Yosemite National Park is world-famous for its incredible granite peaks like Half Dome and El Capitan, but nothing steals the show quite like Yosemite’s waterfalls.
From towering giants like Yosemite Falls to hidden gems like Chilnualna Falls, chasing waterfalls at Yosemite National Park is a bucket-list adventure.
Over 30 years, I’ve visited Yosemite National Park more than 20 times (no seriously, I stopped counting!) In this guide, I’m sharing the best Yosemite National Park waterfall secrets and tips to helping you explore the magic of these incredible wonders up close.
Disclosure: This page may contain sponsored content or affiliate links, including Amazon links, where I earn a small commission from any purchase – at no extra cost to you. This commission helps keep Brooke In Boots up and running. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!
IMPORTANT YOSEMITE UPDATE: Yosemite National Park now requires day-use and peak-hours reservations to enter Yosemite for dates in February & April – October 2024. Learn more about these new changes, here.
Top Waterfalls at Yosemite Everyone Should See
Looking for the best of the best can’t-miss waterfalls in Yosemite? These are the 4 waterfalls at Yosemite National park that everyone should see. Short on time? You can see all of these falls in my One Day Yosemite Itinerary – check out the post here!
- Yosemite Falls
- Bridalveil Falls
- Vernal Falls
- Nevada Falls
Best Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite
Many of the biggest Yosemite waterfalls are easily seen from the parking area, tram stop, or viewing area. But to really get up close to Yosemite’s waterfalls, you’ll want to lace up your boots and go for a hike!
Here’s a look at my favorite waterfall hikes in Yosemite. I’ve included full trail details and links to AllTrails maps further down in this post.
- Lower Yosemite Falls (Easy)
- Upper Yosemite Falls (Hard)
- Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (Hard)
- Mist Trail / John Muir Trail to Nevada Falls (Hard)
- Panorama Trail from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley (Hard)
Need a map? Don’t forget to download your map and save it to your phone or GPS device before your hike! Get AllTrails+ (the most used trail app on my phone!) to download all your trail maps for offline use. Use my promo code brookeinboots30 to get 30% off your annual AllTrails+ subscription!
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Yosemite trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
The Best Time to View Waterfalls in Yosemite
When it comes to Yosemite National Park, timing is everything—especially if you want to see the waterfalls in all their peak glory.
The best time to view Yosemite’s waterfalls is during the spring when the snowmelt is at its peak.
Generally, the waterfalls are roaring by May, but depending on the winter snowpack, this could shift earlier or later. For instance, after the historically-high snowfall of 2023, the waterfalls were still thundering well into summer.
To get the most up-to-date information, you can monitor Yosemite’s snowpack, which directly influences how long the falls remain active. If you’re planning your trip around waterfall viewing, this is a handy resource.
Seasonal Waterfalls
Some of Yosemite’s falls are only visible seasonally during the snowmelt season.
Seasonal waterfalls in Yosemite include: Sentinel Falls, Ribbon Falls, Horsetail Falls (famous for the “Firefall” phenomenon), and Wildcat Falls.
These falls usually peak in May, and often dry by June or July.
Other waterfalls flow year-round, although their intensity varies during the year.
Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, Chilnualna Falls, Wapama Falls, Rancheria Falls, and the Cascades generally flow throughout the year, though spring is when they’re most spectacular.
Map of Yosemite’s Waterfalls
Planning a trip to see Yosemite waterfalls? You can use this map to plan your adventure. Don’t forget reservations may now be required to enter Yosemite National Park during Spring-Fall.
Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is home to some of the park’s most iconic waterfalls, and many of them are easily accessible directly from your car or a short hike.
This incredible glacial valley is where you’ll find the world-famous Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and more, all framed by granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome.
Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley include:
- Yosemite Falls
- Bridalveil Falls
- Sentinel Falls
- Ribbon Falls
- Horsetail Falls
- Vernal Falls
- Nevada Falls
- Illilouette Falls
I’ve included details on all of these Valley Waterfalls below, including where you can get the best views for each.
