Yosemite Falls

The Basics

You can spot the iconic waterfall from various vantage points within the park, including Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge at the Falls). For active viewers, a 1-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, or a strenuous (and usually crowded) 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) hike with 2,700 feet (823 meters) elevation gain beginning near Camp 4 hike takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls.

Due to the incredibly popularity of this natural attraction, Yosemite Falls is included in most park tours. You can see the falls, along with other park attractions—El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Falls, Half Dome, the Chapel, and the Cathedral Spires—on a day tour from San Francisco or Fresno.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Yosemite Falls is a must-see for first-time visitors, photographers, and strong hikers.

• Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially if you plan to hike to the top of the falls.

• Yosemite tours from San Francisco can last upwards of 14 hours.

• The eastern side of the loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Access Lower Yosemite Fall near the Yosemite Valley Lodge; the top of the upper fall is accessed via a steep hiking trail. For a great (and underrated) view of the falls, consider hiking to the summit of Sentinel Dome.

When to Get There

Yosemite Falls is at its most spectacular in the spring, with peak runoff occurring in May or June. The falls tend to dry to a trickle by late summer, but autumn rainfall rejuvenates it beginning in November.

Natural Phenomena at Yosemite Falls

On a clear night with plenty of moonlight and enough water to create mist, see if you can spot a “moonbow.” During the winter, an ice cone tends to form at the base of the upper fall, while frost accumulates along the edges of the falls.

Ways to explore

An incredibly popular sight, Yosemite Falls is included in most park tours. You can see the falls, along with other park highlights—El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Falls, Half Dome, the Chapel, and the Cathedral Spires—on a day tour from San Francisco or Fresno. Most tours stop to admire the waterfall from at least one of the various viewpoints within the park, including at Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. In addition, a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, while a strenuous (and usually crowded) 7.2-mile (11.5-kilometer) hike with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet (823 meters) beginning near Camp 4 takes you to the top of Yosemite Falls.

Accessibility

The eastern side of the Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Visitors of all ages are impressed by these towering falls, and viewing points at the lower falls are family-friendly.

What to pack

Camera, battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes if you’re taking the trail to the top

Not allowed

Swimming or wading upstream of the falls is extremely dangerous.

Amenities

At Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, you’ll find restrooms and a wide range of amenities, including dining options.

Address 

The easy hiking trail to Lower Yosemite Fall can be reached on foot or by taking the park’s shuttle from Yosemite Valley Lodge. To get to Upper Yosemite Fall, visitors climb a steep hiking trail.

Driving

Take Northside Drive to the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center in Yosemite Village, where there is ample parking and a shuttle service. Or, park at Yosemite Valley Lodge along Northside Drive and walk to the Lower Yosemite Fall.

Public transportation

YARTS buses connect from the cities surrounding Yosemite National Park to Yosemite Valley. Take the park’s Valleywide Shuttle (green line) from Yosemite Village to the Lower Yosemite Fall, stop 6.

Best times to visit

Viewpoints for the falls are overrun at midday during the summer, so try to take in the falls in the early morning or late afternoon.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busiest, especially from June to September, so aim for midweek to bypass the crowds.

Best months to visit

The falls are at their most spectacular in the spring, with peak runoff in May or June. They tend to dry to a trickle by late summer, but autumn rainfall replenishes them beginning in November.

Special events

In Yosemite Village, stop at the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center to find out about ranger talks and guided walks near the falls.