Yosemite Falls

If you love nature then this a must visit on your bucket list. The towering mountains of different shapes , surrounded by magnificent giants trees that have been alive longer than several family generations. Makes you wonder what they have presence throughout time. The magnificent waterfalls cascading down. When you get hit with the mist, you feel alive again. And the rivers surrounding the valley. And to see a bear and its cubs running free in nature really captivates your heart !

Absolutely unreal. Standing this close to Yosemite Falls and feeling the mist while looking straight up at the granite walls is something you don’t forget. Easy walk from the valley, huge payoff, and one of the most iconic views in the park. Go when the falls are flowing strong — it’s next level.

Pictures don't do this place justice. You just need to see it for yourself. Stunning. We went on a weekday in November and there weren't too many people around. I would imagine that weekend and high season would be nuts with traffic and people. Just something to consider.

This wasn’t my first time in Yosemite, but it still felt just as magical. I went with Dad and Mom, and we spent time around Yosemite Falls. The sound of the rushing water was powerful, and the mist rising up gave everything a fresh, cool feeling. Even though I’d been to Yosemite before, standing in front of the falls reminded me why it’s such a special place — each visit feels new in its own way.

Yosemite Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder and an absolute must-visit! I had the chance to witness its majestic beauty during my trip in August 2024, and it left a lasting impression. Despite being late summer, there was still a decent flow of water, and the sight of the falls cascading down in three dramatic tiers was awe-inspiring. The surrounding granite cliffs and lush greenery add to the mesmerizing backdrop. The Lower Falls trail is an easy and accessible walk, making it enjoyable for visitors of all ages, while the views from various vantage points throughout the valley offer excellent photo opportunities. It's a serene yet powerful experience that showcases the raw beauty of nature. I would highly recommend planning some quiet moments just to sit and absorb the surroundings. Tip: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting and fewer crowds. Unquestionably deserving a 5/5!

Beautiful as always. I absolutely love Yosemite. We go up about 3x a year. This time was more busy since the seasons are coming to an end and we’re heading toward the snowy season.

With the National Park card - every park is free, and it is amazing. Experience of a lifetime

Great trail from the valley, very tough on toes and knees when going down. Dipping toes at the top of the upper falls as well as taking a break at the base of the fall in the shadow are my highlights. Nice view at the point, not too crowded on 7/3, but plenty of people along all the time. Absolutely start before 7am to have some shade in the early morning, by noon the whole trail is under sun. 3L water is a must in July. Total 8mi, and 3694’ elevation gain, 5:30 moving time, plus 1.5h rest time.

Bucketlist. Hiking to the top of the nearly half mile falls is at the top of my life experiences. It's truly an asskicker. So, be prepared for that. From the valley up, up and away....all the way. Steeps, switchbacks, and incredible panoramics of the valley as you ascend to the sounds of the roaring falls. The best views of the falls are on the way up, as the sketchy viewpoint up top offers only a partial view. The views of Yosemite Valley are epic, and it was particularly cool to spot routes we had hiked up on the other side of the valley, and the many switchbacks of this one when we were across. The bird whisperer in me geeked out watching a Peregrine Falcon circling and diving full speed. They make their homes in the steep granite cliffs of the valley.

There are various hike to do here to see the upper and lower falls with varying degrees of difficulty. We decided to do the Upper Yosemite Falls and the description fits the bill. Specs: Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) round trip Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain Difficulty: Strenuous Time: 6-8 hours round trip Begin at: Camp 4 area The beginning is all easy peasy until you get to the switchbacks which lasts about one mile but feels longer. Luckily in April, the heat isn't too scorching, but we took every shade break we could get. There are streams you cross along the way (in April) and the water is so cool and refreshing. A little after the switchbacks you started walking downwards which is a nice break and then you get a beautiful glimpse at the bottom of the Upper Falls. It's breathtaking and if you're lucky you'll catch a rainbow there! We keep heading up which seems like an eternity but its worth it! At the Upper Falls, snow was still on the ground and the view is pretty amazing. The viewpoint to Upper Falls is a little steep, walking around the edge with a railing secured in. I would say going back is similar difficulty as coming in so take a nice long meal break when you're up there!

Falls are very strong and dynamic in end of June. I really recommend you should go this season.

2022 Jan 18: Upper Yosemite Falls Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead Elevation at trailhead: 3,967 feet (1,347 meters) Elevation at top of Yosemite Falls: 6,526 feet (1,989 meters) Parking: Plenty of parking near Yosemite Valley Lodge It isn't a direct path. Zig-zag over rocks and large pebbles - and you will be rewarded with amazing views along the way. Tip: Go after the heaviest snowfall - so you can still see snow on the grounds. Do not go too early because the ground water turns to ice and the roads can be slippery. Wear layers that you can remove along the way. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water and something light to eat.

Great spot if you want to see the waterfall. Be warned though, as it can get really packed. If you're coming from the village store, it's about a mile walk. So be prepared to walk for about 30 minutes or so. However, it's worth it. Once you get here you can climbs some rocks to get a better view, but be prepared to burn your hands on the rocks and possibly fall to your doom. Overall, a great and beautiful spot.

