United States · Sierra Nevada, California
Yosemite Falls
North America's tallest waterfall drops in three stages — upper, middle cascades, and lower — off the granite wall of Yosemite Valley, visible from the valley floor without a hike. By late summer snowmelt is exhausted and the creek frequently runs completely dry.
North America's tallest waterfall drops in three stages — upper, middle cascades, and lower — off the granite wall of Yosemite Valley, visible from the valley floor without a hike. By late summer snowmelt is exhausted and the creek frequently runs completely dry.
Yosemite Falls drops 739 metres (2425 ft) on the Yosemite Creek, inside Yosemite National Park. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Yosemite Valley, with FAT the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Peak snowmelt (Apr-Jun) gives full flow; often dry to a trickle or nothing by late August.
What you can do here
Camping
Falls where you can legally sleep within earshot of the water.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Peak snowmelt (Apr-Jun) gives full flow; often dry to a trickle or nothing by late August.
Entry: Park entry $35 USD per vehicle
Getting there
- Base townYosemite Valley
- AirportFAT
- CountryUnited States
- RegionSierra Nevada, California, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
37.7566, -119.5969
Quick answers
How tall is Yosemite Falls?
Yosemite Falls drops 739 metres (2425 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Yosemite Creek.
When is the best time to visit Yosemite Falls?
Peak flow is April to June. Peak snowmelt (Apr-Jun) gives full flow; often dry to a trickle or nothing by late August.
What can you do at Yosemite Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: camping, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Yosemite Falls?
The usual base is Yosemite Valley, and the closest airport is FAT. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Park entry $35 USD per vehicle.
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