Yosemite Falls
Standing at a jaw-dropping 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the crown jewel of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park and one of the tallest in North America.
It’s actually three waterfalls in one: the thunderous Upper Yosemite Falls (1,430 feet), the hidden middle cascades (625 feet), and the picturesque Lower Yosemite Falls (320 feet).
While the falls typically flow year-round, their power and presence vary greatly depending on the season. In low-snow years, the falls can dry up by late July, reducing to a mere trickle. But during the peak spring snowmelt in May and June, Yosemite Falls roars with an astounding 2,400 gallons per second pouring over the granite cliffs.
Best Yosemite Falls Viewing Spots
- Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (full trail details below)
- Upper Yosemite Falls Trail (full trail details below)
- Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point
- Clark’s Meadow Loop
Hiking the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail to Yosemite Falls
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy / 55 feet elevation gain
- Accessibility: The trail is wheelchair accessible from the shuttle stop to the base of the falls.
- AllTrails Trail Map
For an easy, family-friendly hike, the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail is a must.
The fully paved, 1.2-mile loop winds through pine trees with views of the entire cascades, and takes you right to the base of the falls, where you can get up close to the lower falls.
You can access the trailhead from Shuttle Stop #6 (Valleywide Shuttle). From the Shuttle Stop, the trail winds for an easy half mile through tall pines and granite boulders, before arriving at the bottom of the lower cascade.
The trail is also accessible from Yosemite Visitor Center and Village (15 min walk) and Yosemite Lodge (5 min walk).
Hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
- Distance: 6.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Difficult / 3,254 feet elevation gain
- AllTrails Trail Map
- Exposure: Stone stairs and narrow sections with significant drop-offs; not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights.
The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re willing to make the climb, you can experience standing on top of of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world!
This challenging hike climbs more than 3,000 feet in just over 3 miles. There are sections of this trail where you have to walk along a narrow ledge (a few feet across) with significant drop offs several thousand feet below you.
Some people with severe issue with heights won’t be comfortable, but even with my own pretty intense fear, I was able to make it up just fine.
The strenuous climb culminates at the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, where you can peer over the edge and witness the roaring water as it plunges down 1,430 feet. For fit hikers, this trail is an unforgettable experience that delivers iconic views at every turn.
Vernal Falls
Vernal Falls is one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls, plunging 317 feet in a stunning, powerful cascade.
To experience Vernal Falls in all her glory, you’ll need to make the strenuous, yet stunning, trek up Yosemite’s infamous “Mist Trail,” one of my favorite day hikes in any National Park!
During spring and early summer, the insane volume of water roaring over Vernal Falls rains down on hikers ascending the hundreds of stone steps in the final section of trail. If you’re visiting during peak snow-melt, you’ll want to bring some rain gear – trust me!
This waterfall is usually visible year-round, but like many of Yosemite’s falls, it peaks in May with the spring snowmelt. During low-snow years, Vernal Falls may slow to a trickle by late July, so planning your visit in spring or early summer is ideal if you want to see it in all its roaring glory.
Best Viewing Spots to See Vernal Falls
- Glacier Point (distant view, no hiking required)
- The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls (full trail details below)
To view Vernal Falls up close, you’ll have to be willing to hike for it! The trails to Vernal, and nearby Nevada Falls, are some of the most beautiful, and challenging day hikes in Yosemite National Park!
For those looking for an easier option, you can see Vernal Falls from a distance at Glacier Point. From here, you get an incredible panoramic view of the entire Yosemite Valley, including both Vernal and Nevada Falls. This spot requires no hiking, just a scenic drive up Glacier Point Road, which is open seasonally, usually from June to November, depending on snow conditions. Be sure to check road status before your visit.