It's time for an update! I've hiked Upper Yosemite Falls a few times since my first review but we were just chatting about the time we hiked it as our warm up to Half Dome. This is a great hike. From Lower Yosemite Falls looking up, you may ask yourself how the heck am I going to get all the way up there. Let me tell you my friend, your two feet and ten toes that's how! It's really not that bad. This hike takes me about 3.5 hours and even now I'm not in tip topity shape my endurance is fairly decent. It took me exactly 2 hours up, but I feel like I've made it in 1hr45min before (I may have been playing music that day, which probably puts a little pep in my step). Started at 10:10a and was to the Falls at 12:10p exactly. I don't stop very much coming up, maybe here or there for a few seconds but really you just want to knock this little beast out in one go. It's like running, you don't want to stop or god forbid take walking breaks. Just hit the trail, and rest at the top in the water once you arrive. It takes about 90 minutes back down to the camp 4 parking lot but you'll want to account for time to spend walking around up top - snapping pics, having snackies, and sunbathing in the Falls. I've spent about an hour to and hour and half up here lately, mainly waiting for my friend to make it up. Our fitness levels are a little different and I typically make it up about an hour before him, then wait for him and hang with him at the top for awhile and I try to stick with him coming down because I'm not very good with the decline but once I get going and comfy I can go on my own. There's this short list of things I want to do preggers that I always talk about, mainly run and marathon - I'm obsessed with the idea of running a marathon pregnant and continuing to bike and hike and where I typically review a hike and it's difficulty by telling you, you can bring your grandma on this hike. I caught myself saying this is not a hike I'd do pregnant, I mean to each their own you know, whatever floats your boat but while this hike is in no way very strenuous, it is a lot of climbing and very very little actual just plain trail. I'd call it more technical than anything because you spend nearly the entire hike walking over granite rocks. You need to have a decent hiking boot on and be pretty agile to make it up and down these things swiftly. This is a hike that is in no way difficult, but I wouldn't bring your grandma up and I wouldn't do it pregnant for the risk associated with slipping and falling. I honestly don't even think I'd bring one of those baby backpack things on this hike. While I love the burner that it is, and the good little workout you get from it I find Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls to be more pretty. I'm crazy, I know but this hike is a nice hike. I feel like when you hit Yosemite if you aren't doing the all day hikes (Clouds Rest/Half Dome etc.), you might as well hit all of the smaller less difficult ones and in that case Upper Yosemite Falls is an absolute must every time! Bring the sunscreen, there are lots of exposed areas depending on the time of day. I usually bring my 2L pack and don't finish it, there are some areas of soft sand where you'll catch yourself thinking as if this isn't already difficult you want me to hike up a mountain in soft sand??? It doesn't last too long just give into it and you'll be through it before you know it. Great views of the valley floor and if you hit certain spots during that golden hour, Half Dome glows magically.

My wife and I visited Yosemite with some friends last weekend and decided to hike the Yosemite Falls Trail. We are in decent shape and hike fairly regularly. This specific trail is challenging, and hikers should be ready to spend at least 5 hours heading up, spending time at the top, and heading back down. The elevation gain is a little under 3,000 ft in about 7.2 miles so if you are not prepared physically or mentally to be hitting the stair climber for nearly 3 hours I would not recommend it. Otherwise, the views are beautiful and the cool mist from the falls at the top serves as a reward for your hard work. I'm really glad we decided on this trail for the one day we were in the valley. Hoping to be back soon.

The namesake of the park. Can you get better than that? ATMOSPHERE/ARCHITECTURE: 10/10 Yosemite Falls is an amazing natural splendor to behold especially in the time where the falls are running at maximum, which is usually the late spring to the early summer. It's still crazy to me how this seasonal cycle of waterfalls occurs with the freezing and melting of ice. It is simply gorgeous. The hike itself is not far from the base camp area and it is one of the views that you can see from most areas in the park. If you've seen postcards and pictures of Yosemite, chances are pretty high that those images included Yosemite Falls, and for good reason. Really, there aren't many words that can properly describe the place and it is somewhere you just have to go and see for yourself to appreciate its magnificent beauty. VALUE: 10/10 It's free. You can't beat that. PROBABILITY OF RETURN: 10/10 Definitely plan to come back here someday. OVERALL: 10/10

Been here 4 times, and I enjoy it every time - the spring waterfalls are always great to experience, but seeing the waterfall in the snow was very different - and I'd love to see it again. I especially enjoyed visiting for firefall, both in 2020 before COVID, and this year once again. Would highly recommend.

The Yosemite falls at this time of year aren't abundantly flowing but one can capture a decent amount of water at the lower fall. A short walk from the Yosemite Valley lodge on nicely maintained trails...it's no wonder staying in the valley is pricier than not....so many trails and points of interest are a walk or shuttle stop away. Which by the way there is a Yosemite Falls shuttle stop but you do have a short walk to the falls themselves. I can imagine in spring this area is much more popular than it was on my visit. What's great is there are a few trails to choose from - they all lead to the falls. Each equally beautiful, you're amongst nature of course, very little if any gain so the walk to the falls I would say is easy. Again this time of year only a sliver of water was flowing on the lower fall...so little in fact one could brave the rocky granite and make your way right up to the trickling water. On our walk we saw a mule deer, woodpeckers and beautiful colors as fall was just about to make her stunning debut. Always carry water and a flashlight especially after 3pm, the light in the valley can go from bright to dark very fast. Even well maintained trails become pitch black and no, there are no path lights marking the paths. It's moonlight if the rise and phase are right, or starlight if it's clear...but the trees easily block that out so unless you have night vision...bring a flashlight. Can't wait to visit the Valley again. What an amazing getaway.

This is a beautiful fall in Yosemite National Park and the easiest way to enjoy the wonderful relaxing area when you are in the area. A lot of excellent photos on the internet show us the beautiful Yosemite Falls. But you'll still feel this is a magnificent view when you are there. It looks like I'm in paradise. Make sure you're looking good when you're visiting Yosemite falls because you are going to take a picture of the beautiful falls. The parking is hard to find. No parking lot is very close to the falls. The closest parking lot is reserved for hotel guests only. Street parking is very limited. You might have to walk a little far away. Wearing a pair of comfortable shoes and bring water. The best time to visit Yosemite falls is in April and May. Not too cold and lots of water. I'm sure you'll like it!

