Updated July 2026
Yosemite Falls
At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America, dropping in three tiers (Upper Fall, Middle Cascades, Lower Fall) from Yosemite Creek into Yosemite Valley.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Yosemite National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Where to stay near Yosemite Falls, California
Top-rated places to stay near Yosemite Falls, California
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Yosemite Falls, California?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Yosemite Falls, California — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yosemite Falls drops about 2,425 feet. That makes it the 3rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 100% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Yosemite Falls Trail (Upper Yosemite Fall Trail) reaches it about 7.2 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 2,700 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Yosemite Valley. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Yosemite National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions.
Spring snowmelt (Apr-Jun). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.