Yosemite Falls hike
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Yosemite Falls hike
Difficulty Rating:
Don't hike to the top of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park. Spend your time only on the best and see both falls and avoid the challenging final ascent to the top of the Upper Falls (where there is no real view of the stunning cascades anyways!).
Getting there
Follow the signs for Yosemite Valley, and park at the parking lot just past the Yosemite Falls Trailhead or in the Yosemite Village Parking lot. We prefer the Yosemite Falls Trailhead as it avoids the traffic jam around the Village.
About
| When to do | June through October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | Trailhead |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Yosemite Falls
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Yosemite Falls
For the lower falls, walk up a wide paved path with no elevation gain for about a kilometer from the village. The trail is excellently marked, and if you have any confusion just follow the crowds. Come back down and continue west on a paved path parallel to the road towards the Upper Yosemite trailhead. You will pass the famous camp 4, a climber’s camp, and turn right to start the hike.
Start climbing, but don’t worry; you will not be going to the top. The best views are only approximately 1.2mi along the path. Remarkably, the view from the top isn’t that great – this isn’t a view like Vernal or Nevada Falls!
The path switchbacks up in the shade for several kilometers. We saw many people with little to no water on the trail – a very dangerous sight indeed.
The best views along the trail are at the end of the shaded section where there is a guardrail and beautiful views of half dome. A little further on the views of the upper falls (from the bottom) are absolutely spectacular.
We did continue on to the top. It is a nice hike, but you can spend your scarce time elsewhere more effectively. Going to the top will triple the elevation that you have already climbed – it’s like climbing an 2625ft skyscraper with pure switchbacks. Be extremely careful on hot days, as the majority of the climb is completely exposed to the sun. We saw a number of people struggling with the climb and the heat (they were not happy). Remember to wear light clothing and a hat.
Once you get to the top, there is a viewpoint where many people opt to stop and eat their lunch. Going left from the edge there is a sign that leads to the official viewpoint. This is a very exposed route with few guardrails that directs you to a very underwhelming overlook. Ironically there are no good views of the falls from the top.
Be careful descending in the heat. If the streams are running, dunk your hat or an extra sweater in the water and wrap it around your neck to cool you off. It can be a godsend midday in August.
If you want to find more great hikes in Yosemite, check out Clouds Rest, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Valley or Panorama Trail!
Insider Hints
You don’t need to get to the top for the best views on this hike.
Take water, this route can be hot and exposed!
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AltaVito 4 years ago
It was a a challenging and I was a bit shocked when I realized there are no good views of the falls from the top.
Francine Robertson 4 years ago
Beautiful Sierra and especially Yosemite. there are wonderful things to see that are now exposed.
cindychu 4 years ago
It is one of Yosemite National Park's best natural wonders.
supermario 4 years ago
I am inspired and cannot get the visions of this place out of my head.
MichaelShulman 4 years ago
We had a great day full of adventures here. We are even lucky enough to see a rainbow.
T Rob 4 years ago
Great for hiking and spectacular view of the Yosemite Falls.
Kenny Walks 4 years ago
Views from this hike is beautiful. Overlook will blow your mind.
Gordon Y. 4 years ago
Views are breathtaking from the top or bottom. It’s just an amazing experience. It makes me happy every time I think about it. Hiking can be very challenging, also drink lots of water and pack your lunch.
MissGiggles 5 years ago
You can see the falls in many spot. The flowers, sounds and natural setting draws you to the falls. Depending on the wind it can be misty. Just spectacular photo opportunities that you should not miss!
Yael M. 5 years ago
Beautiful but exasperating hike! pretty overrated in my opinion!