Beautiful!! Yosemite Park + Yosemite Falls + Half Dome My friends and I came early (5am) and we're able to find parking with ease, but I would recommend the shuttle if you come in later to avoid the hassle. The Falls are worth the hike. If you continue further towards Half Dome like we did, I recommend hiking sticks, sufficient water, and food because the hike/incline is no joke. But!! The views are worth it. There are plenty of spots for taking pictures Note that Yosemite Village has cell service, but you won't get much in the Park. Talk about really disconnecting. :)

Pure divine !! Gods best creation .. amazing to be there and witness this amazing creativity ! Peaceful and serene .. loved it so much . Driving was a little boring but once we reached this place , we didn't want to go back . A beautiful view of bridal falls and a perfect family photo spot with the beautiful Yosemite as the background . Make sure u will fill up enough gas before u start the uphill .. nothing around .. Love Yosemite . Love this view. Don't miss it guys

It's been decades since I've been back and it's truly amazing. The falls are popular with many tourists taking photos and walking on the hiking trail below.

Can you hike to the top of Yosemite Falls? If you can you should because, quite honestly, one day it won't be an option. With 246 combined years, my 4-person party was likely the oldest 4-person party on the trail recently, or at least the oldest collective group to make it to the top. One of us, once off the trail, began referring to it as "the Millennial Trail" so certain was he that he only saw hikers young enough to be his kids. The last time I hiked to the top of this trail I was in high school and I found it difficult then. All these years later and I can say with certainty that I won't be climbing it again in this life. The 3.4 miles to the top is challenging but not actually the hard part. It's getting back down afterwards that'll practically leave you in traction. With lots of snow runoff at this time of year, the downhill trajectory is slick and punishing and your knees, calves, and thighs will scream at you for many days afterwards. But climb it, if you're able. With a 2,700 foot elevation from its base, you'll reach the top of the upper falls and find signs pointing you to its apex. From there, there's further signs pointing you downhill on a scary little venture to get you right beside the falls, but safely. The views are breathtaking all along but reaching the very top brings a level of exhilaration and pride. With many stops along the way (on the way up), this hike took me 7 hours total. Younger folks will likely make it in less time; some folks won't be able to make it at all. Bragging rights for life are yours though, if you make it; double those points if you're over age 55. If you can make it to the top of Yosemite Falls you must. It's nature at its finest, and simply spectacular.

In 2005, a 21 year old man and his buddy had finally scaled the 3 hour climb to the top of Yosemite Falls. Having drunk a ton of celebratory wine, he decided to posterize the moment by posing next to the river, pretending he was about to fall in. His buddy messes up the shot; can he do it again? Remember though, he's drunk, so during the next shot he loses his balance, falls into the river, and shoots off the waterfall lip, falling 1400 feet to his death. Man that's a crappy way to go out. I guess Left Eye Lopes was right: don't go chasin' waterfalls. I remember scrolling through that story on my phone as we waited nearly 2 hours in the single lane entrance to Yosemite. It was Labor Day weekend and COVID restrictions had recently been lifted. Having not been able to leave the house for months, we woke up bright and early that day so we could get a head start tackling the Upper Yosemite falls trail. Now although a 3 hour hike may not seem that difficult (I'll get to that in a moment), it really sucks if you're going uphill the entire way. As we read on our Yosemite map, the hike is equivalent to walking up the entire flight of stairs in the Empire State building...twice. That sounds daunting, but there's actually some points of interest along the way so you can plan how much hiking you want to do. Probably the best way to divide it would be into three stages. Stage 1 is a series of shaded switchbacks that takes you up a pretty steep elevation gain. Depending on the amount of breaks you take, this can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. When you make it to the top, however, you'll hit your first checkpoint--Columbia Rock. We ended up setting a small picnic here and broke out the sandwiches and water. From here you get impressive views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome off into the distance. Stage 2 is actually easier than stage 1. While it's mostly uphill, the trail is linear and not as steep. You do encounter some switchbacks but they're actually downhill, which is a relief. If you're tuckered out after Stage 1, I would encourage pushing through Stage 2 because if you do, you'll actually make it to the base of Upper Yosemite falls. Not only is it very picturesque, but if you walk far enough you can actually feel the mist of water breaking at the base. This took roughly 30 minutes or so for us. And that brings us to Stage 3, which is pretty much Stage 1. More and more switchbacks that meander along the side of the falls until you make it to the top. I wish I could say I made it to the top, but my wife was really tired at this point so we ended up turning around. Something to add to the trail bucket list for now... So yes, it is a difficult climb. Even though we didn't complete it, Columbia Rock and the base of Yosemite falls make for fine destinations as well. As always, come prepared; I would advise plenty of snacks and at least 4 bottles of fluid per person...just preferably not wine.

Long and difficult trail and totally worth it. If you hike to the top of Yosemite fall, then you and the King or queen of Yosemite. This trail can to divided to 2 parts, from the bottom to the Misty mid fall, where it is rainy and wet, and from the mid fall to the top. The first part of mostly dry, and 70% uphill first, and then down hill. Then the second section is all uphill stair master. A amazing view of the entire balky and the half dome on top. Look down at the waterfall feeling the powder do the rush water was amazing. If you think going up is tough, going down is even more challenging. Hopefully you had a sandwich and drinks on top before heading down. The rock stairs had become smooth and slippery at the edges, making going down that much more dangerous. Remember to watch where you step and go slow. It is not worth it to go fast, slip and fall, and take out the person in front, which almost happened to me, being the person in front. After all, it is a great workout, my legs is hurting for the third day.