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
- Vernal Footbridge: 1.6 Miles round trip / 1 Hour / Moderate / Elevation gain 400’
- Vernal Falls Via Mist Trail: 2.4 Miles round trip / 3 Hours / Hard / Elevation gain 1,000’
- Vernal Falls via Mist Trail and Clark Point via John Muir Trail: 4.2 Miles round trip / 4 Hours / Hard / Elevation gain 1550’
- Vernal and Nevada Falls Via Mist Trail and Clark Point via John Muir Trail: 6.7 Miles round trip / 5-6 Hours / Strenuous / Elevation gain 1900′
- Trail directions on All Trails
If there is one hike I absolutely insist you must do while visiting Yosemite, it is the “Mist Trail” to Vernal and Nevada Falls.
This trail is one of my favorite day hikes of all time, and while it is strenuous, the reward is worth the effort! You can read a detailed post on hiking this iconic trail, here.
Depending on your fitness level, and how much time you have, this trail has an option for everyone. Expect breathtaking views, a butt-blasting climb, giant waterfalls, and soaring granite cliffs.
From the trailhead, a steep but mostly paved trail climbs just under 1 mile to a wooden footbridge with views of Vernal Falls. From here you can snap photos and take a look at just how far you have to climb to the top.
Families with young kids and anyone who doesn’t want to commit to the longer hike can turn around here, but if you can, I absolutely suggest you keep going!
From the footbridge, the trail splits into the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. Follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls.
Along the way, you’ll climb more than 600 stone steps carved into the side of a spectacular waterfall. When water levels are high, you’ll definitely want a rain jacket! The “mist” trail gets its name from the constant spray off Vernal Falls soaking you on the trail.
Once you reach the top of Vernal Falls, take a snack break and catch your breath. Here you have the option of returning the way you came, or taking a worthy detour to Clark Point for spectacular views of distant Nevada Falls and the granite dome of Liberty Cap.
If you have the stamina, I suggest going all the way to Nevada Falls for unrivaled views and the feeling of being a total bad-a$% for climbing 2 massive waterfalls in one day! Return to the trailhead via the longer but more gentle John Muir Trail.
Nevada Falls
Another of Yosemite’s waterfall views that must be earned, is Nevada Falls. Getting up close to this dramatic 594-foot waterfall requires a 6.7 mile round-trip hike, past Vernal Falls, and up nearly 2,000′ in elevation.
But the views of this spot, between the falls, and the massive granite domes like Liberty Cap are oh-so worth it!
Nevada Falls flows year-round, thundering in May during peak snow-melt, and sometimes reducing to nothing but a trickle by the end of summer.
Best Viewing Spots to See Nevada Falls
- Glacier Point (distant view, no hiking required)
- The Mist Trail to Nevada Falls (full trail details below)
Just like with Vernal Falls, you can enjoy a distant view of Nevada Falls from Glacier Point. This scenic overlook provides a sweeping view of the falls, along with Half Dome and the surrounding wilderness.
It’s a perfect option if you’re looking for an easy way to appreciate the beauty of Nevada Falls without the strenuous hike. Remember, Glacier Point Road is typically open from June to November, depending on snowpack.
Hiking to Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail, Clark Point, and John Muir Trail
- Distance: 6.7 Miles round trip / 5-6 Hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous / Elevation gain 1900′
- AllTrails Trail Map
To reach Nevada Falls, you’ll hike to Vernal Falls via the Mist Trail – details for that hike are above, or you can check out my in-depth trail guide to the entire Mist Trail, here.
At Vernal Falls, continue hiking, following the river as it races down the granite dome you’re on top of in a series of small falls or rapids called the Silver Apron.
The trail climbs steadily through a pine forest, before one last series of switchbacks and stairs when the falls come into view! Keep climbing to reach the very top of the falls, and enjoy the incredible views!
Instead of returning the way you came, return via the John Muir Trail, which intersects with the Mist Trail here. As you descend you’ll reach Clark Point, which has, I think one of the most spectacular views in Yosemite, with Nevada Falls and the granite dome of Liberty Cap just behind it.
