A towering, seasonal waterfall system above Yosemite Valley, with a short walk to its lower drop.
Yosemite Falls is a sequence of three drops: the upper fall, middle cascades and lower fall. Together they descend 2,425 feet from the valley rim. The full system is visible from several places around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, so enjoying its scale does not require the strenuous climb to the top.
For a closer look, the Lower Yosemite Fall loop covers one mile on a paved path. Spring and early summer bring powerful spray near the footbridge; by late summer the waterfall can be dry. The eastern side provides a wheelchair-accessible approach when clear of snow and ice. Stay on the path around the base, where even apparently dry boulders can be slippery. Check park access requirements and trail conditions before traveling.
Know before you go
Yosemite Valley; use official parking and shuttle information.
Strongest in spring and early summer; often dry by late summer.
Lower fall: 1-mile paved loop.
Check current national park entrance requirements.
Eastern approach is wheelchair accessible when snow- and ice-free.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- NPS — Lower Yosemite Fall Trail ↗
- NPS — Yosemite waterfalls ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