Extremely short and easy hike. We were here when there was no water but the trail is still quite nice. There were many signs cautioning slipper when wet and be careful when crossing the bridge where the waterfall ran. I cannot wait to return, and would love to go on this short hike but take a try at the second waterfall as well. I'd totally recommend the hike to Yosemite lower fall for families with small children, just be cautious when the water is flowing.

Another one of the natural beauties at Yosemite Park. I only got to check out the Lower Falls portion of Yosemite falls since we were wiped out from an 11 plus hour hike at Half Dome the day before & weren't in the mood for a big hike to upper falls. Lower falls is really easy to get to, stop number 6 on the free shuttle & you've got about a ten minute walk till you're there. There's a view area where you can see the water fall, and if you want you can climb over the barriers & over all the rocks & actually go up to the water fall. The water fall creates a water area that you can actually swim in. Around the water fall there's another area you can walk up to get a good view of the rest of the valley with the water fall in the background. If you don't have time for the hike all the way up to the top of the water fall you can still get some pretty good visuals if you explore the lower portion a little.

A gorgeous walk for anyone. The lower Falls hike is paved and not very steep, so even those with limited physical abilities will be able to navigate it. The upper Falls is more strenuous and much longer. When you get to the bridge, there are people who go down into the river or climb up the rocks toward the fall. There is limited shade, so make sure to bring plenty of water!

Yosemite Falls waterfall: 3.5 star rating Columbia Rock viewpoint: 5 star rating Upper Yosemite Falls Hike: 2 star rating I love Yosemite National Park, but I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of the Upper Yosemite Falls Hike up to the Yosemite Falls viewpoint. I'm glad that this wasn't my first visit to Yosemite because I definitely would have felt discouraged afterward. I came here with a group of 40+ people to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail to the top of the waterfall. Only 2 of our 40+ actually made it all the way to the top. The total mileage to make it up to the top of Upper Yosemite falls is 7.2 miles roundtrip and is rated as a 6-8 hour "very strenuous hike" with a 2,700 foot elevation gain. Had I known this beforehand, I might have changed my tune a bit. We ended up hiking about 5 miles roundtrip up to the second viewpoint. About 90% of this hike includes steep rocky switchbacks at a constant incline. They recommend that you take a minimum of 1 liter of water if you're hiking to Columbia Rock and at least 3 liters of water if you're hiking to the top. I brought 4 canisters of water and went through 3. I actually ended up giving a canister to someone on the trail that only brought one plastic bottle. Please, make sure you bring enough water! All of the switchbacks coupled with the 90 degree heat will tire you out quickly. When I hiked the mist trail to Nevada Falls last year, it was difficult and was also filled with switchbacks. However, the mist trail has leveled stairs with no switchbacks, so it wasn't as bad. The switchbacks on this trail start as SOON as you begin the hike. No gradual warms up here! You will reach a high elevation gain, but the inclines seem to go on forever. The hike is waaay more difficult than the Nevada Falls hike. The trail is composed mostly of rocks which are tough on your body and especially on your feet. To make things worse, the rocks are covered in sand, making the trail super slippery, especially on the way back down. You need to be wearing hiking shoes and hiking boots would probably be even better. Even with my hiking shoes, my feet felt like they were on fire coming back down. The first viewpoint of Columbia Rock is gorgeous! You'll have a view of the entire park down below. It's only one mile to get to this viewpoint, but it will take you at least an hour on average (depending on your speed and skill level) to get there with all of the switchbacks. The second viewpoint is about 2.5 miles up. This viewpoint is unmarked, but you'll know that you're there once you see the beautiful view of Yosemite Falls. I know that this waterfall is one of the tallest in North America, but I guess I expected much more. The falls weren't really flourishing and they seemed so far away. Maybe it would have been better to come during the springtime or to actually hike it all the way to the top. But, I was DONE. My body and my feet were aching just from reaching this viewpoint. This was probably one of the most difficult hikes that I've done. Usually hiking back down is easier for me, but this was one of the rare occasions where it was harder. I was in so much pain. My feet were shot! Literally, my toes were throbbing and the heels of my feet were on fire. I think I slipped about 3 times going down due to the uneven rocks and all of the sand on them. Every time I stepped down on a rock, my feet hit the top of my shoes. I literally wanted to cry. I struggled through the pain and finally made it back down. Trust me, I've done some 10 mile hikes that killed my feet too, but never like this. Was it worth the pain? In my opinion, it wasn't. This hike is a one and done for me. I came, I saw, I conquered. Will probably never do it again. I would rather drive to this waterfall or do the easier hike at Lower Yosemite Falls. It's a great workout, but very tough on your body. All of this, and we didn't even make it to the top. Maybe I just needed some better hiking shoes?! Who knows, but I'll never find out because I won't be hiking this trail again in the future.

Yosemite National Park!!! What can I really say that no one else has said?!?!? Can you say, BEAUTIFUL?!?! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL and BREATHTAKING!!! Natural beauty and Mother Nature!!! I took an old friend from Kansas City and we just drove everywhere. There were spots where we could park and go for a hike. You can enjoy the beauty from afar, but taking the hike is well worth the exhaustion!! Be prepared! Bring a backpack with snacks and lots of water!!! You have the option of getting on a bus. They will drop you off and pick you up. We took the chance of being able to find parking to do our hiking!! We came here for just one day. The pass to enter is good for re-entry for a week. We will come back for a long weekend tour. Anyone can see pictures and enjoy from afar. To actually be there and watching the beauty of the mountains and waterfall is PRiCELESS!!! BTW...where layers and bring a rain jacket!!!

