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gem icon Yosemite Falls [Suggest Edits]

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At 2,425' above the valley floor, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world, and for good reason. There are also great views along the length of the trail.

In winter, look for the ice cone that forms at the base of the Upper Fall. In early summer, between April and June, the snow-melt and runoff feed the falls to their most impressive display. The falls are comprised of three separate cascades. The Upper Yosemite Fall stretches to a height of 1,430' while the Middle Fall descends around 675' and Lower Yosemite Fall drops around 320 feet to the bottom.

You can spot the falls from a number of places in Yosemite Valley, with great views in Yosemite Village and from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Use the one-mile loop, Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, for views up towards the falls. From the shuttle stop to the base of the waterfall is wheelchair accessible. If you would like to view the falls from a different viewpoint, you can also choose to hike the longer route on the Upper Yosemite Falls which takes you to the top of the falls where the view over the valley is breathtaking.

Short Hike: Use the Yosemite Falls parking area off of Northside Dr. or the shuttle to Camp 4, Stop #7 along Route 1 or El Capitan Shuttle Stop #E2. Then head out on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail to get an up close view of the falls.

Family Friendly: The path to the base of the falls is easy, and kids will definitely enjoy the awesome sight of the tallest waterfall in North America.

Gem Type: Viewpoint

Shared by:
Zander Göpfert

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Nearby Trails

14.5 mi 23.4 km Half Dome
Difficult
Yosemite Valley, CA
Difficult
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Unknown
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232 
6.2 mi 10.0 km Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop
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Update
Snowy, Mostly Dry, Some Mud, Icy - Only to Vernal Falls. There were 3 areas past the viewing bridge that were sketchy going up and very scary on the way down.
38 days ago
325 
3.0 mi 4.9 km Upper Yosemite Falls
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32 days ago
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106 
12.4 mi 20.0 km Clouds Rest Viewpoint Trail
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72 
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1.0 mi 1.6 km Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
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147 
2.1 mi 3.4 km Sentinel Dome
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66 
4.7 mi 7.6 km Mirror Lake Loop
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Minor Issues
Update
Dry, Muddy, Snowy, Icy - Beautiful today! Definitely would recommend yak trax or similar to make this an enjoyable hike. Otherwise tricky parts!
38 days ago
95 
Shared by Zander Göpfert on May 18, 2016. All Page Views: 3,367. Last Month: 13.