Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most stunning hikes in the country, with Yosemite Falls being one of the best. This iconic waterfall is a must do for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Yosemite National Park. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before setting out to hike up to Yosemite Falls, or to the various viewpoint options. There are options for advanced, intermediate, and beginner level hikers.
Hike Stats For Hiking To Upper Yosemite Falls:
Difficulty – Difficulty
Distance – 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip
Height –3,967 feet (1,347m)
Elevation gain – 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain
Duration – 6-10 hours round trip
Hike Class: Class 2
Trailhead Location – Camp 4 (Shuttle stop 7) – Yosemite Falls Trailhead
Dogs – Not allowed
Visitors to the park have several options for hiking towards Yosemite Falls with amazing views, we are going to discuss each of those main points of interest.
Upper Yosemite Falls viewpoint
Distance: 8.72 Miles Round Trip (14.03 km)
Elevation Gain: 1,995 Feet (608.08 m)
Duration: 6-10 hours round trip
Upper Yosemite falls is one of the most common turnaround points. It takes you to the lower views of the falls, but then all the way next to the falls with incredible views. At the end of this hike, steep steps with metal railings have been installed that take hikers along the cliff side for even better views. This is not the place for people with a fear of heights, but it is sure to be one of the most incredible viewpoints and hiking experiences of your life.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip
Elevation: 1,000 ft (328 m) elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours round trip
Begin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7)
The Columbia Rock area is a great place for those who don’t have enough time, or don’t quite want to make it all the way the top of Yosemite Falls. In our opinion, some of the best views of the falls are from the first viewpoint along the trail all the way up to the falls here as it is a place that allows you to view the entire falls and much of the rest of the valley (pictures below). Hikers heading to the top of the falls, or to Yosemite point will first pass this section on the the trail. In addition, after this point, the hike starts to ascend even steeper, but there are countless incredibly good viewpoints.
Views from Yosemite Point looking back at the trail to Yosemite Falls
Distance: 8.4 miles (13.52 km)
Elevation Gain: 3,723 ft (1134.8 m)
Duration: 6-10 hours round trip
Begin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7)
Yosemite point is usually combined with the Yosemite Falls viewpoint. Hiking to Yosemite point gives some of the best views into the valley, and of Half Dome. In our opinion, the only better view of Half Dome, is from North Dome. Hikers will hike to the upper falls, cross the river over a bridge, and continue to a viewpoint over the falls and valley below.
If you plan on hiking to Yosemite Point, we highly recommend also adding on the Upper Yosemite Falls viewpoint to this trip which will add about 1.8 miles round trip, and a few hundred feed of elevation gain and loss.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
Elevation Gain: 50 ft (15 m)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30 minutes
Begin at: Valley Visitor Center, Shuttle Stop 6
This is a very simple route that is accessible for just about anyone. It takes visitors near the base of the falls where they can often even get wet from the spray of the falls. It features a great little loop, easy access, very little elevation gain, and incredibly good views. It will pretty much always be crowded, but the views from the bottom are simply incredible.
Because much of the trail is south facing, in winter, this trail often can stay in much better shape than other trails in the park. It is accessible year round, but winter can create icey and dangerous trail conditions.
Nearby lodging and campground information can be found here.
And getting backcountry/wilderness camping permit info can be found here.
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
Today
Mostly sunny. High near 43, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 31. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low around 17, with temperatures rising to around 19 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 12. North northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday
Sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 11. North wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Wind chill values as low as 12. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
Snow likely after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Tuesday
Snow. Cloudy, with a high near 41. South southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible.
Directions to Yosemite Falls Trailhead:
Yosemite Falls from the trail
The bridge crossing the river between Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point
Yosemite falls trail views