Yosemite National Park has several natural landmarks that continue to pique the interest of nature lovers worldwide. Within this historic national park you'll find 3 popular landmarks: Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. All 3 locations are unique with distinct features separating one from the other. Yosemite Falls is highly visible and it's unmistakable once spotted. It can be seen from various locations throughout the park and believe it or not, you can get close enough to feel the misting from the water on your face. When viewing falls, you can take the paved path that leads to the lower level of the waterfall. Here is where you you can walk across a bridge and take it all in. So many people stopped to take photos at this particular location. But if you walk 10 feet more, you will come to a rock formation at the base of the falls. People were climbing on top of the rocks and striking a pose for that perfect photo! However, you can only see the lower portion of the falls from here. If you continue down the path, you'll loop around and end up with a view of the entire waterfall. The waterfall itself is over 2,400 feet high and feeds into the river that flows through the park. It's neat to step back and get a nice view of what nature has created. This is the safest place to admire the falls because there's no risks involved from this vantage point. However, for people that want to take a closer look at the waterfall and Yosemite Valley, you can actually hike to the top. From what I understand, there's a trail that you can take to reach the highest point. This is for your more experienced hikers that are in good physical shape. When asked what's at the top, the reply was a large river that feeds into the waterfall. People were open about their experiences hiking to the top and most said that they'd do it again. I cannot do this hike but I enjoyed hearing people's stories about their adventures. They were quite inspirational!!! What is most beautiful about Yosemite Falls at this time of year is that it's flowing really well. There has been a lot of snow in the Sierras and as it melts, this has fed into the rivers causing them to flow in greater quantities. Some of the rivers and streams are still full of ice and snow but you can hear the water beneath the ice. You'll pass many frozen streams along the way during the winter and spring seasons. It's simply a beautiful little hike to the falls and you won't be disappointed. Yosemite Falls is a beautiful spot that is photographed countless times throughout the year. Make sure that you heed the warnings posted nearby stating that at least 200 people are injured or possibly worse each year. Exercise caution when hiking to the top as well as if you're standing on the rocks formations below. Enjoy your visit and take many pictures to share with friends, family, and loved ones. Yosemite Falls lives up to its reputation as being one of the most beautiful locations to visit. There's a bit of mystery about it so people are really intrigued by what they see. In the end, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for nature's gift to humanity. It is truly one of the most majestic sights that California has to offer!

The first thing I did was to be a part of the falls. Thank you very much for the beauty.

UPPER YOSEMITE FALLS HIKE Hiked: 11.24.2017 (Low 50sF to Low 40sF) Quick Stats: + 5.8-7.2miles RT. Depending where you start your hike (we started at Camp 4) + 4-5hrs depending on how frequently you stop and break + 2 set of switchbacks + 2700ft elevation gain + Rated Top 6 of Yosemite's most strenuous hikes (MilesxElevation gain) We started our hike from Camp 4 which was really cold, so we layered up prepared for the cold. Little did we know, we encountered switch backs right away from the trail head and ended up shredding pretty much all our layers within 10mins. Most of the hike is shaded under trees during the first set of switchbacks. Then we started to go downhill and finally caught sight of Upper Yosemite Falls, where we started the second set of switchbacks. Gazing in awe of the waterfalls, we realized we still had a long way until we reached the very tip of the waterfall. The view at the top is definitely rewarding and you can actually climb down to the apex of the waterfall's edge to chill. There are plenty of photo opt opportunities at the top and plenty of areas to nap, lunch or snack! TIPS: + wear very supportive hiking boots (ideally those that support your ankle). The trail is very rocky and sandy and you can easily twist an ankle especially on the way down + bring plenty of water! At least 2 liters + bring snacks and pack a lunch (include carbs and sugar) to replenish your depleted glycogen storage + wear sunscreen and cap + bring a camera to capture the beautiful views Verdict: Definitely a challenging hike, but not the most difficult I've experience. Honestly, when hiking switchbacks like these, you've got to have that "mind over matter" mentality and keep climbing ;)

Gorgeous waterfall with both an upper and lower falls. You can view the upper falls from the village or from the valley floor fields and the lower falls from the lower falls viewing area but there is also a less traveled spot from which you can see both if you follow the trail signs. The area from which you can see both falls is where John Muir built a home and lived for a few years. What an amazing location. The quiet of the trees rustling and the serenity of not hearing any human voices or cars or electronics and just listening to the birds chirping and the water flowing is so relaxing!

A must on any visit to Yosemite National Park. The upper Yosemite falls are spectacular and visible from across the valley, but the lower Yosemite falls are my favorite. Because one can walk up close, real close, and they are partially hidden under the forest canopy, which makes them feel like the waterfalls I remember reading about in adventure novels when I was a kid. There are a couple of different ways to see the lower falls. One can walk from the road to a viewing point about a quarter mile away - great spot for family portraits and selfies with the falls! The other way is to walk right up to the bridge that is built VERY CLOSE to the falls. We prefer doing this, and usually take the longer gentler route to the bridge. Not only is it a serene and beautiful walk though the woods, we love the sound of the waterfall drawing closer and the occasional wildlife we come across --- like the three deer we stumbled upon earlier this week! Couple of Pro Tips - 1. The water is cold and you WILL get wet on the bridge. So wear water proof clothing and mind your cameras. 2. It is quite slippery anywhere off the designated path, so STAY ON IT! I love you Yosemite Falls - can't wait till next time!