It’s a long hike, taking at least 5 hours round trip – but in my opinion, it’s one of the most worth-it bucket-list hikes in Yosemite!
Bridalveil Falls
Bridalveil Falls is one of Yosemite’s most recognizable waterfalls, plunging 620 feet from a granite cliff and creating a mist that’s said to resemble a bride’s veil—hence its name.
The Ahwahneechee, the original inhabitants of the area, believed the fall to be the home of a protective spirit who watched over the Valley.
For many visitors, this waterfall is the first they’ll encounter as they enter Yosemite Valley through the Wawona Tunnel, via Wawona Road / Highway 41 (Yosemite South Entrance).
In spring, the falls are a powerful cascade, fueled by the melting snow, but as the seasons shift, the flow becomes more delicate, often resembling a graceful, wispy ribbon in the autumn breeze.
Best Viewing Spots to See Bridalveil Falls
- Bridalveil Falls Trail (full trail details below)
- Wawona Tunnel View
- Artists Point
Bridalveil Falls is located at the western edge of Yosemite Valley. You’ll most likely catch a glimpse of it at the Wawona Tunnel View – perhaps the most iconic photo spot in any National Park, made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.
Just beyond the Wawona Tunnel on Highway 41, this classic viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of Yosemite Valley, with Bridalveil Falls prominently featured alongside El Capitan and Half Dome. It’s a must-see spot for first-time visitors and provides a dramatic perspective, particularly in the late afternoon when the light casts a golden glow across the landscape.
For a slightly different – and less crowded – view, Artist Point is a short hike from the Wawona Tunnel and offers a quieter, more secluded place to take in the beauty of Bridalveil Falls and the surrounding valley.
Hiking Bridalveil Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy / 115 feet elevation gain
- AllTrails Trail Map
- Parking: The trailhead is not served by the Yosemite Valley Shuttle, so you’ll need to either drive or walk from another location. The parking area is accessible from Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Southside Drive.
This short, easy trail takes you right to the base of Bridalveil Falls, where you can experience the cooling mist up close—especially refreshing on a warm spring or summer day.
Recent renovations have made the parking area and trail more accessible, with paved paths leading to the viewpoint. The entire walk is only 0.8 miles round trip, making it perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking to stretch their legs while enjoying the scenic beauty of Yosemite.
Sentinel Falls
Sentinel Falls is a seasonal waterfall in Yosemite that tumbles nearly 2,000 feet down the western face of Sentinel Rock.
While not as famous as its neighboring waterfalls, it’s a stunning sight during the spring snowmelt, usually flowing from March through June with peak flow in May. Sentinel Falls is made up of multiple distinct cascades ranging from 50 to 500 feet.
Best Viewing Spots to See Sentinel Falls
- Southside Drive: One of the most convenient ways to catch a glimpse of Sentinel Falls is by driving along Southside Drive. As you approach Sentinel Rock, look up to your right to spot the cascade.
- Sentinel Beach Picnic Area: One of my favorite spots in the park for a picnic or morning coffee is Sentinel Beach, which also happens to have great views of Sentinel Falls. From this spot by the Merced River, you can enjoy a clear view of Sentinel Falls across the valley while soaking in the serene surroundings of Yosemite.
- Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: For those tackling the challenging hike up to Upper Yosemite Falls, the trail offers occasional views of Sentinel Falls in the distance. As you ascend, you’ll have a unique vantage point looking across the valley toward this multi-tiered waterfall.
Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls is another stunning yet lesser-known waterfall in Yosemite, with a remarkable 1,612-foot drop.
This seasonal fall flows off a cliff on the west side of El Capitan and is usually active from March through June, with peak flow in May.
While it’s not as accessible or heavily visited as other falls, catching sight of Ribbon Falls is a real treat, especially during its brief seasonal window.
Best Viewing Spots to See Ribbon Falls
- One of the best places to view Ribbon Falls is along Southside Drive, just past the turnoff for Bridalveil Fall. Keep an eye out for a small pullout where you can stop and take in the view.
