When you arrive in Yosemite Valley, one thing you will immediately notice are the waterfalls. In every direction, you will find waterfalls that can, and will, take your breath away as you stare at their beauty. Many of them have names and one of my favorites is Ribbon Fall near El Capitan. This waterfall is often “hidden” in plain sight as Ribbon Fall is often in the shadow of El Capitan. However, once you start to spend some time in Yosemite National Park, you will realize this delicate waterfall dances with the wind and shimmers in the sunset light, unlike any other waterfall in Yosemite.
Ribbon Fall is a delicate waterfall, found to the left of El Capitan, that is best observed from March until June and boasts being the North America’s longest, single-drop waterfall. The water plummeting off of Ribbon Fall drops 1,612 feet without hitting any objects. That is incredible!
Read on to discover what Ribbon Fall looks like, where to find it, the best time of year to see the fall, and so much more!
Ribbon Fall just after sunset showing off that orange glow that the walls of of Yosemite Valley exude. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
WHERE IS RIBBON FALL?
Ribbon Fall is a delicate waterfall, found to the left of El Capitan, that runs for a couple of months every year as the snow melts. Many often confuse Ribbon Fall with Horsetail Fall when they are visiting Yosemite Valley to watch Firefalls (aka Horsetail Fall at sunset in February).
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, March until June. On a high snow year, Ribbon Fall will run throughout the year, but on a low snow year, Ribbon Fall will dry up. So, if you want to see the longest free falling waterfall in North America at its peak, head to Yosemite Valley during the spring and watch the water of Ribbon Fall plunge over the edge and free fall for 1,612 feet.
Funny Story About Ribbon Fall:
Besides a handful of waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, like Bridaveil Fall and Yosemite Falls, most people can not spot most named waterfalls. Heck, there are so many waterfalls in Yosemite Valley that every direction you turn in the spring time there seems to be water flowing off of the granite walls. Well, I’ll admit, before I dedicated time to being in and learning about Yosemite Valley, I was a person who couldn’t spot a single waterfall. This was actually comical!
During one of my early visits to Yosemite Valley in the winter, I was wandering the valley admiring the snowy landscapes, take back by the raw beauty. As I walked around, doing my best not to slip and fall on the ice, I came across a few really kid humans near the Bridalveil Fall trailhead and overhead their conversation:
“Do you think Firefalls is going to happen tonight?” one asked their friend.
“I am not sure, but I am excited to see it.” the other responded.
In a very honest manner, I approached and asked, “What is firefall? That sounds very exciting.”
“You haven’t heard of this? Do you live under a rock?”
“Sorry. My friend forgets not everyone is a national park geek like us. Firefalls is when Horsetail Fall turns red at sunset. If you are short on time, you can actually watch it from the meadow behind you.” The kinder friend pointed said to me.
“Awesome, well thank you!” I said an went on my way to grab a chair to post up so I could watch this spectacle.
Little did I know that while you can see Firefalls from Hanging Valley meadow, it is not obvious if you don’t know where to look.
So, there I was, at sunset staring up at Ribbon Fall watching the sunset fade over my left shoulder. Brilliant oranges were glowing and El Capitan was glowing, but the waterfall that I was looking at, Ribbon Fall, was tucked into a bowl shape rock out-cropping that cocooned the waterfall, blocking any of this brilliant glow.
Then, I received a tap on my shoulder. “Are you trying to watch Firefall?” A random human asked.
“Yeah, I was told I could see it from here, but it doesn’t look like it is going to happen I guess.” I claimed.
“Right now, you are looking at Ribbon Fall. Firefall will is actually about to start. Come over here and look through these trees, you’ll be able able to see it through my camera.”
Embarrassed, I got up and headed over to the random photographers camera to see what this was all about.
“Wow! I was about to miss that!” I said allowed, “That is incredible, thank you for showing me!”
So, long story short, it is easy to get all of the waterfalls mixed up in Yosemite Valley. But, the good news is that you have taken the time to read this blog and learn a little bit more about 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, but you can still enjoy fantastic hiking around Ribbon Fall.
To get to the base of Ribbon Fall, 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. If you are a rock climber, there are a few iconic climbs in the area with some climbers trails leading to the climbs.
To reach the top of Ribbon Fall, you will need to hike off trail over dangerous terrain for several miles. This is not well advised.
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
Ribbon Fall is the longest single drop waterfall in North America
Many visitors often confuse Ribbon Fall for Horsetail Fall during the Firefalls season in Yosemite Valley
Ribbon Fall is located on the very left side of this image and is about half the size of El Capitan. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered what Ribbon Fall looks like, where to find it, and the best time of year to see the fall, it is your turn to get outside and experience this grand waterfall for yourself. Please, drop a comment below with any additional information, or updates, that would be helpful for the community to know when visiting Ribbon Fall.
