Lower Yosemite Falls

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

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Overview: Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, and 5th in the world, with a total of 2,425ft of elevation loss from top to bottom. Because the vertical drop is so long, it does not look like the water is falling very quickly because the wind often blows it sideways. In fact, it is so far down that it is separated into 3 separate sections, each of which would be considered massive waterfalls alone.

The Upper Fall is 1,430 feet and is one of the top 20 largest waterfalls in the world just by itself. You can hike up a steep and unforgiving trail to the top of the Fall which offers some amazing views of the Valley and Half Dome across the gap.

The Middle Cascade is 675 ft and consists of 5 separate mini-falls. This section is the most difficult to see, as it is more narrow and hidden from the Valley Floor.

The lower Fall is 320ft and has a viewing area near the base. Although you may be tempted, do not get too close as the rocks near the base are sharp and very slipper (not to mention there is a water falling powerfully from above).

Like all waterfalls in Yosemite, it is best seen in spring when the winter snow is melting and the upper lakes are full, significantly increasing the flow of the water over the edge (the difference between April and October is astounding). It has been estimated that the average flow for spring is somewhere around 2,400 gallons/second, so it would not be a good idea to walk under the falls in the hopes of cooling off.

The hike to Lower Yosemite Falls—if you can even call it that—is likely the largest reward for the least amount of effort anywhere in Yosemite (except maybe Tunnel View or Glacier Point. The walk will take 10 minutes at most, and that’s if you take it extremely leisurely.

Tips: You can walk over to Lower Yosemite Fall from the Yosemite Village parking lot or take the free (and environmentally-friendly) Yosemite Shuttle to stop #6.

Points of Interest

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Lower Yosemite Falls

The Lower Fall is 320ft and has a viewing area near the base. Although you may be tempted, do not get too close as the rocks near the base are sharp and very slipper (not to mention there is a water falling powerfully from above).

There is a viewing area where you may find it difficult to keep crowds of tourists out of your perfect pictures on crowded summer days. You can also cross the wooden footbridge to explore the area further.

171.JPG (Yosemite Village, California, United States) Photo

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Restrooms

There are restrooms located at the start of the trail. After watching the waterfall for a while this may be a necessary stop on your way back.

Pictures in this guide taken by: chris, jasonchiu, gigi4791

How does this work?

This is usually a mandatory stop when you are spending a few days in the Valley. It's fun to climb on the rocks to get closer, but it is usually VERY crowded here during summer, and you can't appreciate the full height of the falls from up close, because you can only see the bottom segment.

But the hike is so quick, that there is no reason to skip it.
Visited on Jul 27, 2010

by chris on Jul 08, 2011

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail Map

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chris
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When I'm not spending all of my work time and free time working on cool new products for EveryTrail,...

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Lower Yosemite Falls 3 Day Forecast

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Lower Yosemite Falls

A quick stroll to see the tallest waterfall in Northern America crash down on the rocks below

Points of Interest

Lower Yosemite Falls

Restrooms

Lower Yosemite Falls Trail Map

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About the Author

Lower Yosemite Falls 3 Day Forecast