While Yosemite National Park is forever linked to Half Dome, the massive granite monolith immortalized by landscape photographer Ansel Adams, it’s also home to many fabulous flowing waterfalls. Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls are two of the most famous Yosemite waterfalls, but there are several others you’ll want to check out when you visit Yosemite National Park. Plunging hundreds of feet into rivers and creeks below, the waterfalls at Yosemite National Park thunder past a smooth granite backdrop.
The best Yosemite waterfalls are powered by melting snow and spring rains, so the flowing falls are at their prime in May. Most of the waterfalls in Yosemite Valley are easily spotted from designated viewpoints, or after a short walk along paved paths. While it’s difficult to see all of the waterfalls in Yosemite, the most spectacular waterfalls to add to your Must See List are:
Nevada Fall
Vernal Fall
Bridalviel Fall
Yosemite Fall
Illilouette Falls
Ribbon Fall
Sentinel Fall
Silver Strand Fall
Royal Arch Falls
Horsetail Falls (Aka Firefalls)
Read on to discover which waterfalls are worth seeing, the best season for the waterfall, how to get there, and so much more about each Yosemite waterfalls.
Bridalveil Fall as seen from Tunnel View during a chilly winter morning. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
BRIDALVEIL FALL
Where is BRIDALVEIL FALL?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Bridalveil Fall
Best Season for BRIDALVEIL FALL:
The best season to watch Bridalveil Fall is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow for Bridalveil Fall
In the winter, this falls is often coated with ice, making the sight aesthetically pleasing
Best Places to see BRIDALVEIL FALL:
Bridalveil Fall is a spectacular waterfall that you can see from several places throughout Yosemite Valley. The most popular place to see Bridalveil Fall is from Tunnel View, however there are several other places to see this gorgeous falls:
Bridalveil Fall trailhead
Valley View
Southside Drive
Can you hike to BRIDALVEIL FALL?
Yes, you can easily hike to Bridalveil Fall. This hike is short, roughly a mile round trip, on a paved path. There is a gentle uphill slope rising 200 feet, but this should not deter you as most hikers wont notice the incline.
Hiking to the base of Bridalveil Fall
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 to 20 minutes
FUN FACTS ABOUT BRIDALVEIL FALL:
As you enter Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, one of the first falls you’ll see if Bridalveil. It should come as no surprise it's one of the most prominent within the granite walls of the valley. As the name describes it, when there’s a breeze flowing, the mist that wafts off it creates something that would be similar to a 'bride's veil' and thus the name Bridalveil.
Total Height of Bridalveil Fall: 620 feet
Yosemite Falls rushing in the background while walking to the Merced River bank to hang with friends. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
YOSEMITE FALLS
Where is YOSEMITE FALLS?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Yosemite Falls
Best Season for YOSEMITE FALLS:
The best season to watch Yosemite Falls is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow
Best Places to see YOSEMITE FALLS:
You can see Yosemite Falls from almost everywhere in Yosemite Valley, but here are some of my favorite places to sit back and enjoy the views of this magnificent waterfall.
Merced River Bank
Yosemite Chapel
Looking over your should while hiking the 4 Mile Trail
Can you hike to YOSEMITE FALLS?
Yes, you can hike to all three waterfalls that make up Yosemite Falls.
FUN FACTS ABOUT YOSEMITE FALLS:
Yosemite Falls can be seen throughout a large portion of Yosemite Valley including from the Yosemite Chapel, Merced River Bank Yosemite Valley Lodge and even high above the valley from Glacier Point. One of the tallest waterfalls in the world at a total of 2425 feet and the tallest in all of North America, it is actually made up of three separate drops:
Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet)
Middle Cascades (675 feet)
Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet)
Total Height of Yosemite Falls: 2,425 feet
Tallest waterfall in North America
5th tallest waterfall in the World
VERNAL FALL
Where is VERNAL FALL?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Vernal Fall
Best Season for VERNAL FALL:
The best season to watch Vernal Fall is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow
Summer time is great because the mist while hiking the iconic Mist Trail will cool you down
Best Places to see VERNAL FALL:
Hiking the Mist trail
Hiking the John Muir Trail
Glacier Point
Can you hike to VERNAL FALL?
