Hiking to Yosemite Falls (Upper and Lower) in Yosemite Valley

Hiking to Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America with a total drop of 2,425 feet, is a must-do experience for visitors to Yosemite Valley, California. This hike offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and memorable vistas. With Upper Yosemite Falls offering dramatic views and Lower Yosemite Falls providing easy accessibility, this iconic spot is perfect for both casual visitors and seasoned hikers. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Yosemite’s natural grandeur.

Adventure Guide to Hiking to Yosemite Falls (Upper and Lower)

• Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

  • Details: This short, 1-mile loop provides breathtaking views of the 320-foot Lower Yosemite Fall. It’s accessible for most visitors, including families and those with limited mobility, thanks to paved paths and minimal elevation gain.
  • What makes it special: This trail offers a fantastic close-up view of the lower cascade and an opportunity to feel the mist of the falls during spring and early summer.
  • Key features: Interpretive signs along the trail that detail the area’s natural history.

• Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

  • Details: A strenuous, 7.6-mile round-trip hike (3,967 feet elevation gain) that takes hikers to the top of the waterfall.
  • What makes it special: The trail delivers unmatched panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and, of course, the thunderous Upper Yosemite Fall.
  • Key features: Multiple rest stops like Columbia Rock and a jaw-dropping overlook at the summit.

• Best Scenic Photo Spot

  • Details: The Yosemite Creek Overlook, near the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, offers a unique vantage point to watch the water plunge downward.
  • What makes it special: A photographer’s paradise, it captures the start of the awe-inspiring drop with Yosemite Valley in the background.

Local Insights

• Historical Context: Native Americans in Yosemite Valley, particularly the Ahwahneechee people, revered Yosemite Falls as a sacred site and called it "Cholock" (place of the gushing water).
• Seasonal Tip: The waterfall’s flow is most robust in late spring due to snowmelt, while it often dries out by late summer.

Visitor Tips

• Best Times to Visit: March through May for peak waterfall flow; arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
• What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks for the Upper Falls hike.
• Directions: From Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead is a short 10-minute walk.