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    Yosemite Falls

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3.5-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    9.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    580 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.7
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama of the Yosemite Falls hike in Yosemite National Park

    Don't hike to the top of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park. Spend your time only on the best and see both falls and avoid the challenging final ascent to the top of the Upper Falls (where there is no real view of the stunning cascades anyways!).

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    Route Description for Yosemite Falls

    For the lower falls, walk up a wide paved path with no elevation gain for about a kilometer from the village. The trail is excellently marked, and if you have any confusion just follow the crowds. Come back down and continue west on a paved path parallel to the road towards the Upper Yosemite trailhead. You will pass the famous camp 4, a climber's camp, and turn right to start the hike.

    Start climbing, but don’t worry; you will not be going to the top. The best views are only approximately 2.0 km along the path. Remarkably, the view from the top isn't that great – this isn’t a view like Vernal or Nevada Falls!

    The path switchbacks up in the shade for several kilometers. We saw many people with little to no water on the trail – a very dangerous sight indeed.

    The best views along the trail are at the end of the shaded section where there is a guardrail and beautiful views of half dome. A little further on the views of the upper falls (from the bottom) are absolutely spectacular.

    We did continue on to the top. It is a nice hike, but you can spend your scarce time elsewhere more effectively. Going to the top will triple the elevation that you have already climbed – it’s like climbing an 800 m skyscraper with pure switchbacks. Be extremely careful on hot days, as the majority of the climb is completely exposed to the sun. We saw a number of people struggling with the climb and the heat (they were not happy). Remember to wear light clothing and a hat.

    Once you get to the top, there is a viewpoint where many people opt to stop and eat their lunch. Going left from the edge there is a sign that leads to the official viewpoint. This is a very exposed route with few guardrails that directs you to a very underwhelming overlook. Ironically there are no good views of the falls from the top.

    Be careful descending in the heat. If the streams are running, dunk your hat or an extra sweater in the water and wrap it around your neck to cool you off. It can be a godsend midday in August.

    If you want to find more great hikes in Yosemite, check out Clouds Rest, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite Valley or Panorama Trail!

    Insider Hints for Yosemite Falls

    • You don’t need to get to the top for the best views on this hike.
    • Take water, this route can be hot and exposed!

    Getting to the Yosemite Falls Trailhead

    Follow the signs for Yosemite Valley, and park at the parking lot just past the Yosemite Falls Trailhead or in the Yosemite Village Parking lot. We prefer the Yosemite Falls Trailhead as it avoids the traffic jam around the Village.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June through October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Toilets

      Trailhead

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Yosemite Falls Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Yosemite Falls Reviews

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