Yosemite Falls, one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, soars an impressive 2,425 feet above the Valley floor. It features three distinct cascades: the towering Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the scenic Middle Cascades (675 feet), and the serene Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). With the top of Upper Yosemite Falls sitting at about 6,500 feet above sea level, this iconic natural wonder offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is truly spectacular with rewarding panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley. As you ascend, prepare for a steep climb with significant elevation gain, navigating slippery rocks and rugged terrain. While this hike is challenging, the payoff is extraordinary.
The hike to Upper Yosemite Falls is a must for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in Yosemite! Check out this blog post for all the essential tips, including the best time to hit the trail, key hiking details, trail directions, and much more. My guide will give you everything you need to prepare for this stunning but challenging hike, so you can make the most of this epic experience!
Upper Yosemite Falls: Overview
Trailhead Location: Located near Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley.
Length: 7 miles (+2 miles if going to Yosemite Point – more about this later)
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 4.5 to 7 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? No
Hike Features: Columbia Rock, different angles of Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Falls Overlook, a “secret” overlook, insane views of the valley, and Yosemite Point
Yosemite Entrance Fee
Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!
Reservations
A reservation is required to enter Yosemite National Park from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Directions and Parking
Yosemite Falls is in Yosemite National Park, specifically within Yosemite Valley.
The Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead is located near Camp 4.
You will see the trail sign towards the back left-side of the Camp 4 parking area.
🚌 Parking near the trailhead can be tricky (see options below). Thankfully, Yosemite Valley has a free shuttle system. The Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead is located at bus stop #7.
Upper Yosemite Falls Parking Options:
- Yosemite Falls parking area is located across the street from the trailhead.
- Yosemite Village parking area is located further away from the trailhead. You can either walk to the trailhead which is almost a 1.5-mile walk or take the free shuttle.
- Camp 4 parking area is designated only for those camping at Camp 4. If you are camping at Camp 4, congrats. You have the best parking spot for the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail!
Best Time to Hike Upper Yosemite Falls
See Yosemite Falls at its Fullest: Late spring to early summer (May to June) is the most ideal time to see the waterfall at its most powerful, as the snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada peaks feeds into the falls, creating a spectacular flow of water. The weather during this time is usually mild, with warm temperatures in the valley and cooler conditions higher up on the trail.
Hike with Fewer Crowds: Early mornings or weekdays during the late spring, early fall, and all throughout winter are great times to go. Keep in mind that winter and early spring can bring snow and icy conditions, which can make the trail dangerous.
Best Combo for Peak Flow & Good Weather: Early summer months (June to early July) offer both favorable hiking conditions and the waterfall will be at its peak flow. Yosemite Falls will slowly dwindle into nothing into late summer and early fall.
🎦 Want to see what Yosemite Falls currently looks like? Check out this webcam!
Tips for Hiking Upper Yosemite Falls
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: The hike involves significant elevation gain, so stay hydrated. Carry at least 2-3 liters of water. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during those steep sections.
Be Physically Prepared: With a 3,200-foot elevation gain, be ready for a challenging ascent. Take your time and pace yourself.
Footwear and Gear: The trail is very rocky and slippery in some sections, so wear sturdy hiking shoes (or boots) with good traction. Also, hiking poles may be beneficial on the steep, rocky parts, especially when descending. Make sure you wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.
Watch for Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter. Black bears, deer, mountain lions, and other animals live within the park. Remember to never feed wild animals!
Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Yosemite pristine for future hikers.
Safety: Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and don’t swim upstream near a waterfall.
Trail Directions
Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead
Beginning at the trailhead near Camp 4, you will start off hiking up switchback after switchback through an oak forest, quickly gaining elevation.
If hiking on a hot day, be thankful for the shade in the beginning because it won’t be like that the entire way.
Columbia Rock (turnaround option)
After about a mile of hiking up and about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, you will reach Columbia Rock. This lookout provides awesome views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock.
This is a great turnaround point for those who want great views of the valley but don’t want to hike all the way to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls.
Columbia Rock Hiking Details:
- Distance – 2.2 miles (roundtrip)
- Elevation Gain – 1,015 feet
- Difficulty – Challenging
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Continue your ascent. In about 0.2 miles, you will catch the first glimpse of Upper Yosemite Falls!
The trail will eventually start going downhill, and you will re-enter into a forest of precious shade again. At this point, you will be able to get a closer look at the waterfall.
If hiking during spring or early summer, prepare to hear the loud boom of the Upper Yosemite Falls crashing down and the cool mist washing over you.
And the climb continues! Keep pushing, you are almost there! The views along the way are spectacular. Take rest breaks at each viewpoint to make this hike more bearable.
You will reach a junction in the trail. Veer right to head towards Upper Yosemite Falls.
There will be another junction in the trail shortly after. Take a right.
Yosemite Falls Overlook
You will eventually see a sign that reads “Yosemite Falls Overlook”. You made it to the top, my friend!
Want to see something super awesome!?!? I thought so.
Another Overlook (scarier)
Walk a bit further towards the left of the overlook. Go down the first set of steps and around the corner you will see another set of steps.
The second set of steps is much more… interesting.
If you have an extreme fear of heights, I don’t recommend going any further. But the views from the second overlook are worth tackling the steps (if you are comfortable).
Hold on tight to the railing and take your time!
The views of Upper Yosemite Falls are not the best from either overlook, but you will have incredible views of Yosemite Valley!
To return to the trailhead, simply retrace your steps back down the trail.
The descent down Upper Yosemite Falls is steep, and loose rocks make it very slippery. Take your time and use hiking poles if you have them!
Bonus: Yosemite Point (+2 miles)
BUT WAIT! There are more awesome views further along the trail if you’re up for it!!
Ready for more hiking? Okay! Let’s head towards Yosemite Point. This will add an extra mile to your hike one-way.
Retrace your steps back down the trail towards the junction. There will be a sign directing you towards Yosemite Point.
Follow the trail to a bridge that takes you over Yosemite Creek. Watch as the water falls over the cliff to form Upper Yosemite Falls.
Please don’t swim in the creek! It’s very dangerous!!
Continue hiking up (yes, more elevation gain) about a mile until you reach another lookout. You will see guardrails around the edge of a cliff. That is Yosemite Point!
The view from Yosemite Point is better than the view from Yosemite Falls Overlook (in my opinion).
Retrace your steps back to the trailhead and bust out a happy dance (if your legs allow it) because you made it! 🥳
Conclusion
Upper Yosemite Falls is a rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views, a challenging climb, and a memorable connection with the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. From the misty base of the falls to the panoramic vistas at the summit, this hike showcases the park’s stunning natural beauty. Reaching the top of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls is an experience worth every step!
If this guide inspires you to hike Upper Yosemite Falls, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
✨ NEXT ADVENTURE: Explore Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite
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