I saw way too many people unprepared. Cute outfits and all but save that for the gym. Plan to come here with some gear or, at least, enough water. If you don't have enough water, turn around and go back down the trail BEFORE you run out of all the water you have left. Don't put yourself at risk and try the trail another time when you're ready. Although you think you look cute with that one big water bottle; don't expect to get up to the top expecting other hikers to have "extra" water. Are you kidding me ?!? It wasn't fun carrying a backpack full of water bottles 3300 ft up in one of the most difficult trails I'd been on...but what makes you think I do this because I like carrying around extra weight? Sorry hun, but I need to keep myself hydrated and most other people know to pack enough water on hikes, especially one like this. I had 3 water bottles on me and wish I'd have packed 5 minimum. Going on this hike during a heat wave means you need to take extra precautions, wear a hat, bring enough water and reapply sun block. I also saw people wearing the wrong shoes, idk how some of you managed in skater shoes, with flat bottoms and No grip. Kudos to you ! But there were a few people who got blisters on the trail. Make sure you have proper hiking shoes and if you have sweaty feet, like one hiker who got blisters because of that, Only you would know if you have that issue, don't be ashamed and pack extra socks. I wore my most comfy hiking shoes with grip and was feeling the pain in my feet halfway down so take your footwear seriously. There are many areas of loose gravel/sand on top of the rocks that makes it slippery no matter what you have on so increase your odds of not slipping or falling on your face by wearing hiking shoes with grip. I wish I had used my hiking poles on this trail. It would have made my hike so much easier. I definitely wish I'd had them on my way down. I myself, underestimated this hike. I should have packed more water and had my trekking poles. I ended up drinking 4 bottles of water, took one from hubby, to complete this in a heat wave. We left around 8:30am and I think we should have left earlier because the parts of the trail without any shade are brutal. It's quiet on the way up, with only few hikers conversating because everyone else is too busy concentrating on where to step or gasping for air because the never ending steep inclines and increased elevation, practically suck the air and life out of you. There's about a hundred switchbacks, or feels like a hundred, and Gladiator Hiking up and down, and up again, turns any elliptical machine you have ever been on in to a fun game because this trail is one helluva work out. So If you've got balance issues, bad legs, ankle problems, back problems, or even anger issues (LOL)...do the easy lower Yosemite Falls walk on a paved trail, zero sweat, cute outfit approved and all smiles. Upper Falls is a Potential ankle twisting, slipping and falling, blisters and dehydrating hike if you're not prepared. So I'm really trying to look out for ya! And after all that, I'm still giving this trail 5 stars??? Yes, that's right. The pay off of hanging out at the top of the Yosemite falls is worth it! The views, peacefulness, the water and trees make for a once in a lifetime scene. You've worked your way up here so kick back, take off your shoes, dip your feet or go for a swim in the water before it cascades from the top of the famous Yosemite Falls. It is a hidden gem and you will enjoy every moment once you reach the destination. Pack a lunch and chill out ! This is a once in a lifetime view and moment. Now if you do this hike regularly or more than once, hats off to you! I'll enjoy my once in a lifetime experience and just be happy I made it down in one piece. Happy Hiking !

Wowwwww what a sublime hike! First of all, this hike definitely requires some stamina, at least if you are doing during summer with the beaming sun. Much of the hike is wide open for the tanning. The trip up and down was about 5 miles. And I mean up and down. The way is up starts out as switchbacks and then is graded all the way to the top of the waterfall. Along the hike you get views of the valley, and half dome. Its spectacularly beautiful. Make sure to bring a ton of water and snacks to keep the energy going. If you come before 9am parking is pretty easy! Even on a weekend. Surprisingly the lot nearby was relatively empty. Anyway the views are amazing, and the air smelled delicious the entire way. Highly recommend!

I remember going to Yosemite National Park, when I was a year old with my family, before my brother was born in 1999. Also, I enjoyed spending time with my family on my summer vacation from school and work at the same time throughout the years. It's good to have a relaxing day from getting stress out of any kind of job and school during the year. My family and I liked taking pictures of half dome, forest trees, waterfall, and wild animals. The cabins are more comfortable than setting up the tents as the last time I ever went in Yosemite National Park and I haven't been getting a paid vacation at work of my own, since last 2 years as part time employee. Hopefully, I'll get a 2 week vacation off, once I get promotion to full time job. We also liked making s'mores, chopping logs, hiking, touring wildernesses, and souvenirs from Yosemite National Park. Lastly, I'll recommend this place to my friends and extended family, when the time has come.

Such an awesome time to visit Yosemite Falls right now. The water is ripping and roaring because of all the recent rain and snow. I remember the last time we were there a couple of years ago, the falls were scant with water. Not this time around! You can hike to the lower or upper falls and have an amazing view either way. It's right across the street from the lodge. Super easy access if you happen to be staying there. Otherwise, there is a free shuttle bus that stops right up front. Bust out with your camera and throw on your hiking boots. This is a must stop when you visit!

Beautiful. So glad we made it to see the sights. Highly recommend. Bring your your cameras

This is the ubiquitous waterfall that is featured on every postcard, travel brochure, and Instagram post for YNP. And it truly is spectacular. One of the tallest waterfalls in the world. My advice is to admire the waterfall from the Valley floor where you can observe all 3 falls. Skip the hike. The hike is in the reason I'm dropping this to 2 Stars. It's a relatively short hike all on a paved wheelchair accessible path. Which means there are tons of people there, all jockeying for position, pushing and shoving. The absolute rudest, lowlife scum of the earth people were all here. Nobody bothered to stay on the path. People were collecting rocks and pine cones. People were harassing birds and squirrels. People were climbing in the waterfall. There are so many people walking on this trail that the nearby road crossing has to be staffed by 2 Park Rangers who have to set up cattle crossing guards. As I said- enjoy the falls from the valley. The view is better. And fewer A-holes to deal with.

Upper Yosemite Falls Hike Only for the super fit or those who are tired of life. Breathtaking and definitely worth the difficulty rating on all of the hiking review websites (I agree that this hike is 2x steep as the empire state building). Completed this hike with a group of 15 and it took us about 9 hours. We went in late June and the waterfall pretty much died out. I would recommend going earlier on in the season. Top 3 things you must have for this hike: 1) High ankle boots - Very steep and sandy in certain areas. Some portions of the trail became very dangerous as people above us slipped and rolled down. 2) 4+ liters of water - No water refill spots on this hike. Also, very little shade in the second half of the trail. 3) At least 3 whole Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches). Trust me on this one. Probably the most important. Lower Yosemite Falls Easy walk in the park. For touristy Instagram peeps.

