Have you heard of Yosemite Falls, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains? It is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, towering at 2,425 feet from top to bottom. As one of the world’s 20 tallest waterfalls, it’s a bucket list item for many, and a must-see for anyone visiting the region. Are you ready to learn more about it?
When
The best time to see Yosemite Falls is mid-to-late spring, when the snow has melted and the water flow is peaking. Picking a time is tricky, as summer sees the water start to slow, and by August, most of the falls are completely dried up. In the winter, cold temps keep the water frozen. If at all possible, try to plan your trip for April to June when you’re guaranteed to see the beautiful cascades. To ensure even more of a pleasant experience, aim for a weekday rather than a weekend.
Where
One of the best spots to see a clear view of Yosemite Falls from is, Yosemite Village. With a number of eateries and a general store, Yosemite Village is the perfect home base for any hike. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to eat or pick up snacks and supplies before you begin.
The Falls
The falls are divided into three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. At 1,430 feet, Upper Yosemite Fall makes up the bulk of the falls, gathering its water from Yosemite Creek.
The Middle Cascades consist of five miniature plunges that aren’t always apparent to visitors and can only be seen on select trails and viewing points. However, they’re beautiful to behold if you can catch them during a hike. The best place to see them is the most-visited viewing point for the entire falls, at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
Hike
Half Dome
Feeling more adventurous? You can also enjoy close-up views of Upper Yosemite Fall by hiking the Yosemite Falls Trail, a steep climb that takes six to eight hours round-trip, and makes up for its extreme difficulty with its extreme beauty. You’ll also catch glimpses of Sierra Mountain and Half Dome on this seven-mile journey.
If you can handle a bit of a hike, but don’t want to commit to the whole enchilada, try the three-mile trek to Columbia Rock. You’ll only be able to see Yosemite Valley—not the Falls—but you’ll still enjoy stunning 180-degree views.
Are you ready to plan your trip to Yosemite National Park in California? Before you go, take a look at our sister site, HotelCoupons.com, for help finding the lowest hotel rates.
Also, if you love National Parks and want to see more, don’t miss these posts: Here are some of the best parks to visit during winter, here is a list of parks to star gaze at, and if you like camping in tents, you definitely want to check out these spots.
