How to Hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park (2026 guide)

Yosemite Falls is one of North America’s tallest waterfalls with an impressive height of 2,425 feet. It’s even more impressive in person! 🤯

It features three distinct cascades: the Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the Middle Cascades (675 feet), and the serene Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet).

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is truly spectacular with rewarding panoramic views 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 worth every step!

Check out this blog post for all the essential tips, including the best time to hit the trail, how to prepare, trail directions, and much more. 🙌

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Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Stats and Map

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Stats

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Map

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee and Reservations

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-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, for U.S. residents, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US residents will cost $250.

Reservations are not required this year. (updated June 3, 2026).

🤓 Side Note: Although the entire waterfall is called “Yosemite Falls”, the upper and lower portion do not have the “s” at the end. So it’s “Upper Yosemite Fall” or “Lower Yosemite Fall”, but for SEO blogging purposes, I kept the “s” at the end because most people search Upper Yosemite Falls instead of Upper Yosemite Fall. 🙃

Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead and Parking

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead is located at Camp 4 in Yosemite Valley. You will see the trailhead sign near the ranger station at the back left side of the parking lot.

📍 Google Maps Location: Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead

🅿️ Trailhead Parking: Parking at the Camp 4 parking area is only designated for those with Camp 4 permits. If you are not camping at Camp 4, then you can park across the street at the Yosemite Falls parking area.

🗺️ Distance to Trailhead: The trailhead is about 1.4 mile (2.3 km) from Yosemite Village and 2.4 miles (3.9 km) from the Curry Village.

🚗 Parking Tips: The Yosemite Falls parking area is large but fills up fast, especially during summer months and holidays. If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, I suggest finding a parking spot before 7 AM.

🚻 Facilities: During the summer, porta potties are available at the Yosemite Falls parking area. Flush toilets and drinking water can be found at Camp 4 (available for everyone).

🚌 Shuttle Option: You can take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to stop #7 (Camp 4/Yosemite Falls Parking) which is just a 0.1-mile (0.2-km) walk to the trailhead.

Best Time to Hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring might be the best time to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail! The weather is mild (not too cold, not too hot), the summer crowds have not arrived yet, and by late spring Yosemite Falls is at its peak flow.

Just be aware that in early to mid-spring you may encounter lingering snow from the previous winter season along this trail, especially as you get closer to the top. Always be prepared with the appropriate gear and check trail conditions before heading out!

☀️ Summer (June – August): The trail gets very busy and crowded during the summer months despite it being a brutal endeavor due to this hike being strenuous combined with the heat.

Don’t let these factors steer you away if the only time you have to hike this trail is during the summer. It’s very important that you start early to avoid the heat and crowds!

Also, pack plenty of water and snacks, use sun protection, and know your limits. Hiking in the summer heat can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.

🎦 Want to see what Yosemite Falls currently looks like? Check out this webcam!

🍂 Fall (September – November): During the fall months, Yosemite Falls dwindles to a light trickle, so you won’t see the powerful, thundering waterfall that’s typical in spring. However, a strong rainstorm or early season snowstorm can temporarily bring it back to life.

Even without peak flow, this trail is worth hiking in the fall. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the changing landscape filled with beautiful fall colors make it especially rewarding.

🌨️ Winter (December – February): Winter can be both an exhilarating and potentially dangerous time to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. Be sure to know your limits and only attempt this hike if you’re comfortable navigating winter conditions.

With cooler temperatures and significantly fewer crowds, it can be an incredible experience under the right conditions. However, snow and ice are often present, making winter hiking gear essential.

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail in Yosemite National Park: Step-by-Step Directions

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

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 1 mile (1.6 km) 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 Yosemite Falls.

🥾 Columbia Rock Hiking Details:

• Distance – 2.2 miles (3.5 km) roundtrip
• Elevation Gain – 1,015 feet
• Difficulty – Challenging

🤩 TRAVEL GUIDE: 1-Day Yosemite Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail (continue)

Continue your ascent. In about 0.2 miles (0.3 km), 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.

✨ READ THIS: Best Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park

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!?!?

*reader shakes head in a yes manner*

I thought so.

Secret, Scary Overlook

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!

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Yosemite Point (optional)

BUT WAIT! There are more awesome views further along the trail if you’re up for it!! Ready for more hiking?

*reader shakes head again in a yes manner*

Okay! Let’s head towards Yosemite Point. This will add 1 extra mile (1.6 km) 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 river! It’s very dangerous!!

Continue hiking up (yes, more elevation gain) about 1 mile (1.6 km) 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! 🥳

🥾 Explore more of Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point with these hikes!

Tips for Hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

2. Be Physically Prepared: With a 3,200-foot elevation gain, be ready for a challenging ascent. Take your time and pace yourself.

3. Watch for Wildlife: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻 Note: Bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite National Park!

4. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

5. Safety: Keep a safe distance from cliff edges and don’t swim upstream near a waterfall.

What to Bring to Yosemite National Park

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!

Conclusion

The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views and a challenging climb. Reaching the top of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls is an experience worth every step!

Want to hear something crazy? In 2025, my husband and I hiked this trail 5 times. Yes, it was by choice. No one forced us! 😜

If this guide inspires you to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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