Flight Booking Tour Package
10 Beautiful Waterfall In Yosemite

Last Updated At: 03-Nov-2023

10 Beautiful Waterfall In Yosemite You Must Visit In 2024

Yosemite is a glacier valley in Yosemite National Park, and it is nothing less than a stunning Marvel on Earth. Densely populated with pine trees and high granite summits around it, the valley is beautiful and worthy of your visit.

If we talk about the things to do in Yosemite, waterfalls are the best spots to consider. There are around a dozen waterfalls in the park. Here are the top ones!

List Of 10 Best Waterfalls In Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is the primary location that houses these wonders, including peaks, cliffs, canyons, rivers, domes, lakes, and immense waterfalls. Let’s explore these waterfalls!

  • Yosemite Falls | Tallest Waterfall in North America
  • Bridalveil Fall | Spectacular Scenery
  • Chilnualna Falls | Hidden Gem in Yosemite's South
  • Wapama Falls | A Year-Round Waterfall
  • Lehamite Falls | Feel the Magnificent Aura
  • Vernal Fall | A Heavenly Place
  • Staircase Falls | A Majestic Waterfall Series
  • Quaking Aspen Falls | Multi-Stranded Waterfall in Yosemite
  • Snow Creek Falls | Pleasure to the Eyes
  • Ribbon Fall | Longest Single Drop Waterfall in North America

1. Yosemite Falls | Tallest Waterfall in North America

One of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights in Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in Yosemite and North America. You can easily find it on the Yosemite National Park waterfall map. It consists of three sections: the Upper Fall, the Middle Cascades, and the Lower Fall.

When you reach this 2,425-foot waterfall, you will be awe-struck with the scenery in front of your eyes. You can admire the fall from various viewpoints and enjoy the Upper Yosemite Falls hiking trail. The best time to visit Yosemite waterfalls is in late spring when the snow melts.

  • Location: Yosemite Village, CA
  • Terrain: Mountain

2. Bridalveil Fall | Spectacular Scenery

Bridalveil Fall is the most scenic waterfall in Yosemite Valley, California. The waterfall plunges 620 feet from a hanging valley and flows year-round. The name of this fall comes from the mist that resembles a bridal veil when the wind blows.

You can get to the base of Bridalveil Fall by a short and easy hike from the parking area. However, in terms of Bridalveil Fall accessibility, this trail is not wheelchair friendly due to its grade. Further, you may get wet from the waterfall's spray in spring, and in winter, you may encounter icy conditions.

  • Location: Yosemite Valley, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, River

3. Chilnualna Falls | Hidden Gem in Yosemite's South

Chilnualna Falls is a string of waterfalls totalling 690 feet, located on Chilnualna Creek in the southern section of Yosemite National Park. The falls are a hidden gem less crowded than the famous waterfall in Yosemite Valley. The falls are popular for horseback riding, backpacking, camping and hiking.

You can access the trailhead to the falls from the Wawona area. The trail is of moderate level, but there are steep points towards the end. Even while walking, you will see a lot of beautiful scenes where you can click pictures.

  • Location: Wawona, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, River

4. Wapama Falls | A Year-Round Waterfall

When visiting the waterfall in Yosemite, you will notice that Yosemite National Park has a lot of variety. Therefore, when you enter the park, ask for Yosemite waterfall tours and guides. They will take you to Wapama Falls, which has a height of 1,100 feet.

It has two primary drops angled approximately 60 degrees to each other and a wide cascade at its base. There's a moderate-level trail that gains 1,108 in elevation to reach the falls. Also, the best time to visit here is in spring when the water volume is high.

  • Location: Hetch Hetchy Valley, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Forest, Lake

5. Lehamite Falls | Feel the Magnificent Aura

Lehamite Falls is a small-volume waterfall in a tributary gully to Indian Canyon near Yosemite Village. The falls cascade 1,130 feet down a slot in the granite cliff, first starting as rugged cascades with multiple distinct steps and culminating in a horsetail fall.

You can see Lehamite Falls from various viewpoints, such as Cook's Meadow, Sentinel Bridge, and Yosemite Village. However, the falls are often overlooked because they are next to the more famous Yosemite Falls. Also, these are seasonal waterfalls and appear in early spring.

  • Location: Yosemite Valley, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Forest, River

6. Vernal Fall | A Heavenly Place

If you're looking for a waterfall in Yosemite that is different from the rest, Vernal Fall is the place to be. It's a 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River just downstream of Nevada Falls in Yosemite National Park. There are many Vernal Fall viewpoints and photography points that you will come across.

Additionally, the waterfall rushes all year long, although, by the end of summer, it is substantially decreased in volume. There is the Mist Trail that you can follow and reach the most magnificent viewpoint of Vernal Fall. However, do look out for the Mist Trail difficulty and tips before proceeding.

  • Location: Yosemite Valley, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Granite, River

7. Staircase Falls | A Majestic Waterfall Series

Staircase Falls, as the name depicts, is a series of waterfalls located on Gossamer Creek in Yosemite National Park, California. The falls descend 1,300 feet into Yosemite Valley over a series of steps.

