Yosemite Falls

Anyone that has seen Yosemite Falls in action is not likely to forget it. As the tallest waterfall in the United States, Yosemite Falls is one of the iconic landmarks of Yosemite National Park and the entire National Park system. With a combined drop of 2,424 feet, the water of Yosemite Creek bends over the edge of Yosemite’s north rim, plummeting first over Upper Yosemite Falls (1,430 feet), then cascading down to it’s lower precipice, Lower Yosemite Falls (320 feet) before it finally joins the Merced River.

Yosemite Falls can be appreciated from multiple viewpoints in the park. The meadows along the eastern valley floor host impressive views, as does the popular Lower Yosemite Falls Trail. Southern rim vistas such as Glacier Point, Taft Point, and the Four-Mile Trail offer an elevated perspective, while the Yosemite Falls Trail and Yosemite Falls Overlook provide an up close and personal experience.

In spring, when the high elevation Sierra snowpack begins to melt, Yosemite Falls puts on its best display. Crowds are also at their peak then, but if you aim to see the falls in all their glory, spring and early summer are your best bet. Late summer and fall sees decreasing runoff when flows slow. In years with scant snowpack, the falls can virtually dry up.