Phantom Falls

Phantom Falls is a dramatic 166-foot waterfall that plunges off the basalt rim of North Table Mountain into Coal Canyon, cascading in front of a natural grotto carved into the volcanic rock. The table mountain itself is a geological wonder — a flat-topped mesa of ancient lava flows that erupted from the Cascades millions of years ago and now sits elevated above the Sacramento Valley floor. In spring, the top of the mesa explodes with wildflowers, and seasonal creeks pour off the edges in multiple waterfalls, but Phantom Falls is by far the most impressive.

The Phantom Falls Trail covers 3.8 miles round trip with about 480 feet of elevation gain across the open grasslands of North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. The terrain is unique — hikers walk across flat volcanic basalt dotted with vernal pools and wildflowers before reaching the canyon rim where the falls plunge into the void below. The trail is not well-marked, so navigating by GPS or a downloaded trail map is recommended. A longer 7.3-mile loop visits five additional waterfalls including Ravine Falls and Beatson Falls.

Phantom Falls is highly seasonal, flowing only during and shortly after the rainy season from roughly December through April. The best time to visit is March and April, when the falls are flowing strong and the wildflower bloom on the mesa top is at its peak. A California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lands Pass is required for visitors 16 and older. There are no facilities at the trailhead.