waterfalls

Welcome to Yosemite>>Plan Your Visit>>What To See>>Waterfalls

Yosemite Waterfalls

At Yosemite, waterfalls draw visitors from around the globe year after year. Because many of Yosemite’s waterfalls are fed by snowmelt, the amount of water rushing over each waterfall can vary widely throughout the year. In addition to those below, numerous other falls can be seen during the spring run-off or after a heavy rainstorm.

Yosemite Valley Waterfalls

Upper Yosemite Fall - photo K. Karst
  • Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,430 ft.; Middle, 675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is one of the tallest in North America and fifth highest in the world with a total drop of 2,425 feet.
  • Bridalveil Fall (620 ft.) called "Pohono" or "spirit of the puffing wind" by the Ahwahneechee Indians. The wind often blows the falls sideways giving it the appearance of a "bride's veil".
  • Ribbon Fall (1,612 ft.), which flows off a cliff on the west side of El Capitan, is the tallest single fall in North America.
  • Illilouette Fall (370 ft.) is visible from below on the John Muir Trail. From Washburn Point, just before you get to Glacier Point, there's a more spectacular view of its brink and stony gorge.
  • Vernal Fall (317 ft.) and Nevada Fall (594 ft.) are visible from the Mist Trail.  and rewards hikers with a refreshing, rainbow-filled shower on hot spring days.
  • Horsetail Fall (1000 ft) is a seasonal waterfall flowing off the eastern cliffs of El Capitan.  This Yosemite waterfall’s location affords a spectacular effect intermittently during the last two weeks of February.  During this time, it is backlit by the sun causing it to glow orange as though it were on fire.

Waterfalls Outside Yosemite Valley

In the Mist of Wapama Falls
  • Chilnualna Falls (300 ft), a long series of cascades culminating in a large drop, all located about 4.1 trail miles from Wawona, in Southern Yosemite.
  • Waterwheel Falls (700 ft) gets its name from its ridged 50-55 degree incline causing the water to strike the ridges and loop back – creating the “Waterwheels” Best seen during spring run-off.  Located downriver from Tuolumne Meadows.
  • Tueeulala Fall (1000 ft) and Wapama Falls (1700 ft), both located in Hetch Hetchy, accessible via Evergreen Road along Highway 120, a few miles from the main 120 entrance.  While Tueeulala Fall does dry up by mid-summer, Wapama maintains a large flow all year long.  Due to security for Hetch Hetchy, the road to the area closes at night.  Check with the National Park Service for more info on the hours of operation for the road.

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