If you're a visitor to California or a native, this place is a must-see during Spring. Not only the Yosemite falls were running but other nearby waterfalls as well. During Covid, masks are required, and Yosemite Village requires that everyone wears one inside the stores. This place is breathtaking! If you're a visitor to California or a native, this place is a must-see during Spring. We were able to see Yosemite Falls, but other waterfalls were running nearby. Although we arrived on a Saturday, there was a ton of traffic, and we got there around 10 am. It is tough finding parking near Yosemite Village, but there is ample parking in the nearby streets, giving you a great view of Yosemite Falls and the valley. The falls, rivers, trees, and rocks will leave in awe of its beauty--one of the best places to bike with the family and hike.

Excellent stop on any Yosemite visit! Came here during the winter and it was epic nonetheless. Does not take very long to get to and trail is super easy. Once there, you are free to scramble on the rocks to get as close to the falls as you wish. I did, and it was well worth it. It offers an amazing view of the the falls as well as a scenic background. Plenty of phot ops and you get to enjoy Yosemite's splendor at the same time!

The Lower Yosemite Falls trail was really short and fun! Took my 3y/o along with my 4 month old husky, they had a blast. I would try the Upper part for a better view!

Wow wow wow. This is so beautiful. Even though is was cold and rainy it was worth the trip. 3-4 hours from Sunnyvale. Great drive. So much to see. The rivers. The mountains. Funny to see so many climate changes in one day. I would say this is a place to go. $35 per car to enter the park. Make sure you have tire chains when they ask.

Yosemite Falls are spectacular this year! After many years of poor water flows, this year the falls is pouring into the valley full force. The easy, paved trail to the base of the lower falls is a must if you are on your first time in Yosemite. Beauty and magic, even when it's crowded...

Whats the big deal? It's just some water cascading down a high cliff. Now that I got your attention, that was just my easily bored alter ego talking. Ignore him. Yosemite Falls makes you appreciate mother nature and the beauty that it showcases. If you are not impressed with this then you might want to check if you have a pulse. This was my first time so the plan was to "Stop by for a couple hours on the way home to Vegas coming from Sacramento". Those reading this that have been there are shaking their heads right now. The couple hours alone are just waiting to get into the park and finding a parking spot. Yes, I showed up around 10 am on a saturday in late August. Lesson learned. Good thing it was just the lower falls we were visiting. The upper falls is a whole day affair. It's not even a hike to the lower falls. Its more like a pleasant walk. Since it was late August, the water flow was not a lot so off we went over the makeshift barriers from fallen logs on the right side of the falls. There are several posters warning you that its very dangerous to climb over the rocks allowing you to get closer to the base of the falls. On this day nobody seemed to notice the signs for the base of the falls were crawling with people looking like the entrance to an ant hill. Once you get as close to the falls as you want to be, of course you have to stick around for awhile. You dont want to waste your time and effort going there only to turn around and go back. Btw, the water is very cold. The only glaring negative that I have to mention are the rude people that bring food and drinks but fail to clean up after themselves. Jerks. Those people dont deserve to be there. That is not the fault of the Falls. To sum it up, plan your visit accordingly. Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear appropriate gear, and for nature's sake, clean up after yourselves. Yelp 2017 Review #24 657 overall

We came early October in order to avoid spring break madness and summer crowds but should have gone in spring when the falls are flowing. Going for Fall break left me disappointed with empty lakes, creek and falls but that's my bad for chancing it. The walk was still beautiful and there is much to take pictures on esp the majestic slate mountains. We walked the hike from the parking lot which was easy and found it tranquil. The landscape constantly changes.

Amazing waterfall in an amazing setting earns Yosemite Falls the full five star treatment. Probably the most iconic waterfall in Yosemite National Park - technically two waterfalls - this beauty is located in the middle of the main valley area. It is on the north side of the valley with a large parking lot, although using the shuttle is easier during peak times. There are two hikes to access the base of the falls. The older one is shorter, but the newer one is more accessible to those with limited mobility. Once you arrive, you are pelted with spray and hear the roar of the falls. The bridge over the river is often wet and can make a great photo is you are careful. The combination of rushing water and smooth granite is very dangerous, but makes for a spectacular backdrop. During dry months and drought, the falls scale back to a near trickle. Most of the water comes from snow melt in the spring, so visit during that time for the best results. The more adventurous choose to climb the falls with a rather strenuous hike up the side of the valley wall. Along the longer accessible path, there is a turnoff to a nice viewing area where you can see the whole falls with a smaller crowd and much less water. You will see the Yosemite Falls from all over the park, but nothing matches the intensity at the base.

What part of Yosemite is NOT beautiful? I came here with a few friends to celebrate the new year. Mid winter Yosemite was not as snowy as last year, and was very hike-able with almost no snow. We went hiking around Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls with no problems. Some of my friends attempted the Upper hike last year, which was too iced over to get through. The falls, although water was not very abundant, was beautiful. It was awesome to be able to hike through the area! Upper Yosemite Falls is a little on the strenuous side filled with never ending switchbacks all the way up. With an elevation gain of about 2700 ft, this hike definitely will work your legs a lot. The views were far worth the work with a lot of amazing and scenic views along the way. I recommend summiting by 2pm to start the descend down before sundown during the winters. It was beauuuutiful and is in my book as one of my favorite ones of this year!

