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Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 4.4 (154)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Yosemite Valley
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“Revel in stunning views of Yosemite Falls in its entirety and walk to the base of the Lower Fall. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

Loop

4,033' 1,229 m

High

3,964' 1,208 m

Low

75' 23 m

Up

84' 26 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly This is a wide, flat and smooth trail with some of the most stunning waterfall views in the park. The whole family will surely be captivated on this trail.

Stay on the paved trail. Above the wooden footbridge that crosses Yosemite Creek, the rocks and boulders are slippery even when dry. Scrambling off-trail in this area has led to serious injuries.

Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife.

Overview

The trail to Lower Yosemite Fall is open year-round. When the water is at its peak in spring and early summer, you can expect to get a little wet. This waterfall is often dry from late July or August through October. Expect icy conditions in some areas during the winter, especially on the short climb leading to the footbridge on the western trail.

Need to Know

To learn more about this Yosemite icon, view a 10-minute video podcast episode about Yosemite Falls.

Description

Part of North America's tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot (98-meter) drop. Deafening in spring and early summer when the waterfall peaks in volume, you can expect to get sprayed with water when standing on the footbridge near its base. This short, easy walk rewards with spectacular views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. This paved loop trail offers different vantage points of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Creek, and you can stop at the many exhibits to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area.

If walking from the Valley Visitor center, follow the bicycle path to shuttle stop #6 and begin the trail. Consider walking the loop in a clockwise direction for best views of Yosemite Falls. This eastern portion of this loop trail is wheelchair accessible (when not covered in ice or snow).

Flora & Fauna

The trail meanders through a forest of mixed of deciduous and coniferous trees. Deer and other fauna are almost always present near the trail given the high possibility of receiving a handout from a passerby (please DO NOT feed wild animals).

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 154 votes

#4

in Yosemite Valley

#87

Overall
  4.4 from 154 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Yosemite Valley

#8

in California

#87

Overall
18 Views Last Month
4,524 Since Apr 30, 2015
Easy Easy
89%
5%
6%
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Photos

The Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Yosemite Falls
Jun 2, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Half Dome from the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail.
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
A faun just off of Lower Yosemite Falls Trail.
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Lower Yosemite Falls Plunge Pool is magical on a hot day in a dry summer. It was 105 degrees this day with incredibly ice cold water.
Mar 31, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
The Lower Yosemite Falls
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 18 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 27, 2024
Eliana Dell'anna
Feb 17, 2024
Preetinder Singh
Nov 28, 2023
Michael Calabrese
Very flat casual trail
Oct 24, 2023
Joe Staley
Oct 23, 2023
Alvaro Lopez
Oct 10, 2023
Po Hung Kuo
Made it 3mi
Sep 29, 2023
Trent Caldwell
Sep 26, 2023
Melissa Williams

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