During the spring time in Yosemite National Park, the water-levels are at their highest, as the sun warms the granite and melts the winter snow. As this magical landscape sheds its winter coat, the rushing water flows down waterfalls and cascades. One of those is the Royal Arch Cascade located near the iconic granite arches of Royal Arches. This cascade can only be seen during the springtime as the snow is melting because there is little soil to retain the groundwater. So, what does this mean? Well, imagine the warming sun comes out and the water has no place to go but down! Yup, that is right, Royal Arch Cascade becomes an epic waterslide!
Royal Arch Cascade is a 1,250 foot waterfall that seasonally flows over the granite walls in Yosemite National Park. This cascade flows during the spring months, but often is dry by the middle of summer, allowing hikers and rock climbers to enjoy the slopes of Royal Arches. Many visitors can identify the Arches, and the cascade which lies directly across from Half Dome while driving on the Southside of the Valley Loop.
Read on to discover where Royal Arch Cascade is located in Yosemite Valley, how to get to it, where to see, how to hike the cascade, and so much more!
Royal Arches on the right side of this panoramic image is home to the Royal Arch Cascade. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
WHERE IS ROYAL ARCH CASCADE?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Royal Arch Cascade
BEST SEASON FOR ROYAL ARCH CASCADE:
The best season to watch Royal Arch Cascade is during the spring months. This Yosemite waterfall does not flow year round as it depends on snowmelt to flow. If there is a light snow year in California, Royal Arch Cascade might now be running come summer.
Early spring season, Royal Arch Cascade has a strong flow
Winter season, after a snow storm to guarantee Royal Arch Cascade is flowing
Sunrise on Royal Arch and Basket Dome in Yosemite National Park. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
BEST PLACES TO SEE ROYAL ARCH CASCADE:
Royal Arch Cascade is a unique waterfall as it is “hidden” in comparison to most waterfalls in Yosemite Valley. The best place to see this waterfall is from afar, along the valley rim, like Glacier Point. However, there are several places to see this 1,250 foot cascading waterfall like:
Stoneman Meadow
Ahwahnee Hotel
CAN YOU HIKE TO ROYAL ARCH CASCADE?
You can hike to the base of the Royal Arch Cascade, however this waterfall is best observed from afar. To reach the cascade, there is no trail and you will need to scramble across a large, steep, and slippery boulder field. I would not recommend this unless you are experienced at this kind of things.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ROYAL ARCH CASCADE:
Within walking distance of the famous Ahwahnee Hotel typically a stringy ephemeral fall that lightly dances it way down a granite wall. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a heavy thunderstorm be sure to head here. The sudden downpour can expand this normally tranquil and ephemeral fall to where it takes up the majority of the granite wall it resides on. A sight to behold that’s for sure!
Total Height of Royal Arch Cascade: 1,250 feet
Royal Arch Cascade seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered where Royal Arch Cascade is located in Yosemite Valley, how to get to it, where to see, and how to hike the cascade, it is your turn to visit Yosemite Valley and explore this grand landscape. Please, if you found this blog helpful, or see an opportunity for additional information, please leave a comment below for fellow adventurers in the community.