My girlfriend and I (31 and 29) hiked this November 5th so the weather was brisk but the sun was out so it would warm up at times during the hike. We started at 8:30am and our total time was 5.5 hours, all the way up and back down. First , we are not regular hiker and we live in Florida so the only hiking we get to do involves flat land looking for alligators. Nothing like this. We are active and workout frequently, though the last month we have been slacking so we're not at our peak performance for this hike but we really wanted to give it a shot on our trip. This hike is no joke, it's tough with a lot of elevation. The beginning part isn't too bad, starts off in a wooded area with no views. It eventually opens up and the trail goes from mostly rock to more dirt , still with an elevation. Eventually it will open up to a plateau which is only about half way in but feel like you have already hiked the entire 3 miles. This part can be deceiving because there is a railing with a really nice view and you start to think "this isnt bad at all". And that's when things get worse. The second half of the hike up is rough. It's all switchbacks which I learned on this trips are zig zag trails up the mountain. It goes on forever and is pretty steep the whole way up. We stopped a few times and I questioned why I was doing this to myself. Since it was November , it wasn't too hot but I can see if it were summer time how the heat could really wear you down. We brought three water bottles each and that was more than enough at this time. By the time you reach the top your legs are pretty beat up but it is well worth it. The view is noting sort of beautiful and the personal satisfaction is even better than the view. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the climb down is worse that the climb up. At least for me it was. My legs were so shot it felt like I was walking with jello and that's when I could feel them. Other times I couldn't even tell if my legs were still there. At times I would step and my leg would give out, my feet became a bit blistered and that didn't help things. My knees also started to hurt. Bring Advil! This was really helpful when the pain set in and it's worth carrying in case you twist an ankle or something. Overall, this experience was worth the pain but my suggestion to you would be to read some comment on here before you decide to go. Make sure you have at least three bottles of water and prepare to have extremely sore legs because what I expected and the reality where a lot different. Enjoy this wonderful journey!

Hike level: Strenuous Views 5/5 Distance: 7 mile RT from the top of Yosemite Falls. Parked at Camp 4. Hiked this during winter with snow on the trail was quite the challenge. As you past Columbia Rock (halfway point) you'll start to see snow on the trail as you get higher in elevation. Snow was about knee deep which made it even more exhausting and challenging. I had crampons which was a time saver, breezed through the trail without having to slip and slide. This hike was tougher than I had anticipated so be sure to come prepared. If you have a fear of heights the summit will definitely give you vertigo. I had vertigo just looking at the folks sitting right by the edge lol. Once you reach the top and views come into play you temporarily forget how much pain you're in.

Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Wawona Length: 7.2 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet Trail Type: Out n Back Skill Level: Strenuous Duration: 4 hours Season: Best spring through fall Local Contacts: Yosemite National Park Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and fifth highest in the world, dropping 2,425 feet. The Upper Fall plummets 1,430 feet to the middle cascade. The cascade tumbles another 675 feet to the Lower Fall, which plunges 320 feet to the valley floor. The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the park's oldest trails, built in the 1870s. It is a strenuous and challenging hike--leading from the valley floor, up the sheer north wall, to the precipice of Yosemite Falls on the upper plateau. The trail gains 2,700 feet in elevation.

Only giving this 3 stars because it was literally the HARDEST HIKE I'VE EVER DONE. I'm no avid hiker by ANY MEANS. My dad and boyfriend wanted to do this hike and I dreaded it since the beginning. I'm an active girl but this was just a whole new level of intensity... We woke up early and took the Yosemite bus to camp 4 to begin at around 8am..... anyways long story short this was REALLY TOUGH. Going up was extremely tough but in retrospect I think they way down was even tougher. Worth it? Sure... but I will never be back to do this hike again. I've even heard people say half dome isn't as tough as this!

The round trip hike to the top is under 8 miles however most of the trail is rock stairs and switchbacks without much cover from the elements. The views of the falls and valley along the way are amazing and the payoff on top is well worth the effort. Remember to pack plenty of water as there are no water sources along the trail other than the falls at the summit if you have a filter. Please know your limits before hiking in any area of the park including this trail. If you take your time and are prepared most people should be able to tackle this trail... one member of our group (slightly over 40 and slightly out of shape) struggled on this hike as shown in photo but he groaned and grunted through pain and eventually reached the top. Tip: If it's crowded at the top of the falls and you still have some energy, escape to the top of Yosemite point which is another mile up trail and worth it for the views of Half Dome.

Are you sick of having toes? How about knees? Legs in general? Then the 2,900 ft. descent from Yosemite's Upper Fall should take care of all of those for you. Nothing quite like 3.5 miles of granite trail to make you really feel alive, or want to be dead. ;-) Fortunately, the hike is absolutely, entirely, without-a-doubt worth it. I've even done it more than once. In any hiking guide, the Upper Falls hike is noted for being a 6-10 hour strenuous hike. If you're short on time and in decent climbing shape, a two hour ascent is possible. Either way, I wouldn't start any later than noon. The fun part of the Falls hike is the diversity of folks making the pilgrimage, and the higher you get, the more friendly people become, perhaps because we're all realizing that we'll depend on each other if a knee blows out and someone has to call a ranger. After the first set of switchbacks, the views are gorgeous, so keep going at least to Columbia Rock before turning around. Bring a light backpack with a camera, water bottle, snack, a light windbreaker for the misty part, and a map so you can figure out where the heck you're going if you decide to keep looking around on top of the Valley. Please don't wear flip-flops while hiking the tallest waterfall in North America. I can't believe how many people screw that part up. For the acrophobe, prepare to freak the hell out at the Upper Falls overlook, where I personally white-knuckle the guard rail within an inch of my life. Once you acclimate, though, the sweeping vistas of the Valley make for a primo spot to grub on trail mix and contemplate your existence. That's what it's all about, after all. Enjoy.