Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is the signature waterfall of Yosemite Valley — a three-tiered cascade with a combined drop of 2,425 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Fed entirely by snowmelt, it runs heaviest in spring and typically flows from around November through July, tapering to a trickle or drying out completely by late summer in most years.

Two Ways to See It

Most visitors reach the base on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, a short, flat walk from the valley floor that reviewers describe as easy and doable for all ages — close enough to feel the mist when the falls are running strong. For a bigger commitment, some hikers push on toward the top of the Upper Fall, a full-day undertaking that visitors describe as steep, exposed, and slippery underfoot, with cold wind at the summit and switchbacks that keep climbing long after the valley floor drops out of view.

When to Time Your Visit

Visitors consistently point to early morning or late afternoon for the best light and thinner crowds. Because flow depends entirely on snowmelt, a spring visit gives you the fullest, loudest version of the falls; show up in late summer and the granite face may run dry.

Good to Know

• Rated 4.9 out of 5 across nearly 1,900 visitor reviews
• Rocks near the base and along the upper trail get slick from spray — sturdy footwear matters
• For current park conditions, call the National Park Service at (209) 372-0200