- The Hanging Valley Viewpoint along Southside Drive offers a fantastic look at the waterfall as it pours down the granite face of El Capitan, creating a striking contrast against the sheer cliff.
Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls is a mesmerizing seasonal waterfall that flows down the eastern side of El Capitan.
Standing at about 1,000 feet, it’s best known for its brief but spectacular “firefall” display each winter and early spring.
To view Horsetail Falls, the best spot is near the El Capitan picnic area, located along Northside Drive, west of Yosemite Valley Lodge. You can park here or in nearby turnouts just east of the picnic area. The falls are easily visible from the road, making it a convenient stop as you explore the valley.
Firefall at Horsetail Falls
The Horsetail Fall Firefall phenomenon in Yosemite National Park is a breathtaking natural spectacle that occurs for a brief window during the month of February.
As the sun sets, the light hits the waterfall in exactly the right way, making it appears as if the water is flowing like vibrant orange and red lava, or fire over the granite cliff. The “firefall” effect is mesmerizing.
This unique phenomenon has become a must-see event for visitors and especially landscape photographers. Unfortunately, massive unruly crowds fighting to get “the shot” have wrecked havoc on Yosemite Valley.
To combat this, Yosemite National Park started limiting the number of people who can enter the Valley during peak Firefall viewing.
Illilouette Falls
Illilouette Falls is so tucked away from the crowds, even seasoned Yosemite visitors might never know it exists – until you know where to look.
Plunging 370 feet, it flows year-round, with peak volumes in late May as the snowmelt feeds the cascade.
Like Vernal and Nevada Falls, Illilouette requires a hike to view, and apart from a brief glimpse on the Mist Trail towards Vernal and Nevada Fall, the only spot to see this beautiful cascade is along the Panorama Trail.
Best Spots to See Illilouette Falls
- Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
- Panorama Trail (full trail details below)
While most people on the Mist Trail are focused on reaching Vernal and Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls is a hidden gem that can be glimpsed on a small section of the paved trail that leads to the Vernal Footbridge.
To see the falls from here, look up and to the right around 0.5 miles from the trailhead. You’ll see Illilouette tucked around the corner of a massive granite gorge.
Hiking the Panorama Trail to Illilouette Falls
- Distance: 5.2 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate / 1,400′ Elevation Gain
- AllTrails Trail Map
One of Yosemite National Park’s truly most underrated trails, the Panorama Trail to Illilouette Falls, is mile-for-mile one of the most beautiful day hikes in Yosemite National Park.
This hike starts from the famous Glacier Point, offering jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and beyond before you even set foot on the trail.
The 5.2-mile round-trip journey to Illilouette Falls winds along the rim of Yosemite Valley, 3,000′ above the Valley floor below. Don’t worry, the trail is wide and well maintained.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to essentially non-stop views of Yosemite’s most iconic sights – Half Dome, Liberty Cap, and the high-sierra beyond.
The trail gradually descends from Glacier Point for 2.5 miles until you reach Illilouette Gorge – a narrow granite chasm, with views of Illilouette Falls across from you. Keep walking another 0.2ish miles where the trail reaches the top of the Falls.
Bonus – The Grand Slam of Yosemite Valley Waterfall Hikes: The Panorama Trail to Yosemite Valley
Want to see as many Yosemite waterfalls as possible in one epic hike? If you have a full day, strong hiking skills, and knees of steel, consider hiking the Panorama Trail / Mist Trail from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley.
- Distance: 9.1 Miles (One Way)
- Difficulty: Strenuous / 980′ Gain – Over 3,100′ Elevation Loss
- AllTrails Trail Map
This all-day, strenuous hike is a grand waterfall tour, giving you views of Yosemite Falls from across the valley at Glacier Point, Illilouette Falls, and up close to Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls on the Mist Trail. It’s a bucket-list-worthy trek for any waterfall lover, packing four of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls into one unforgettable hike.