The falls are best seen in the spring when the snowmelt feeds the creek, creating a spectacular display of water and light. You can hike to the base of Staircase Falls by following the Four Mile Trail from the alley floor to Glacier Point. The trail offers dazzling views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan along the way.

  • Location: Yosemite Valley, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Forest, River

8. Quaking Aspen Falls | Multi-Stranded Waterfall in Yosemite

Quaking Aspen Falls is located off Tioga Pass Road near Yosemite Creek and is 25 feet tall. The falls are named after the quaking aspen trees that grow along the creek. This waterfall is best seen in the spring and early summer when the snowmelt feeds the creek and creates a spectacular water display.

Further, reaching the falls is easy, and you must follow the Yosemite Creek Trail from Tioga Pass Road. The trail also offers views of Yosemite Creek, Mount Hoffman and Tuolumne Meadows.

  • Location: Tioga Pass Road, Yosemite National Park, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Forest, Ice

9. Snow Creek Falls | Pleasure to the Eyes

Located near the north rim of Yosemite Valley, this 2,140-foot waterfall is a delight for the eyes. They're best seen in the spring and are named after the creek that originates from snowmelt on Mount Watkins. Further, the trail of this fall is open all year round. So you can visit it whenever you are in Yosemite.

There are plenty of things to see here other than the mesmerising waterfall views. You can look at the sensational views of various granite landforms and climb out of Tenaya Canyon.

  • Location: Yosemite National Park, California
  • Terrain: Rocky, Mountain, Slippery

10. Ribbon Fall | Longest Single Drop Waterfall in North America

Ribbon Fall, a 1,612-foot waterfall on Ribbon Creek, Yosemite National Park, is a must-visit site if you're on a waterfall in Yosemite spree. This fall is known to be the only single-drop waterfall with such a length. When the snow melts, this waterfall's water volume increases manifolds, and the views become even more breathtaking.

You can view Ribbon Fall from various viewpoints in Yosemite Valley, such as Bridaleil Fall Parking area, El Capitan Meadow, or Valley View. Further, there aren't any trails here, nor do the locals recommend them because of the steep and unstable terrain.

  • Location: Yosemite National Park, California
  • Terrain: Mountain, Rocky, Stones

Read More : Places To Visit In California

Adotrip is your ideal travel companion when planning a trip to Yosemite, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls. Our platform offers a seamless experience, from itinerary customisation to booking accommodations and guided tours. With Adotrip, you can explore its natural wonders like never before, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free journey. Discover the cascading beauty of Yosmite's waterfalls with us, and let the adventure begin.

With us, nothing is far!

Book California Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls In Yosemite

Q1. Where can I find the most iconic waterfalls in Yosemite National Park?
A1. Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass Road, Yosemite Village, and Wawona are the locations to find the most iconic waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.

Q2. Can I swim at the waterfalls in Yosemite?
A2. Most of the water bodies in the Yosemite National Park are good for swimming. However, you need to be mindful of the instructions. Carbon Falls permits swimming.

Q3. What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite's waterfalls?
A3. The waterfalls in Yosemite are the most beautiful in the Spring.

Q4. Are there any photography workshops focused on Yosemite waterfalls?
A4. Yes. Rainbows and Reflections, Yosemite Valley Waterfalls Photography Workshop, Night Skies Milky Way Photo Workshops, etc., are to name some of them.

Q5. How do I obtain permits for hiking to remote waterfalls in Yosemite?
A5. You can obtain a permit to remote waterfalls and wilderness at the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center.

Q6. Are there any waterfall-related ranger programs in Yosemite?
A6. Yes, there are waterfall-related ranger programs in Yosemite, such as Waterfall Safety Talks, Geology of Waterfalls programs, Waterfall Guided Walks, and more.

Q7. Can I spot wildlife near the waterfalls in Yosemite?
A7. Yes, there are some animals that you may spot near the waterfalls in Yosemite, such as Black Bear, Coyote, Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, and even Mule Deer.

Q8. Are there any shuttle services to reach Yosemite's waterfalls?
A8. Yes, Valley-wide shuttle and East-wide shuttle are the shuttle services to reach Yosemite waterfalls.

Q9. What are the most challenging waterfall hikes in Yosemite?
A9. Some of the hardest waterfall hikes in Yosemite are the Four Mile Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls, Mist Trail, and Half Dome.

+

Q10. Can I find camping accommodations near Yosemite's waterfalls?
A10. Yes, there are plenty of camping options near Yosemite, such as May Lake High Sierra Camp, Yosemite Creek Campground, and Backpacker's Campground.  

+

--- Published By  Adotrip

Flight Booking Tour Package
chatbot
icon

Subscribe Our Newsletter To Get Exclusive Discounts & Offers In Your Inbox

Download Adotrip App Or Simply Subscribe To Get Exclusive Offers On Flights, Hotels, Buses And More

whatsapp

May I Help you