Yes, you can hike to Vernal Falls via the Mist trail. Mist trail details below:
Hiking to the Top of Vernal Fall
Distance: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 1000 ft (300 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 3 hours
FUN FACTS ABOUT VERNAL FALL
Just below the frothy Nevada fall is Vernal Fall. The first of the waterfalls in the legendary Mist Trail. Especially in the spring, you’ll truly understand why this hike is called the “Mist Trail.” In short, be sure to bring a raincoat even if it’s sunny. These two mighty waterfalls form a cascade in which the Merced River flows down into the valley and create what is called the “giant staircase.”
Total Height of Vernal Fall: 317 feet
Atop Vernal Falls there is a chain of pools you can swim in
The Vernal Falls hike is the shortest waterfall hike in Yosemite
Illilouette Falls
Where is Illilouette Falls?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Illilouette Falls
Best Season for Illilouette Falls:
The best season to watch Illilouette Falls is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow
Best Places to see Illilouette Falls:
Hiking the Mist trail
Hiking the John Muir Trail
Glacier Point
Panorama Trail
Can you hike to Illilouette Falls?
You can hike to the top of Illilouette Falls using the Panormama Trail. Here are the details for hiking to the top of Illilouette Falls:
Hiking to the Top of Illilouette Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1400 ft (3420 m)
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 2-4 hoursThere is no trail to safely walk to the base of the Illilouette Falls
FUN FACTS ABOUT Illilouette Falls:
Another one of our hidden gems in Yosemite, Illilouette Fall can be glimpsed from the legendary Mist Trail, but to really get a good view of it, you need to do some hiking. From Glacier Point, you’ll descend down about two miles to get to the top of the falls. But be forewarned. The trek back up to Glacier Point is quite the climb.
Total Height of Illilouette Falls: 370 feet
The origin and meaning of the waterfall's name has been lost to time
Illilouette Falls is one of the least visited falls in Yosemite Valley
Fire falls, a waterfall in Yosemite Valley, glowing red during sunset in February. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
HORSETAIL FALL (AKA FIRE FALL)
Where is HORSETAIL FALL?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is to Horsetail Fall
Best Season for HORSETAIL FALl:
The best season to watch Horsetail Fall is during the winter 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, Horsetail Fall might now be running come summer.
Winter season after a snow storm to guarantee Horsetail Fall is flowing
For the last two weeks of February, Horsetail Fall, at sunset flows lava red creating Fire Falls
Spring season if California has a hardy snow year
Best Places to see HORSETAIL FALl:
Four Mile Trail
Glacier Point
El Cap Meadow
Can you hike to HORSETAIL FALl?
There is no established trail to the base, or top, of Horsetail Fall. I would not suggest trying to hike to this falls unless you have a good plan of action and experience blazing your own trail.
FUN FACTS ABOUT HORSETAIL FALLS:
Horsetail Fall's claim to fame is the legend of the Horsetail Fall Event. It's a natural phenomenon that occurs typically in mid-February when all meteorological and hydrological formations align to create what looks like a ribbon of fire when the rays of the setting winter sun light up the water and mist first golden and then fiery red Horsetail Fall drops off the east side of El Capitan and was known in Ansel Adams's time as El Capitan Fall. Now, this event is called Firefall.
Total Height of Horsetail Fall: 1,000 Feet
Fire Fall only occurs during the last two weeks of February
Horesetail Falls is second highest fully airborne waterfall in Yosemite
Sentinel Falls
Where is Sentinel Falls?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Sentinel Falls:
Best Season for Sentinel Falls:
The best season to watch Sentinel Falls 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, Sentinel Falls might now be running come summer.
Early spring season, Sentinel Falls has a strong flow
Winter season, after a snow storm to guarantee Sentinel Falls is flowing
Best Places to see Sentinel Falls:
The best places to see Sentinel Falls is from Yosemite Valley floor on the opposite side of the glacially carved Sentinel Dome. Some of the best places to see Sentinel Falls are:
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
Merced River Bank
Can you hike to Sentinel Falls?
Hiking to Sentinel Falls can be done if the trails are open due to winter conditions. Since Sentinel Falls do not flow year round, on certain years the falls will stop before you can hike to the top. However, if you can hike to the top of you will take the 4 Mile Trail and hike towards Taft Point:
Hiking to the Top of Sentinel Falls
Distance: 14.3 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 4,900 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 9.5 hours
FUN FACTS ABOUT Sentinel Falls:
Just west of Sentinel Rock, this precipitous peak of rocks was named by the Whitney Party because of the high tower-like position it occupies. This long series of cascades consists of six major drops with the largest being over 500 feet tall. Despite its immense height, in most years it’s usually dry by the end of July.
