Top: Upper Yosemite Fall from the trail in May 1938. Photo: Ralph H. Anderson, NPS (public domain).
Spring is Yosemite Falls’ moment. Fed by melting snow, the park’s highest waterfall drops 2,425 feet from the top of the Upper Fall to the base of the Lower Fall, and you can hear it from all over Yosemite Valley. Whether you have half an hour or a full day, there’s a way to see it up close.
Go sooner rather than later this year
After a dry winter, Yosemite’s snowpack was only about 37% of normal on April 1. The falls were already near peak flow in late March, and the big waterfalls are expected to peak in April and May this year instead of the usual June. With less snow left to melt, they could slow to a trickle by late June. If you want to see Yosemite Falls at full power in 2026, plan your visit for the next few weeks.
Choose your hike
| Hike | Distance | Elevation | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Yosemite Fall loop | 1 mi loop | About 50 ft | About 30 min |
| Columbia Rock | 2 mi round trip | 1,000 ft gain | 2–3 hr |
| Top of Yosemite Falls | 7.2 mi round trip | 2,700 ft gain | 6–8 hr |
| Add Yosemite Point | +1.6 mi round trip | A bit more climbing | Add about an hour |
Lower Yosemite Fall: the easy loop
This paved, 1-mile loop leads to the base of the Lower Fall and is the best view for the least effort. In spring, expect to get misted near the footbridge, where the spray can be heavy. The eastern side of the loop is wheelchair accessible when it isn’t icy. Ride the free Valleywide shuttle to stop #6, or park at the Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls parking areas, since there’s no parking at the trailhead itself.
Columbia Rock: a great half-day
The Yosemite Falls Trail starts near Camp 4 and climbs a long series of rocky switchbacks to Columbia Rock, a railed viewpoint about 1,000 feet above the valley floor. The views over Yosemite Valley and Half Dome make it a satisfying turnaround point if you don’t want to commit to the full climb.
To the top of Yosemite Falls
Past Columbia Rock, the trail eases for a stretch and opens up to a head-on view of the Upper Fall. Then it gets serious: many more switchbacks climb to the rim, 2,700 feet above where you started. At the top, you’ll stand near the brink of the Upper Fall, with views straight down into the valley. Strong hikers can continue another 1.6 miles round trip to Yosemite Point for an even wider panorama that takes in Half Dome.
The upper trail gets little sun, so after spring storms it can hold ice or snow, especially early and late in the day. Check current conditions before you go.
Know before you go
- Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trail starts in the Camp 4 area near shuttle stop #7. Camp 4 parking is for campers, so use the Yosemite Falls parking area across the road.
- Water: there’s none on the trail. Fill up at the fountain near the trailhead and carry about 4 liters if you’re going to the top.
- Restrooms: none on the trail. The closest are in Camp 4.
- Start early: the upper trail has little shade until late afternoon, and it’s a long day.
- Stay away from the creek: never swim or wade in Yosemite Creek above the fall. Stay on the trail, as there are steep drop-offs.
- Watch your footing: loose rock and wet granite are slippery, and rockfall is common around waterfalls in spring.
- Not allowed: pets, bicycles and strollers.
Information as of April 2026. Check the NPS Yosemite Falls Trail page, the Lower Yosemite Fall page and current conditions before you go.
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