Main image

chensiyuan CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Yosemite Falls

Waterfall

Yosemite Falls, within Yosemite Valley, comprises upper and lower drops and is one of North America's tallest waterfalls. Hikers follow steep trails to overlooks; visitors time spring runoff for peak flow and combine visits with valley granite walls and climbing routes.

Yosemite Falls San FranciscoLos AngelesLucerneSan DiegoSanta Barbara, CaliforniaMonterey, CaliforniaSanta Monica, CaliforniaAnaheim, CaliforniaYosemite Falls
In this guide

Yosemite Falls essentials

Address: Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
Website: nps.gov
Hours: Yosemite National Park open 24/7; Yosemite Valley Visitor Center typically 8:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Park entry $35 per vehicle (7-day), $20 per person (bicycle/walk-in) - check nps.gov for up-to-date fees
GoogleAppleOSM

About Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is a major waterfall in Yosemite National Park, California, with a total vertical drop of about 2,425 feet (739 m). It is the highest measured waterfall in North America and a signature feature of Yosemite Valley.

The waterfall is divided into three main sections: Upper Yosemite Fall (about 1,430 ft / 436 m), the Middle Cascades (about 675 ft / 206 m) and Lower Yosemite Fall (about 320 ft / 98 m). Key viewpoints include valley-floor viewing areas near Yosemite Village and the strenuous Yosemite Falls Trail that reaches the top.

The falls have been known and used by local Native American groups for centuries and became a central natural attraction after Yosemite Valley was set aside for protection; Yosemite National Park was established in 1890. The falls’ flow is seasonal, strongest in spring from snowmelt and often reduced or intermittent by late summer and autumn.

Yosemite Falls is located in Yosemite Valley in the Sierra Nevada, within Yosemite National Park in central California. The valley is accessible by park roads and is a multi-hour drive east of California’s major coastal cities.

  • Total height: Total drop measures approximately 2,425 feet (739 m), making it the highest measured waterfall in North America.
  • Trail note: The Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of the falls; the climb is steep and exposed in places and can take several hours round trip.

What to See#

  • Upper Yosemite Fall: Upper Yosemite Fall, the highest single drop in the cascade at about 1,430 feet (436 m), reached by the Yosemite Falls Trail; offers panoramic valley views from the rim.
  • Middle Cascades: Middle Cascades, a series of steeper drops totaling about 675 feet (206 m) between the upper and lower sections.
  • Lower Yosemite Fall: Lower Yosemite Fall, a 320-foot (98 m) plunge that is easily viewed from the Yosemite Valley floor and accessible via short walking paths.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Yosemite Falls

Late spring (April-June) when snowmelt produces the most powerful flows; summer is busy but warmer and dryer.

Spring
April-June · Day 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Snowmelt feeds the falls; dramatic flows and lush valley meadows.
Summer
July-September · Day 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Warm, dry weather - waterfalls may dwindle late summer; heavy visitation.
Fall-Winter
October-March · Day 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Quieter trails; waterfalls are reduced in winter except after storms. Snow can close higher routes.

Weather & Climate near Yosemite Falls

Climate

Yosemite Falls's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (857 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 40 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-26°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -6° - 6° -3° 149 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.6 m/s 0.4 low 9.8h
February Poor -5° - 8° -2° 146 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.0 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.7h
March Acceptable -3° - 10° 3° 138 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.6 m/s 1.1 high 11.8h
April Good -1° - 13° 3° 67 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.9 m/s 1.6 very high 13.0h
May Very Good 2° - 17° 8° 31 mm some cloud 62% 4.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.0h
June Excellent 6° - 23° 15° 16 mm clear 48% 3.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.5h
July Ideal 10° - 28° 19° 9 mm clear 41% 3.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 14.3h
August Ideal 10° - 28° 19° 8 mm clear 37% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.4h
September Ideal 7° - 24° 15° 22 mm clear 41% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 12.3h
October Excellent 2° - 19° 11° 44 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.9 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
November Acceptable -2° - 12° 2° 111 mm some cloud 62% 2.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.0h
December Poor -6° - 7° -2° 116 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.6 m/s 0.3 low 9.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is in Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park, California. From Highway 41 (south) or Highway 140 (west) follow signs to Yosemite Valley; from Highway 120 (east) follow Tioga Road (seasonal). The park’s primary east-west access routes are CA-41 (via Oakhurst/Mariposa), CA-140 (via Merced), and CA-120 (via Groveland).

Once in Yosemite Valley, the Yosemite Valley Shuttle stops at multiple trailheads and the Yosemite Falls area; parking in peak season is limited, and many visitors rely on the free shuttle system.

Tips for Visiting Yosemite Falls

  • For the largest flows, visit after heavy snowmelt: late April-June is peak for Yosemite Falls.
  • Start the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail before 8:00am to avoid heat and crowds; the trail gains about 2,700 feet over ~7.2 miles round trip.
  • Bring layers: spray from the falls and sun on exposed granite can both bite on the same hike.
  • The Yosemite Valley Shuttle (free) is the easiest way to access trailheads during busy months; private vehicles are restricted at times.