Yosemite Valley Waterfalls: A Guide to the Park’s Most Spectacular Cascades

Yosemite National Park is known for many things. Granite cliffs. Giant sequoias. But waterfalls are among its top attractions. Yosemite Valley, the most popular part of the park, holds several of the most spectacular waterfalls in North America. From the first cascade that greets visitors entering the valley to the massive falls that give the park its name, these waterfalls draw millions of visitors each year.

The most important thing to know about Yosemite’s waterfalls is timing. The vast majority are fed by melting snow. Visiting in spring or early summer is essential for seeing them at their peak. By mid-July, most falls slow to a trickle. By August and September, many are completely dry.

There are exceptions to this rule. Years with heavy snowpack, such as 2023 when the Sierra Nevada received 250 percent of its average snow, can keep waterfalls flowing well into summer. But for the best experience, spring remains the ideal time to visit.

Bridalveil Fall

For visitors entering Yosemite from the south on Wawona Road, the first view of the valley comes from Tunnel View. From this famous overlook, one waterfall stands out on the right. Bridalveil Fall often greets visitors to Yosemite.

Bridalveil Fall has a single drop. It is fed by Bridalveil Creek. The waterfall is frequently taken by the wind, which blows its water sideways. This effect is said to resemble the white veil of a bride. Bridalveil is one of the few waterfalls in Yosemite that flows year-round, though spring still brings the strongest flow.

A famous photographic opportunity occurs at Bridalveil Fall in late spring and early fall. Late afternoon sun creates a stunning rainbow that begins in the mist at the bottom and works its way up the waterfall. This rainbow appears between 4:15 and 4:30 PM on sunny days in late May and early June. Wind blowing the water around enhances the effect.

The trail to Bridalveil Fall underwent major renovation for several years. It is scheduled to reopen in summer 2023. The trail is only half a mile round trip. It is paved and relatively flat. Visitors visiting in spring when the falls are flowing strongest should prepare to get wet at the base.

Ribbon Fall and Horsetail Fall

Continuing into the valley, visitors notice smaller waterfalls toppling over cliff edges. Ribbon Fall sits directly across from Bridalveil Fall on the western side of El Capitan. It is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in North America but flows only in spring.

On the eastern side of El Capitan sits Horsetail Fall. This waterfall is also known as the Firefall. In mid-February each year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the fall. The water glows orange and red, resembling flowing lava. This phenomenon draws large crowds. Reservations are now required to view it.

Yosemite Falls

The most famous waterfall in the park is the one that shares its name. Yosemite Falls measures 2,425 feet from top to bottom. This makes it arguably the tallest waterfall in North America. The claim has been questioned recently, but it remains somewhere in the top ten and is undeniably impressive.

Yosemite Falls is composed of three sections. The upper falls drop 1,430 feet. The middle falls are inaccessible to visitors. The lower falls drop 320 feet. The total height from the top of the upper falls to the base of the lower falls is 2,425 feet.

One of the best views of Yosemite Falls is from Glacier Point. This overlook provides a sweeping view of the entire valley. The view was good enough that naturalist John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt posed for a photo here in 1903.

The lower section of Yosemite Falls is accessible via a one-mile round trip paved trail. The trail starts from the valley shuttle stop. A classic view along the way frames both the upper and lower falls with tall trees. The trail remains mostly flat throughout.

When the falls flow strongly, the mist from the lower falls soaks the viewing platform. Visitors should expect to get wet. Cameras need protection. In spring of a heavy snow year, the water crashes down with tremendous force.

The lower falls are also one of the best places in Yosemite to see a moonbow. On nights near a full moon, when the falls are flowing strongly, moonlight creates a lunar rainbow in the mist. To the unaided eye, a moonbow appears gray. But a camera with a long exposure captures the full spectrum of colors.

The Mist Trail

The Mist Trail is one of the busiest trails in Yosemite. It is also home to two of the park’s most popular waterfalls. For those looking to avoid crowds, starting early in the morning is essential.

The trail starts at Happy Isles. The first waterfall along the route is Vernal Fall. The hike to Vernal Fall is 1.2 miles one way. It is almost entirely uphill. The last section to the top of the waterfall involves a staircase that, in spring, is completely drenched in water from the falls.

A poncho, raincoat, or acceptance of getting wet is necessary on this section. The mist from Vernal Fall frequently creates rainbows. The view from the top is spectacular.