This is a one-way hike, and most hikers start at Glacier Point and hike down to the Valley. There are no free shuttle to Glacier Point via Glacier Point Road (which is open seasonally, usually May – November).
Instead, you’ll either need two cars (parking one at Glacier Point, and the other to shuttle you back to your car after the hike) or you can purchase a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Bus Tour. Tour tickets are $28 for adults one-way and should be booked in advance.
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park? The Yosemite Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Yosemite trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions and more, you can spend less time planning and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Waterfalls Outside Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley has the park’s most famous waterfalls, but there are hidden gems in quieter corners worth exploring:
- Chilnualna Falls (Wawona)
- Wapama Fall (Hetch Hetchy)
- Rancheria Fall (Hetch Hetchy)
- Wildcast Fall (Big Oak Flat)
- The Cascades (Big Oak Falt)
Chilnualna Falls near Wawona rewards hikers with stunning multi-tiered cascades. In Hetch Hetchy, Wapama and Rancheria Falls provide dramatic views with fewer crowds. On Big Oak Flat Road, Wildcat and Cascade Falls are peaceful stops often overlooked by visitors. Exploring these lesser-known waterfalls lets you experience Yosemite’s beauty beyond the busy valley.
Chilnualna Falls (Wawona)
Most visitors to Wawona are here to enjoy the historic charm of the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel or marvel at the ancient giants in the Wawona Grove of Giant Sequoias. But, nestled in the quieter southern edge of Yosemite, Chilnualna Falls is one of my favorite hikes outside Yosemite Valley.
Chilnualna Falls flows down nearly 2,200 feet in a series of cascades, although thanks to the geography of the area, and the twists and turns of the falls, it’s impossible to see all 2,000+ feet all at once.
Unlike some of Yosemite’s easier-to-spot waterfalls, you won’t catch a glimpse of Chilnualna from the road. The only way to experience this Yosemite waterfall is by hitting the trail!
Hiking the Chilnualna Falls Trail
- Distance (Top of Upper Falls): 7.7 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate / 2,200 Miles Elevation Gain to Top of Upper Falls
- Easy Option: 0.5 Miles Round Trip / Easy hike to Lower Chilnualna Falls viewpoint.
- AllTrails Trail Map
If you’re up for a challenge, the hike to the top of Upper Chilnualna Falls is a rewarding 7.7-mile trek with a 2,200-foot elevation gain into the southern Yosemite backcountry. This trail gains steady elevation the entire way, climbing from the Lower Chilnualna Falls viewpoint at mile 0.5, with views of the Wawona Meadow, Wawona Dome, and the southern mountains of Yosemite.
If you’re looking for something a bit less strenuous, there’s a shorter option—a quick 0.5-mile round trip to a viewpoint that offers a peek at Lower Chilnualna Falls, a worthy hike in it’s own right, and one I’ve done serveral times.
Wapama Falls (Hetch Hetchy)
Wapama Falls is one of Yosemite’s year-round waterfalls, plunging an impressive 1,400 feet.
Located in the much less-visited Hetch Hetchy Valley, Wapama Falls plunges an impressive 1,400 feet. This is technically a year-round waterfall, but like the others it peaks in May and can be dry by late-summer.
Before 1923, Hetch Hetchy Valley was said to rival Yosemite Valley for its magnificent beauty. But in the early 1900s, as the population of San Francisco and the Bay Area exploded, the city, state and US governments went looking for a stable water supply. To supply water, the Tuolumne River would be dammed and the Hetch Hetchy Valley turned into a massive reservoir.
After much controversy, in 1923, the O’Shaughnessy Dam was completed and the valley filled with water. To this day, the Bay Area continues to draw from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, and the Valley submerged under hundreds of feet of water.
Today you can still visit Hetch Hetchy, and the tops of these mighty peaks and some of the waterfalls are still visible from the top of O’Shaughnessy Dam and the trails that wind through the area.
