Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (1)

Yosemite is home to countless waterfalls. The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Storms in late fall rejuvenate some of the waterfalls and all of them accumulate frost along their edges many nights during the winter.

This is not a complete list of Yosemite's waterfalls. While all but the last two of the waterfalls listed below are in Yosemite Valley, both Yosemite Valley and many other areas of the park have waterfalls both big and small.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2)

Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft)
Flows: approximately November through July, with peak flow in May.

Look for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall during winter and for roaring runoff April through June. Yosemite Falls, one of the world's tallest, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet).

You can see Yosemite Falls from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (the eastern side of the loop, from the shuttle stop to the base of the waterfall, is wheelchair accessible).

It's also possible to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls as a strenuous, all-day hike (see a list of Valley day hikes).

  • Check out the Yosemite Falls webcam for a current view of the waterfall!
  • View a 10-minute podcast episode about Yosemite Falls.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (3)

Sentinel Falls (about 2,000 feet)
Flows: approximately March through June, with peak flow in May.

This waterfall is located on the south side of Yosemite Valley, just west of Sentinel Rock. It is comprised of multiple cascades, which range in height from 50 - 500 feet.

You can see this waterfall from areas along Southside Drive near the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, and near the Four Mile Trailhead. Alternatively, you can view it from across Yosemite Valley near Leidig Meadow, or while hiking the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (4)

Ribbon Fall (1,612 feet)
Flows: approximately March through June, with peak flow in May.

You can see Ribbon Fall from the road as you drive into Yosemite Valley, just beyond the turn for Bridalveil Fall (parking is available in turnouts).

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (5)

Horsetail Fall (1,000 feet)
Flows: approximately December through April.

Horsetail Fall is famous for appearing to be on fire when it reflects the orange glow of sunset in mid- to late-February. It falls off of the east side of El Capitan and is best seen from just east of El Capitan.

To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan picnic area (on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Valley Lodge) or in turnouts just east of the picnic area. You can see the waterfall from the road.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (6)

Bridalveil Fall (620 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in May.

This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow.

You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (7)

Nevada Fall (594 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in late May.

You can see Nevada Fall (from a distance) at Glacier Point. The road to Glacier Point is open approximately late May through sometime in November. A wheelchair-accessible trail is available to the viewpoint when the road is open.

You can also hike beyond Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall on a steep trail (see a list of Valley day hikes).

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (8)

Vernal Fall (317 feet)
Flows: all year, though by mid to late summer, it narrows and separates into one, two, or three falls as water flows decrease; peaks in late May.

You can see Vernal Fall (from a distance) at Glacier Point. The road to Glacier Point is open approximately late May through sometime in November. A wheelchair-accessible trail is available to the viewpoint when the road is open.

You can also hike to Vernal Fall on a steep trail (see a list of Valley day hikes).

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (9)

Illilouette Fall (370 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in late May.

While many hikers notice this waterfall as they're hiking toward Vernal Fall, the best place to see it is on the Panorama Trail, a few miles from Glacier Point (see a list of Valley day hikes). This waterfall is not visible from any road; it's only visible by hiking on steep trails.

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (10)

Wapama Falls (1,400 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in May.

Relatively few people visit Hetch Hetchy Valley to see this roaring waterfall. In some springs, the water from this fall flows over the footbridges near its base.

You can see this waterfall from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam or you can hike on an uneven trail to near its base (see a list of Hetch Hetchy day hikes).

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (11)

Chilnualna Falls (about 2,200 feet)
Flows: all year, with peak flow in May

This waterfall, located in Wawona, hides behind twists and turns in the rock; it's impossible to see the entire fall at the same time.

You can't see this waterfall from a road; the only way to see the fall is to hike to its top via a steep trail (see a list of Wawona day hikes).

Waterfalls - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (2024)

FAQs

How many waterfalls are there in Yosemite? ›

Yosemite Falls, one of the world's tallest, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet).

