The Rainbow Pool is a cool and refreshing spot on a hot day. Located outside of Yosemite Park you can enjoy the pleasure of free access to a cool soak or swim without using one of your reserved days in the park.
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The pool was renamed the Rainbow Pool on October 15, 1924, after it was noticed that its 124 nozzles created a perfect rainbow when turned on. In 2001 it was integrated into the National World War II Memorial, which features the pool located in roughly the same spot.
Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.
The cool, clear waters of the headsprings are incredibly refreshing place to swim. The average depth in the natural swimming area runs from 10 to 18 feet, and the water temperature averages 72 degrees year-round.
Showers are available at the Curry Village pool showerhouse for a fee. Showers are not available elsewhere in the park. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).
Be careful of sharp underwater objects or slippery rocks (aqua shoes are helpful), and of course, never swim above or directly below waterfalls. Mountain water is often very cold, so avoid prolonged exposure causing hypothermia and always use extreme caution when swimming in Yosemite with children.