The Stanislaus River
The Stanislaus River is a remarkable phenomenon. Sometimes it runs so high in spring that it cannot be crossed — a roaring torrent of snowmelt churning through the granite canyon. In the late summer it usually lightens up, becoming warmer and crossable. It is the same river, almost unrecognizable between seasons.
In many spots, thousands of years of erosion have created special pools in the granite riverbed — imagine a round pool about five to six feet wide and five to six feet deep for some of the larger ones. The scouring action of the river has created smooth-walled, jacuzzi-like pools. Four to six people can easily fit as water swirls in from upstream to gently massage anyone sitting in them. In late summer the water can reach 75° or more. These same pools are excellent fishing holes in the spring when the river runs high and cold.
Swimming conditions by season
Early summer (June): The river can run fast and cold, fed by snowmelt. The pools exist but may be hard to reach. The Kegger typically happens in June — water levels vary considerably year to year.
Late summer (July–August): Water levels drop, temperatures rise. The pools warm up. Late summer is the best swimming — warm granite slabs to dry off on, calm water, and that particular Sierra afternoon light.
High snow years: Some years the access road itself is buried in snow in June. See the Snow Years page for what happens then.
Pretzel's
"Pretzel's" is the prime downstream swimming hole. It was named after a large log got jammed in the waterfall feeding the pool and created a huge, contorted spout from the cascading water — twisted like a pretzel. The name stuck long after the log moved on.
The pool sits at the bottom of a waterfall, ringed by smooth granite. It is deep enough to jump into from the rocks above, wide enough for a crowd, and sheltered enough that the water warms up on hot afternoons. It is the destination on any warm Kegger day.
George's video — Pretzel's and the river
Cross Top and the Slide
Above the main camp sits a broad expanse of sun-warmed granite known as Cross Top. The rock stretches out like a natural terrace overlooking the river canyon — a place to sit, dry off, watch the water below, and wonder who thought it was a good idea to jump.
The Slide is nearby — a smooth granite chute worn by centuries of water, angled into a pool below. People have been sliding down it for as long as the Kegger has existed. Some go feet first. Some go faster than they planned.
⚠ A serious reminder — always check the water first
One warm afternoon, Doug dove headfirst into a warm pool near the Slide without checking the depth first. He should have broken his neck. His strength and agility let him bounce off the bottom — but everyone was badly shaken for the rest of that day. He was wrapped tightly, escorted back to the cars, and driven to a hospital in Modesto. He turned out fine. We were lucky.
Always check depth before diving. Always go feet first if you don't know the pool. The water is beautiful and it will still be there after you check.
The Rapids and the Pools up River
The "Rapids" and the slower pond next to the camp are also stunningly scenic. The river comes through the narrows in a rush of white water, then settles into a broad, calm pool where the granite edges the water perfectly. On a hot afternoon with a cold beer in hand, there is no better place on earth.
The pools up river are less visited but worth the scramble. Farther up the canyon, away from the main camp, the river braids through more of those jacuzzi-style granite pools. Good fishing holes too, in the right season.
After the swim
After an afternoon at Pretzel's or the pools, everyone makes their way back to camp — wet, warm, and hungry. This is where Teresa's camp cooking becomes essential. See the Gear & Recipes page for her recipes and camp kitchen tips.
The pattern at a good Kegger afternoon goes: swim → dry off on the granite → cold beer from the keg → back to camp → fire → dinner → stories. Repeat.