 miles northwest of Boulder Creek. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Franklin Point 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°10′45″ N, 122°16′20″ W (37.17911, -122.27219). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Berry Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), Timms Creek (stream, 1.1 mi), and Henry Creek (stream, 1.2 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Silver Falls, 0.1 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
15 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Golden Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Golden Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Golden Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Golden Falls holds a 4.7 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Golden Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Berry Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Timms Creek — stream, 1.1 mi
- Henry Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Kelly Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- The Chalks — ridge, 1.7 mi
- Chalk Mountain — summit, 1.7 mi
- North Fork Gazos Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- South Fork Gazos Creek — stream, 1.7 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 37.17911, -122.27219. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Golden Falls
- Basin Falls, CA27 mi east
- Upper Falls, CA27 mi east
- Black Rock Falls, CA27 mi east
- Uvas Falls, CA27 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Golden Falls located?
Golden Falls is in Santa Cruz County, California, about 9.0 miles northwest of Boulder Creek. Its coordinates are 37.17911, -122.27219 (37°10′45″ N, 122°16′20″ W).
What town is closest to Golden Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Boulder Creek, CA, about 9.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Golden Falls?
The closest is Silver Falls (0.1 mi southeast). Others within reach include Berry Creek Falls (0.8 mi), Butano Falls (5.0 mi), and Castle Rock Falls (9.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Golden Falls?
Golden Falls appears on the USGS Franklin Point 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.