Best Spots to View Wapama Falls
- O’Shaughnessy Dam
- Wapama Falls Trail (Full trail details below)
You can catch your first glimpse of Wapama Falls from the parking lot at O’Shaughnessy Dam, but for the full experience, hit the trail.
Hiking the Wapama Falls Trail
- Distance: 4.7 Miles out and back
- Difficulty: moderate / 1,100 feet elevation gain
- AllTrails Trail Map
The Wapama Falls Trail is a 4.7-mile out-and-back hike that takes you right to the base of the falls. The trail leaves from the day use parking area and crosses the O’Shaughnessy Dam.
From here you can get view of the falls over 2 miles away. The trail climbs steadily after the damn, but is mostly flat out for the last mile or so, following a well-maintained trail of boardwalks and stairs built right into the valley walls above the water.
The trail follows close to the shore of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, which means you have non-stop views of the massive peaks like Kolana Rock and Hetch Hetchy Dome.
These granite peaks are every bit as impressive as the likes of El Capitan, but in this case you might have them nearly to yourself!
You can turn around at Wapama Falls, or the trail continues to Rancheria Falls (below) if you have time for a longer and more strenuous hike in this quiet corner of Yosemite.
Rancheria Falls (Hetch Hetchy)
If you’re up for a longer hike, venture even deeper into the Hetch Hetchy backcountry, past Wapama Falls to Rancheria Falls.
The hike to Rancheria Falls is a strenuous nearly-13-mile out-and-back trek with a hefty 2,600 feet of elevation gain, making it a perfect option for experienced hikers who really want to explore the area.
Unlike Wapama Falls or Bridalveil Falls in the Valley, Rancheria Falls is a relatively short at 150 feet.
- Distance: 12.8 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult / 2,600′ Gain
- AllTrails Trail Map
If you’re not up for tackling this long hike in a single day, consider turning it into an overnight backpacking trip.
There’s a hike-in campground near the base of Rancheria Falls, that is a popular backpacking destination in the Hetch Hetchy area. As with all backcountry trips in Yosemite, a wilderness permit is required.
Cascade Falls (Arch Rock)
One of Yosemite’s most underrated waterfalls, Cascade Falls, also called The Cascades, is a hidden gem you’ll rarely see on maps or signage. However, it’s one of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter when entering Yosemite from the west via Highway 140 (El Portal Road) or Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road).
The Cascades fall over 600 feet as Tamarack Creek tumbles into the Merced River below.
Cascade Falls is visible from a small, unmarked parking area that you can find using the following GPS coordinates: 37.723934, -119.712207.
Wildcat Falls (Arch Rock)
Literally just down the road from Cascade Falls, Wildcat Falls is another of Yosemite’s best-kept secrets.
Most people zoom right past it without even realizing they’ve passed it. Wildcat Falls features a series of seven drops cascading over 700 feet through boulder fields and lush vegetation, meaning you can’t see the entire falls in one spot.
To find it, park at the Cascade Falls parking area and carefully walk about 200 feet west along Big Oak Flat Road.
Then, follow an unmarked trail for about 0.25 miles to the base of the falls, where the final 50-foot drop spills into a mossy pool. This truly is the most obscure falls on this list – and if you can find it, you’re a real Yosemite-insider.
Conclusion: Waterfalls at Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of jaw-dropping natural beauty, and its waterfalls are truly some of the park’s most awe-inspiring wonders.
From the towering majesty of Yosemite Falls to the hidden gems like Wildcat Falls and Chilnualna Falls, there’s no shortage of cascades to explore, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re seeking an easy stroll to a scenic viewpoint or a challenging backcountry hike, Yosemite’s waterfalls offer something for every kind of adventurer.
More Yosemite Resources to Plan Your Next Trip
17 Amazing Easy & Short Hikes in Yosemite National Park
13 Iconic Yosemite Waterfalls & Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Where to Stay in Yosemite: Best Hotels & Lodging for Every Budget
Yosemite Reservations and Permits 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Best Entrance to Yosemite National Park & Tips for Driving to Yosemite
Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls in Yosemite
