- Wapama Falls in Yosemite National Park cascades down more than 1,300 feet
- Access the trail to Wapama Falls along Hetch Hetchy Road
- The best time to visit is in the spring when the water flows are highest
- Enjoy a picnic along the trail when hiking to the falls
Overview
Wapama Falls California flows the year through, dropping more than 1,300 feet to its base. This is one of two waterfalls in Hetch Hetchy Valley within Yosemite National Park, and is fed by Lake Vernon. It’s an impressive view of nature at her finest.
Location & Information
Wapama Falls Yosemite is only accessible by foot, and the trailhead is located on the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir along Hetch Hetchy Road, one mile west of the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite.
Yosemite Park is open all year, and the falls is accessible the year round, but it’s best to visit in the spring. The Hetch Hetchy entrance gate closes daily at 9 pm in the summer and earlier in winter.
Contact information:
Public Information Office for Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200
Hiking
Hiking is the favorite activity when visiting Wapama Falls Yosemite National Park, and the trail taking you to the falls is an easy trek. There are places to stop on the 5.5-roundtrip hike, so allow about 3 to 3 ½ hours so you can take in all the sights. This is one of the least crowded trails in the park.
Fun Facts
If visiting the Yosemite Wapama Falls too early in the spring, sometimes so much water is flowing over the falls that the footbridges get flooded. This is due to snowmelt, and occurs most often after a heavy snowpack year. Peak flow times are in April and June. Other hazards to be aware of are rattlesnakes or bears in the area, and poison oak grows along the trail.
