Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls which includes mountains and a cascade
Yosemite Falls which includes rapids
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls showing mountains
Yosemite Falls showing a cascade and a gorge or canyon as well as an individual male


You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park sets the bar high for magnificent natural beauty, but Yosemite Falls is indisputably one of its most striking features. This towering waterfall is one of the highest in North America. Water plunges a total of 2,425 feet (739 metres) from top to bottom of Yosemite Falls in three distinct sections.

The 1,430-foot (440-metre) drop of Upper Yosemite Falls is impressive by itself. To experience its deafening power up close, follow one of several trails between its base and top. Note that the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls is strenuous and will take all day.

The Middle Cascades are a series of five small falls. These don’t have great public access so many people miss them entirely.

Although Lower Yosemite Falls is the smallest portion, its accessibility makes it the most popular viewing point for the waterfall. Explore it via the popular 1-mile (1.6-kilometre) loop trail or take the free shuttle bus to the base of the falls.

The most dramatic time to visit Yosemite Falls is in May or June, when the runoff from snowmelt creates an impressive cascade with a deafening roar. By the end of summer, most of the snow in the high country has melted and the falls are reduced to a mere trickle.

If you visit in the spring, look for a moonbow, also known as a lunar rainbow in the spray from the falls. In winter, a unique “snow cone” formation develops at the base of the falls.

Yosemite Village is nestled near the foot of the falls. This quaint town is a great place to stop for a snack or souvenir. If you want to stay overnight, get a room at Yosemite Lodge. For a more rustic experience, bring your tent or RV to one of Yosemite’s many rentable campsites. Book well in advance to ensure you can get accommodation.

While visiting Yosemite National Park, seeing Yosemite Falls is a must. You might get a little wet, but it is well worth it to experience this natural wonder.

Plan a trip to see Yosemite Falls

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Curry Village

Curry Village

2.5 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee

4 out of 5
9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
The Ahwahnee
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Curry Village

Curry Village

2 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., 9010, Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge

2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Yosemite View Lodge
The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park

The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park, CA
The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park
Paradise in Yosemite. NEW LISTING inside Yosemite PARK!!

Paradise in Yosemite. NEW LISTING inside Yosemite PARK!!

Yosemite, CA
Paradise in Yosemite. NEW LISTING inside Yosemite PARK!!
Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!

Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!

4 out of 5
7285 Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite, Valley, California 95389, United States, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Yosemite Falls

At Yosemite Falls, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including exhilarating hiking trails that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the area. Consider embarking on a Yosemite Adventure or a Great Yosemite Getaway tour to explore the park's highlights. Additionally, the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour offers a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more relaxed experience amidst the park's grandeur.

Shopping

The nearest store is El Portal Market, offering a variety of groceries and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, you can explore larger shopping options in nearby towns, where you'll find unique gifts and local artisan crafts.

Recreation

The Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, just 1.6km from Yosemite Falls, offers a serene escape for relaxation amidst nature. Bass Lake Recreation Area, located 18.6km away, provides tranquil vibes perfect for unwinding. For a rejuvenating experience, visit Ascent, the Spa at Tenaya Lodge, situated 12.4km from the falls.

Adventure

Explore the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, located 1.2km from Yosemite Falls, perfect for a family adventure with stunning surroundings. Hike the Yosemite Falls Trailhead, situated 621m away, for breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, enjoy the picturesque Cook's Meadow, just 559m from the falls, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater offers an enchanting atmosphere with its diverse entertainment and cultural events, ideal for families and couples alike. A bit further, the Golden Chain Theater provides an intimate setting for captivating performances, perfect for a romantic evening out.

Find the best attractions near Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, perfect for travellers seeking natural beauty. Key attractions include the majestic Yosemite Falls, the scenic Yosemite Valley, and various peaks within Yosemite National Park. Don't miss the Yosemite Visitor Centre for helpful information, and consider searching for nearby hotels to enhance your stay while exploring the park's breathtaking sights.

  • Yosemite Valley: A stunning glacial valley located 497m from Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventure opportunities. Explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome amidst a vibrant natural setting.
  • Yosemite National Park: Situated 621m away, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its dramatic scenery and diverse landscapes. Experience exhilarating outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife watching in this vast natural wonderland.
  • Yosemite Visitor Center: Just 497m from Yosemite Falls, this visitor centre is a family-friendly hub, providing valuable information on park activities and exhibits. It’s a perfect starting point for your explorations and offers insight into the park's rich history.

Best time to go to Yosemite Falls

The best time to visit Yosemite Falls is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). December and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Yosemite Falls

To save money on your visit to Yosemite Falls, consider travelling in January, March, or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking around a month in advance typically yields the best rates, with Tuesday being the cheapest night to stay. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, filter by budget, and explore eco-friendly options. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities can also result in savings. Additionally, take advantage of free activities within the park to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Yosemite Falls are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Yosemite Falls about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservation at Yosemite Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.