There are a lot of great reasons to hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. The views from Yosemite Falls summit will take your breath away and the sound of the thundering flow humbles the soul. Halfway up the climb you get an amazing view of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the distance. Once at the top, watch as the falls plummet down the side of the mountain and get a greater sense of just how far you hiked. And if you have the energy to continue onto Yosemite Point, your reward is one of the best views of Half Dome in all of Yosemite National Park.

This is not a hike to be underestimated. Getting to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls is challenging, most of the trail is a steady, uphill climb with a relentless number of switchbacks.

YOSEMITE FALLS HIKE OVERVIEW

Yes, you can hike to all three waterfalls that make up Yosemite Falls. If you are trying to get to the top, this hike is called Upper Yosemite Falls Hike with the average time to hike to the top takes 5 hours and 35 minutes. Here are all the details on the Upper Yosemite Falls Hike:

Distance (round trip): 7.6 miles to the top of Yosemite Falls; 8.7 miles to Yosemite Point
Elevation gain: 3,218 feet; 3,700 feet to Yosemite Point
Route type: Out and Back
Trailhead: Camp 4
When to go: Spring, summer, or fall. The Yosemite Falls is at its maximum flow in spring and early summer. By the end of summer into autumn, it could be just a trickle or completely dry.
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Most people only make the short trip to visit Lower Falls, but Upper Falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the opportunity to see this amazing waterfall up close.

FAQ ABOUT HIKING YOSEMITE FALLS

IS THE HIKE TO UPPER YOSEMITE FALLS HARD?

The hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is a strenuous hike that should be respected. With this said, please do not let the idea of a hard hike prevent you from going on this magnificent hike. There are several stopping points along the trail to enjoy the views of the falls. If at the that point the idea of the summit is too much, you can always turn around. Enjoy the hike, enjoy the views, and embrace your own challenge.

HOW LONG OF A HIKE IS UPPER YOSEMITE FALLS?

The hike to Yosemite Falls can vary in length depending on the specific trail you choose to take and ranges from a half-day to a full-day of hiking. The most common route is the Yosemite Falls Trail, which is approximately 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers) round trip to the Upper Yosemite Falls viewpoint. However, if you decide to continue to the top of Yosemite Falls, the hike becomes much longer, totaling around 13.6 miles (21.9 kilometers) round trip. The duration of the hike can also vary based on your fitness level and the time you spend enjoying the scenic viewpoints along the way, but expect to hike for the whole day if you go to Yosemite Point.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE LOWER YOSEMITE FALLS?

The hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall is relatively short and easy, making it accessible to most visitors. The round-trip hike typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to admire the waterfall and take in the scenery. The trail is approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) in length and is mostly flat and paved, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. However, keep in mind that the trail can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, which may affect the time it takes to complete the hike.

IS YOSEMITE FALLS HIKE WORTH IT?

The Yosemite Falls hike is considered by many to be absolutely worth it. It offers breathtaking views of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America and provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Yosemite National Park's stunning natural beauty. However, whether it's worth it depends on your preferences and physical fitness.

The hike can be challenging due to its steep ascent and can be quite crowded during peak season. Yet, the awe-inspiring vistas and the sense of accomplishment make it a rewarding experience for many outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Ultimately, if you enjoy hiking and appreciate magnificent scenery, the Yosemite Falls hike is likely to be worth your time and effort.

HOW MANY DROPS DOES YOSEMITE FALLS HAVE?

Yosemite Falls consists of three distinct drops:

Upper Yosemite Fall: This is the uppermost section of Yosemite Falls, with a single plunge of about 1,430 feet (435 meters). It's the tallest of the three drops and the one most visible from many viewpoints in Yosemite Valley.
Middle Cascades: Below the Upper Yosemite Fall, there are several smaller cascades and plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. While these are not as well-defined as the upper and lower sections, they contribute to the overall beauty of the waterfall.
Lower Yosemite Fall: The Lower Yosemite Fall is the final section and the most accessible. It has a drop of about 320 feet (98 meters) and is a popular destination for visitors. You can easily reach the base of the Lower Yosemite Fall via a short and paved trail.

Together, these three drops create the magnificent and iconic Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.