- Yosemite Falls offers a fascinating view of cascading water, dropping more than 2,400 feet
- You can hike to the Upper or Lower Falls to take in some incredible views
- The best time to view Yosemite Falls is in the spring when water flows are at their height
Overview
Yosemite Falls CA falls an incredible 2,425 feet from the top of the upper falls to the base of the lower falls. The waterfall merges with Merced River in Yosemite Valley, the river then making its way through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and into the Central Valley of California.
This incredible waterfall actually has three sections. The Upper Falls plunges 1,430 feet, then the Middle Cascades drop an additional 673 feet, rarely noticed by visitors due to their location. Finally the Lower Falls cascades 318 feet into Yosemite Creek, which shortly thereafter merges with the Merced River.
Location & Information
Yosemite Falls California is located in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Driving into the park on Highways 120, 140 or 41 will take you right to the valley. You can access the Lower Falls close to Yosemite Lodge.
Yosemite National Park is open the year round, and Yosemite Falls is accessible all year. However, the best time to get the ideal Yosemite Falls view is in the spring when the water is flowing full-force. Yosemite Falls is often dry from late July through October.
Contact Information:
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200
Hiking
Hiking to the Lower or Upper Falls can be an exhilarating experience. The beauty of this waterfall can never be overstated. There are two trails you can take, the shorter one being the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. This is a one-mile easy loop, accessed from the trailhead at shuttle stop 6. The other Yosemite Falls trail is the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, 7.2 miles roundtrip from the trailhead at shuttle stop 7. Spectacular views await you!
Fun Facts
The Ahwahnechee, Native Americans who lived in Yosemite Valley, had names for all the wonders of Yosemite. They called Yosemite Falls by the name of “Cholock.” They believed that the spirits of witches (Poloti) lived in the pool at its base. According to legend, an Ahwahnechee woman went to get a pail of water from the pool and drew out a bucket full of snakes. Because the woman had trespassed, the spirits caused a powerful wind to come and it blew the woman, her baby and her house into the pool.