Vernal Fall does not generally run completely dry, but the flow drops significantly by late summer and fall. In a heavy snow year like 2023, the waterfall remains strong through most of summer.

Many visitors turn around at Vernal Fall. The wet stairs can be slippery, and the climb continues. But Nevada Fall awaits those who press on.

Nevada Fall is another 1.5 miles from the top of Vernal Fall. Once again, the trail is almost entirely uphill. Nevada Fall is well known to hikers passing through on their way to Half Dome. The waterfall drops 594 feet and is even more impressive than Vernal Fall.

For the return trip from Nevada Fall, hikers have two options. The first is to retrace steps back down the Mist Trail. This is the shorter route but involves the slippery wet stairs near Vernal Fall.

The second option is to take the John Muir Trail. This adds about 1.5 miles to the return trip but is much easier on the knees. It also avoids the slippery stairs entirely. The John Muir Trail provides different views of both waterfalls, including a vista of Nevada Fall with Liberty Dome in the background and a view of Vernal Fall from Clark Point.

The Hike to Upper Yosemite Falls

The upper section of Yosemite Falls drops 1,430 feet straight down. The view from the valley floor is amazing. But getting up close to this behemoth provides an entirely different perspective.

The hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is about seven miles round trip. The trail gains approximately 3,250 feet of elevation. It is almost entirely uphill. Of all the hikes in Yosemite, this ranks as one of the most difficult. Only the Half Dome summit is more strenuous.

Starting early is essential. The trail begins just past Camp 4. It immediately heads uphill. The first mile consists almost entirely of switchbacks. The first half mile passes through thick forest. The trees then thin out, exposing hikers to direct sunlight. Late starters face the hottest part of the day on exposed slopes.

About one mile in, the trail reaches Columbia Rock. This lookout provides excellent views of Yosemite Valley. It is a good place for a short break. But the falls are still far ahead.

Beyond Columbia Rock, the trail levels out briefly and even goes slightly downhill. Hikers begin to hear the roar of the upper falls. Rounding a corner brings the first proper view of the upper section in its entirety. The waterfall is gigantic and extremely powerful. Some hikers turn around here, satisfied with the view.

Those who continue face more switchbacks. The views get better the closer they get. Eventually, following signs for the Upper Falls Lookout, hikers reach the top. The sight of water surging over the edge is breathtaking. The view of Yosemite Valley from above is equally impressive.

This hike is best done when the falls are actually flowing. In September of a dry year, the upper falls may be little more than a trickle. In spring of a heavy snow year, the creek at the top rages with power.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring is the best season for waterfall viewing in Yosemite. April, May, and early June offer the strongest flow. The waterfalls thunder with snowmelt. The mist rises high. Rainbows appear frequently.

Early summer can still be good, especially in heavy snow years. By late July, most falls have diminished significantly. By August and September, many are dry or barely flowing.

Winter brings a different kind of beauty. Some waterfalls freeze partially. Ice formations cover the cliffs. But many trails are closed or dangerous due to snow and ice.

What to Bring

For easy waterfall viewing like the lower Yosemite Falls trail or Bridalveil Fall, sturdy walking shoes and a rain jacket are sufficient. The trails are paved and short.

For the Mist Trail or the hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, more preparation is needed. Hiking boots with good grip are essential. Water is critical. At least two liters per person is recommended for longer hikes. Sunscreen and a hat protect against exposure. Snacks provide energy for the climb.

A rain jacket or poncho is essential for the Mist Trail, especially in spring. The stairs near Vernal Fall are completely drenched. Getting soaked is guaranteed without protection.

For moonbow viewing at lower Yosemite Falls, a tripod and a camera with manual controls are necessary. The human eye sees the moonbow as gray. Only a long exposure photograph captures the colors.

Conclusion

Yosemite Valley holds some of the most spectacular waterfalls in North America. Bridalveil Fall greets visitors at the entrance. Ribbon Fall and Horsetail Fall add to the scenery along the valley walls. Yosemite Falls towers above everything as the park’s namesake and tallest cascade. The Mist Trail delivers two powerful waterfalls in one hike.

Spring is the time to go. The snowmelt feeds the falls. The water rages. The mist rises. Rainbows appear in the spray. The valley comes alive in a way that summer cannot match.

Some trails are easy. Some are brutal. But every waterfall in Yosemite Valley rewards the effort required to reach it. Whether standing at the base of Bridalveil Fall, climbing the wet stairs of the Mist Trail, or looking down from the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, the experience is unforgettable.