| Yosemite Valley, California |
 Trail Name:Yosemite Falls Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Yosemite Falls is the world’s fifth highest waterfall, cascading 2,425 ft over a massive granite cliff to the valley floor. It is, in fact, made up of three separate falls – 1,430-ft Upper Fall, Cascades or Middle Fall at 675 ft, and the smaller Lower Fall at 320 ft.
This strenuous hike is a complete contrast to the paved, crowded path to the base of Lower Fall. By climbing to the top, you can truly appreciate the scale of this magnificent waterfall, with wonderful views over the valley ample reward for your hard work. From the trailhead, work your way up a series of switchbacks that climb from the valley floor, and follow a ridge to the top of Columbia Rock. Although you cannot see the falls from here, there are excellent views of the valley. At this point you have climbed 1,040 ft; unfortunately, another 1,660 remain. Continue up another long series of switchbacks to the top of the massive cliff. A narrow path, protected by a railing, leads to a promontory at the edge of Yosemite Falls. From here, you can peer over the top of North America’s highest waterfall, and savor the dramatic views of the valley and mountains that surround it. The best time of year to view any of the waterfalls in Yosemite is late spring, after the melt-off of snow at higher elevations. At this time of year, the white flowers of the valley dogwood trees are also in full bloom. By late summer, water levels will have dropped significantly; indeed, it is not unknown for Yosemite Falls to dry up completely by autumn. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Yosemite National Park, within the Sierra Nevada of central California. Entrance fee charged.
Directions: The most direct routes to Yosemite Valley are via the south and west entrances of the Park. For the south entrance, take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; for the west entrances, Hwy 140 east from Merced, or 132 and 120 from Modesto. The valley can also be reached from the east via the 395 and 120 (Tioga Road – closed in winter). Trailhead: Sunnyside camp, accessed from shuttle bus stop 8. Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 2,700 ft / 823 m Duration: 6 hours Trail Condition: Marked, steep switchbacks. Features: Waterfall, birds eye view of valley and surrounding peaks. Climate: Waterfalls are fullest by end of May. Pleasant temperatures spring and fall, hot in summer. Snow may cover the trail in winter. Accommodation: Yosemite Valley has lodges, cabins and crowded campgrounds – reservations usually essential. Lodging and camping also available in other areas of the Park and outside the Park entrances, but this may leave a long drive to reach the valley. Trail Notes: Yosemite Valley gets very crowded and entrance may be restricted at busy times of year. Arrive early, park, and walk or take a shuttle bus to the trailhead. |
Popularity: 15% [?]
