Nothing shows nature’s transformation from winters like the streams flowing over rocky cliffs and steep - and no place in California presents more spectacular waterfalls than Yosemite National Park. The best time to see the beauty of Yosemite National Park is during spring when the skies are clear, the wildflowers are blooming, the snow is melting, and the creeks and rivers are rising. But soon, you’ll discover that its drawcard is the waterfalls. Some of Yosemite’s waterfalls require just a few minutes’ walks, others take a whole day of high-altitude hiking, whatever you prefer - short or long hike, the result will always give you amazing views and a different perspective from above and below. Find out why for more than 125 years, Yosemite’s waterfalls have been wowing visitors all over the world. Check out this article and discover the best waterfall hikes in the Yosemite National Park, California!
Good to know:
- For the most up-to-date advisories about conditions in the park, visitors can refer to the National Park Service website. This page also includes seasonal information about trails and waterfalls, amongst other important news.
- To find out what to pack and what each season brings to the park, check out the official tourism website for the park. Warm clothes, light layers, and waterproof shoes are highly recommended, amongst other items.
Travel Advisory
Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.
1. Nevada Falls
Nevada Fall is a famous swimming spot, with no park restrictions. This 181.05 m (594 ft) high waterfall on the Merced River is situated below the granite dome, Liberty Cap at the Little Yosemite Valley on the west end. If you aim for great views, good news, fantastic views from the switchbacks beside the high flowing giant are waiting for every adventurer. The amazing pool on top of Nevada Fall is also a great spot for swimming and taking pictures, just be very careful not to slip.
Nevada Falls
Address: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite NP, CA, US
Website: Nevada Falls
2. Wapama Falls
Situated on the northern wall of Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite National Park, Wapama Falls is a natural wonder which flows almost yearly. The falls have an extensive cascade at its base and two main drops angled abruptly 60 degrees to each other. The hike will not take you too long, within an easy 8.05 km (5 mi) hike through the O'Shaughnessy dam and tunnel - you can experience a rewarding view from the top. This is also great for a family hike.
Wapama Falls
Address: Hetch Hetchy Valley, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County, California, United States
Website: Wapama Falls
3. Bridalveil Falls
One of the renowned waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley is the Bridal Veil Falls. At 188 m (617 ft) in height, this fall is considered to be the tallest freefalls in Colorado. The beauty of Bridalveil Falls has lured adventurers from all over the world to bike, four-wheel drive, hike, and unravel the surrounding wilderness. Going here, you’ll also see a historic and privately-owned power plant that sits atop the falls.
Bridalveil Falls
Address: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California
Website: Bridalveil Falls
4. Lower Yosemite Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls is composed of three cascades that when combined, it could reach a total height of 739 m (2,425 ft), which makes it the highest waterfall in the park. The best time to see this wonder is in the springtime when water is roaring off the falls, which can give you a scenery sandwich with breathtaking views. You can also hear the roar of the water louder and louder, as you walk further along the trail.
If you want to see a part of this attraction without trekking hard, then you would want to take Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead. It is the final cascade of the waterfalls and is also the most accessible. The trail offers a short and easy hike for you to see the best views of both upper and lower Yosemite Falls, especially during summer.
Lower Yosemite Falls
Address: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, California 95389, USA
Website: Lower Yosemite Falls
5. Chilnualna Falls
Consisting of 73 m (240 ft) waterfall and several fantastic cascades in a dramatic scene, Chilnualna Falls is a little-known part of Yosemite but, should not be missed to see. If you want to visit this beauty, you have to hike the trail which passes by the panoramic Lower Cascade of Chilnualna Creek. As you ascend on switchbacks through a forest of pine, cedar trees, and oak, the climb eases. After turning east you reach the best view of Chilnualna Falls.
Chilnualna Falls
Address: Yosemite National Park, California, United States
Website: Chilnualna Falls
6. Staircase Falls
Staircase Falls. These are rarely seen at Yosemite unless it has been a very wet year. iPhone 8 Plus.
Posted by Mike Ahmadi on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Situated on Gossamer Creek, behind Camp Curry on cliffs below Glacier Point, Staircase Falls is another beauty in Yosemite National Park that must be added on the list to see. These falls are relatively ephemeral, you can only see them during a very wet year. It falls downward, a total of 400 m (1,300 ft), over a series of steps into Yosemite Valley.
Staircase Falls
Address: Staircase Falls, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Website: Staircase Falls
7. Vernal Falls
With Vernal Falls’ majestic beauty, from a breathtaking view to spectacular downstream - truly, Vernal Falls has become one of Yosemite’s sought-after destination for the nature enthusiast. Situated just downstream of Nevada Fall on the Merced River, Vernal Falls is a 96.6 m (317 ft) waterfall, which is clearly transparent from a distance like its upstream neighbor. The hike to the top of Vernal Falls is a combination of exhaustion and excitement as you journey via Mist Trail, but a rewarding view awaits making all that sweat is worth it.
Vernal Falls
Address: Vernal Fall, California 95389, USA
Website: Vernal Falls
8. Illilouette Falls
Situated on the left tributary of the Merced River, right on the Illilouette Creek, you are bound to witness the beauty of Illilouette Falls. This gorgeous fall is a 110 m (370 ft) waterfall, which can be seen from the trail to Nevada and Vernal Falls. For safety measures during low-flow months, it is better not to reach the base of the falls.