Total Height of Sentinel Falls: 2,000 feet
Nevada and Vernal Falls as seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite Valley. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Ribbon Fall
Where is Ribbon Fall?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Ribbon Fall
Best Season for Ribbon Fall:
The best season to watch Ribbon Fall is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow for Ribbon Fall
Best Places to see Ribbon Fall:
Ribbon Fall is tucked away in the shadow of El Capitan, making it difficult to see when walking around Yosemite Valley. However, there are several great places to see Ribbon Fall like:
El Cap Meadow
Bridalveil Fall Trailhead
Northside Drive
Can you hike to Ribbon Fall?
Ribbon Fall does not have an established trail to the base, nor the top. To get there, you will need to scramble off of a trail, potentially on loose rock, to reach the base or top of the waterfall. Please be careful if you decide to make this hike.
FUN FACTS ABOUT Ribbon Fall:
While Yosemite Falls is the tallest, Ribbon Fall has something it doesn’t. It’s the highest free-leaping fall in all of North America. Primarily fed by snowmelt over granite rock, this is a great one to see in early spring.
Total Height of Ribbon Fall: 1,612 feet
Silver Strand Fall
Where is Silver Strand Fall?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Silver Strand Fall
Best Season for Silver Strand Fall:
The best season to watch Silver Strand Fall 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, Silver Strand Fall might now be running come summer.
Early spring season, Silver Strand Fall has a strong flow
Winter season, after a snow storm to guarantee Silver Strand Fall is flowing
Best Places to see Silver Strand Fall:
Silver Strand Fall is “hidden” in plain sight, as most people do not look over their shoulder at Tunnel View to see this fall.
Artist Point
Can you hike to Silver Strand Fall?
You can hike to Silver Strand Falls, but be ready for a long one! To reach Silver Strand, you will take the Pohono Trail to either Old Inspiration Point or Stanford Point.
Hiking to the Top of Silver Strand Fall
Distance: 9 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 3,415 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours
FUN FACTS ABOUT Silver Strand Fall:
In a valley with so many amazing falls there’s of course going to be a few that are overlooked. One of them that’s on the top of this list is the Silver Strand Falls. Due to its location when visitors peer from the Tunnel View Overlook their gaze focuses on El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. If you do make it this spot made famous by Ansel Adams be sure to look up above the Wawona Tunnel and you’ll be gifted an opportunity most others miss – the Silver Strand Falls.
Total Height of Silver Strand Fall: 574 feet
NEVADA FALL
Where is NEVADA FALL?
CLICK HERE to discover which waterfall is Nevada Fall
Best Season for Nevada Fall:
The best season to watch Nevada Fall is during the spring months, however this Yosemite waterfall runs year round.
Spring time has the highest flow for Nevada Fall
Best Places to see Nevada Fall:
To see Nevada Fall up close, you will need to put in a lot of effort as the hike to the base of Nevada Fall takes 5-6 hours round trip. Meanwhile, if you drive and walk to the Glacier Point vista, you can easily see Nevada Fall from a distance.
While hiking the Mist Trail
While hiking the John Muir Trail
Glacier Point
Can you hike to Nevada Fall?
Yes, you can hike to the top of Nevada Falls. Hiking details are below:
Hiking to the Top of Nevada Fall
Distance: 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip (via Mist Trail)
Elevation gain: 2000 ft (610 m)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 5-6 hours
FUN FACTS ABOUT NEVADA FALL:
The pinnacle of the Mist Trail, it is one part of what many call nature’s “giant staircase.” Located below the giant granite dome known as Liberty Cap, Nevada’s unique shape is one that will help you identify it quickly. The first third of the water falls freely finishing off on a steep slick-rock slope. The water hits the granite with such a force creating a turbulent, whitewater appearance and a great deal of mist... which led to its current name (Nevada is a Spanish word meaning "snowy").
Total Height of Nevada Fall: 594 feet
Royal Arch Cascade
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
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:
Glacier Point
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
Upper Yosemite Fall frozen on a cold winter day in Yosemite National Park. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered which waterfalls are worth seeing, the best season for the waterfall, and how to get to the best waterfalls of Yosemite Valley it is your turn to visit this magical place. Please, leave a comment below if this article was helpful, or if there is additional information that others should know.