What are the two waterfalls in Yosemite? ›

The twin cascades – upper and lower – are together nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building and visible from many points around Yosemite Valley. There is a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (year-round and wheelchair accessible).

What are three facts about Yosemite Falls? ›

The middle cascades fall 675 feet (206 meters). The Lower Fall drops 320 feet (98 meters). Yosemite Falls is fed by melting snow. Most of the snowmelt occurs in the spring, so April, May, and June are the best months to see the waterfall.

What is the biggest waterfall in Yosemite? ›

Ribbon Fall is the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, and often only flows March through June. Not only is it the tallest fall in Yosemite, it's the tallest waterfall in all of North America.

Can you swim in Yosemite waterfalls? ›

Be careful of sharp underwater objects or slippery rocks (aqua shoes are helpful), and of course, never swim above or directly below waterfalls. Mountain water is often very cold, so avoid prolonged exposure causing hypothermia and always use extreme caution when swimming in Yosemite with children.

What is the easiest waterfall to see in Yosemite? ›

Bridalveil Fall (1.2 miles/1.9 km round trip):

A short walk to the base of this 620-foot (189-meter) waterfall that's one of the most famous in the world, photographed millions of times from Yosemite's tunnel view.

What is the most visited place in Yosemite? ›

Tunnel View

Wawona Road leads visitors into the park's hub from the park's south entrance. Along with Glacier Point, Tunnel View is widely considered to be the most popular viewpoint in all of Yosemite.

What waterfall in Yosemite looks like lava? ›

Every year from mid- to late February, the setting sun hits Yosemite's Horsetail Fall at just the right angle, creating the illusion that the waterfall is on fire.

Can you drink Yosemite Falls water? ›

After filtering, treat the water with 2 drops of chlorine bleach per quart (liter) of water for 30 minutes in order to kill viruses (which are not removed by filters). Viruses aren't common in Yosemite's waters, but we recommend that you treat water to kill them.

How deep is Yosemite Falls? ›

The Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet (436 metres) and the Lower 320 feet (98 metres), with a series of cascades between; the total drop is 2,425 feet (740 metres), creating one of the world's highest cataracts, the highest in North America.

Why is Yosemite so famous? ›

The park is noted for its outstanding scenery—including peaks, canyons, cliffs, domes, rivers, lakes, immense waterfalls, lush green meadows, wildlife, and forests. Yosemite National Park contains a unique assemblage of massive granite domes and glacial features, which resulted from a rich geologic history.

What is the golden waterfall in Yosemite National Park? ›

Horsetail Fall flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. This small waterfall usually flows only during winter and is easy to miss. On rare occasions during mid- to late February, it can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset.

What are the three waterfalls in Yosemite? ›

Yosemite Falls

This iconic waterfall is also one of the world's tallest and is actually made of three separate falls. The Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall total a staggering drop of 2,425 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in North America.

Why is Yosemite Falls special? ›

The moraine diverted the Yosemite Creek from its path down the steep gully and forced it directly off the cliff. This unique geological accident created one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and one of the most iconic features in Yosemite.

Is Yosemite Falls taller than Niagara Falls? ›

When counting the upper, middle, and lower Yosemite Falls together, water plunges 2,424 feet (740 meters). Yosemite Falls is ten times taller than Niagara Falls. It is nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. If it were a building it would have 200 stories.

Which waterfalls in Yosemite are more than 2000 feet high? ›

  • Sentinel Falls. Location: Yosemite Valley. Height: 2,000 feet.
  • Ribbon Fall. Location: Yosemite Valley. Height: 1,612 Feet.
  • Horsetail Fall. Location: Yosemite Valley. Height: 1,000 Feet.

What is the tallest waterfall in the United States? ›

Colonial Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the continental United States. In a horizontal traverse of more than 4,200 feet (1,300 m), it falls 2,568 feet (783 m) vertically in 13 distinct drops, with an average incline of 65 degrees. North Cascades National Park, Washington, U.S.

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