Illilouette Falls
Address: Illilouette Falls, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, US
Website: Illilouette Falls
9. Upper Yosemite Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls with 790 m (2,600 ft) from the top of Yosemite Falls can be considered as the “mother of all Stairmaster workouts”. But as you reach the top, unique reward and experience await you, an experience that you won’t get in any other place: dramatic scene and magnificent views of Yosemite Valley. Upper Yosemite trail is extremely exhausting and mostly steep. It is an incline with 11.59 km (7.2 mi) round trip or about six and a half hours’ journey. If you decide to hike all day, this is a very good choice.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Address: Yosemite Falls Trail, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
Website: Upper Yosemite Falls
10. Ribbon Falls
Presenting the longest single-drop waterfall in North America, Ribbon Fall is another wonder to behold. This one flows off a cliff that is situated on the west side of El Capitan. The fall is fed by melting winter snow, which adds to its beauty and character. In spring, the fall can reach a spectacular 491 m (1,612 ft), while in winter months, an ice cone forms at its base similar to the Upper Yosemite Fall.
Ribbon Falls
Address: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California, United States
Website: Ribbon Falls
11. Yosemite Falls
See the amazing trails of Yosemite National Park on this hiking adventure. Pick out the best trail for you depending on how good you are in hiking, and get to see breathtaking views from Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, El Capitan, Half Dome, and many more. Let yourself be immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds you while breathing in the fresh air. Your guide will lead the way while sharing some facts about the park.
Book Tours : Guided Yosemite Hiking Excursion
12. Yosemite’s Mist Trail
Spend the whole day immersing yourself in the beauty of nature on this whole-day hiking tour of Yosemite National Park. See the amazing slopes of Half and North Dome, experience the beauty of Yosemite Falls, and hike several trails to reach Mirror Lake and Spider Caves. You can even have a quick stopover in an old village and cemetery if you’d like. Your guide will bring water purifiers and first aid kits all throughout the trip for your peace of mind.
Book Tours : Yosemite Valley Private Hiking Tour
Other popular hikes in Yosemite National Park
Though the trails below don’t necessarily focus on waterfalls alone, they’re popular among those who want a relaxing day amidst nature, and many of them do pass by magnificent waterfalls. Give these trails a try!
13. Panorama Trail
Hike through the national park on this whole-day trip, with Glacier Point as your starting point. You will be led by an expert guide that will tell you more of the park’s natural attractions as you get past three amazing waterfalls—namely, Vernal Fall, Illilouette Fall, and Nevada Fall. See amazing views of Half Dome as you ride a shuttle to Glacier Point, where you’ll start your 8.5-mile (13.68-kilometer) trek on foot.
14. Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
Get to explore Yosemite National Park even better during the cold months of winter, where there are lesser crowds and amazing snowfall at almost all of the peaks that surround the valley. Experience Yosemite according to your preferences, which can include hikes, museum tours, and many more. A knowledgeable guide equipped with emergency kits will be with you all throughout the trip for your safety. You will also get to see some winter phenomena like the frazil ice on one of Yosemite’s rivers.
Book Tours : Yosemite Valley Private Winter Hiking Tour
15. Sentinel Dome Trail
Hiking to the summit of Sentinel Dome is probably the easiest way for you to see amazing 360-degree views of the park. You will also get to see the fallen Jeffrey Pine, one of the most popular trees in the world, as you trek to the top of the mountain. Aside from that, you will also get to see some amazing flora and fauna of the park, such as wildflowers, phlox, penstemon, and many more. There are also some old Jeffrey Pine trees along the trail.
Sentinel Dome Trail
Address: CA 95389, United States
16. Glacier Point Trailhead
Glacier Point Trail is just a short hike for you to take if you want to see one of the world’s most amazing and breathtaking vistas. You will get to see a very unique view from the top of Glacier Point—even Big Sur and Playboy Mansion can be seen from there. Since this is also known as one of the easiest hikes in the whole Yosemite National Park, you should expect that the trail is always crowded with people and families wanting to see the majestic sight.
Glacier Point Trailhead
Address: 5202 Glacier Point Rd, Yosemite Village, CA 95389, United States
17. Cathedral Lakes Hike
Cathedral Lakes is known to have one of the best views of the granite-covered High Sierra Lakes in Yosemite National Park. Get to see two picturesque lakes while taking just a single trail—with breathtaking views from any angle. It is also one of the most crowded trails in the Tuolumne Meadows area, so it is suggested that you start your hike early to avoid the large crowds.
Cathedral Lakes Hike
Address: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, CA, United States
18. Half Dome Hike
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
See the best panoramic views of Yosemite Valley from the top of Half Dome on this full-day guided hike to the top of the park’s most well-known landmark. Endure a hike that requires both physical readiness and presence of mind—with a great reward that awaits you at the top. Walk with your guide while you hike through the most rugged paths of the national park, take the cable route, know the history of Sierra Mountains, and conclude your adventure with body pains, amazing photos, and membership in the Half Dome Summit Club.
Fall in love with Yosemite's waterfalls
Yosemite National Park is a combination of nature’s beauty, from deep valleys to ancient large sequoias to towering granite monoliths and waterfalls. Among all of these, it is easier to fall in love with its waterfalls that can give you worth a million views. Yup, there’s always a new perspective looking at these beauties from above and below. What’s more, you can your vacation even more special by bringing in your furry friend and staying at one of the pet-friendly Airbnbs here.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data