3.4 hr
Overview
One of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North Americas tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor. This trail starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak woodland. You'll begin to climb above some trees and into exposed plateaus that offer you a glimpse of what's to come: great views of Yosemite Valley and its many iconic landforms. Do not stray off of the maintained path, as you'll find steep drops adjacent to the trail.<br><br>If you make the one-mile, 1,000-foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. From there, it is worth the time and energy to hike another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) (some of which is actually downhill!) to get a stunning view of Upper Yosemite Falls. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be a welcome respite after the tough climb.<br><br>The upper half of the trail is steep and rocky, but the arduous journey is well worth the amazing views you'll be rewarded with at the top. Here you may be surprised by the small size of Yosemite Creek, which feeds this massive waterfall. Use extreme caution when near the creek and remember you are directly above a waterfall.<br><br>At the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail, you can extend your hike east to Yosemite Point (follow signs for North Dome; adds 1.6 miles round trip (2.6 km) to this hike) or west to Eagle Peak (follow signs to El Capitan, adds 5.8 miles round trip (9.3 km) to this hike). Yosemite Point offers direct views of Half Dome that rival those found on the North Dome Trail, gives you an opportunity to see Lost Arrow Spire up close, and provides panoramic views of many other peaks. Eagle Peak, part of the Three Brothers rock formation, is the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, which gives you a different perspective o
Trail Stats
4.9 km
840 m
2038 m
1230 m
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Photos
In the Spring, water works its way down the rock faces as the snow melts in the high country.
In the Spring, water works its way down the rock faces as the snow melts in the high country.
Snow can be found at the upper parts of the North Rim trail even if the rest of the trail is clear. Always ask about trail conditions before heading up a trail out of the Valley.
Snow can be found at the upper parts of the North Rim trail even if the rest of the trail is clear. Always ask about trail conditions before heading up a trail out of the Valley.
Stone steps climb up the gully beside the Yosemite Falls. Switchbacks, stone steps, and general elevation gain can make this trail challenging.
Stone steps climb up the gully beside the Yosemite Falls. Switchbacks, stone steps, and general elevation gain can make this trail challenging.
The switchbacks at the bottom of the Upper Yosemite Trail can be grueling. It's rocky and unrelenting as you climb out of the valley.
The switchbacks at the bottom of the Upper Yosemite Trail can be grueling. It's rocky and unrelenting as you climb out of the valley.
Humans aren't the only ones who use the trail. A buck uses the trail to get uphill. In the mornings, animals may use the trail vs going through the brush as an easy way to get to where they'll bed down to rest.
Humans aren't the only ones who use the trail. A buck uses the trail to get uphill. In the mornings, animals may use the trail vs going through the brush as an easy way to get to where they'll bed down to rest.
On top of the Upper Yosemite falls trail.
On top of the Upper Yosemite falls trail.
Yosemite Point from Upper Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Point from Upper Yosemite Falls.
A view down into Yosemite Valley from the top of Yosemite Falls.
A view down into Yosemite Valley from the top of Yosemite Falls.
From Oh My Gosh Rock, the only view of Lower Yosemite Falls along the trail can be enjoyed. Here, water drops over Lower Yosemite Falls in the winter.
From Oh My Gosh Rock, the only view of Lower Yosemite Falls along the trail can be enjoyed. Here, water drops over Lower Yosemite Falls in the winter.
Looking across the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and the valley to the South Rim.
Looking across the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail and the valley to the South Rim.
Slackliner at the top of Yosemite Falls
Slackliner at the top of Yosemite Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls plummets until it hits the Middle Cascades where Yosemite Creek works it way to Lower Yosemite Falls.
Upper Yosemite Falls plummets until it hits the Middle Cascades where Yosemite Creek works it way to Lower Yosemite Falls.
The view vertically down Upper Yosemite Falls is not for the faint hearted
The view vertically down Upper Yosemite Falls is not for the faint hearted
Have Dome from Upper Yosemite Trail
Have Dome from Upper Yosemite Trail
From Oh My Gosh Rock, you get a full view of Yosemite Falls. Here you can see Upper Yosemite Falls and the Middle Cascades.
From Oh My Gosh Rock, you get a full view of Yosemite Falls. Here you can see Upper Yosemite Falls and the Middle Cascades.
Looking down at the falls.
Looking down at the falls.
Gloomy days in Yosemite need love too.
Gloomy days in Yosemite need love too.
Eagle Tower on the right rising high above you as you ascend the final switchbacks on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Eagle Tower on the right rising high above you as you ascend the final switchbacks on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Views of North Dome and Half Dome from the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
Views of North Dome and Half Dome from the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
Sometimes animals use the trail to get around. Here, a 10 point buck hits the trail after coming out of the brush.
Sometimes animals use the trail to get around. Here, a 10 point buck hits the trail after coming out of the brush.
Trail on Upper Yosemite Falls past Columbia Rock.
Trail on Upper Yosemite Falls past Columbia Rock.
Yosemite Falls before it plunges over the North Rim.
Yosemite Falls before it plunges over the North Rim.
Glacier Point and Half Dome on a sunny June afternoon
Glacier Point and Half Dome on a sunny June afternoon
Almost done with the Yosemite falls trail! The strong flow was a result of a recent snow storm.
Almost done with the Yosemite falls trail! The strong flow was a result of a recent snow storm.
The trail hugs the rock wall on the left as Upper Yosemite Falls shines in the late noon sunlight. When the spring snowmelt happens, the falls run at full force.
The trail hugs the rock wall on the left as Upper Yosemite Falls shines in the late noon sunlight. When the spring snowmelt happens, the falls run at full force.
Taking a break on the way up to Upper Yosemite Falls.
Taking a break on the way up to Upper Yosemite Falls.
Eastern Yosemite Valley in front of a snowy mountain range backdrop.
Eastern Yosemite Valley in front of a snowy mountain range backdrop.
Yosemite Valley looks small when you reach the highest point on the way to Upper Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley looks small when you reach the highest point on the way to Upper Yosemite Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls in late May. Snowmelt feeds the falls, making spring the perfect time to take this trail.
Upper Yosemite Falls in late May. Snowmelt feeds the falls, making spring the perfect time to take this trail.
Half Dome
Half Dome
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley
The view of the valley.
The view of the valley.
Upper Yosemite Falls is a must-see in the summer.
Upper Yosemite Falls is a must-see in the summer.
The view up the Yosemite Valley. North Dome on the left, Half Dome in the middle, and the Glacier Point on the right. Great views open up in this section of the Upper Yosemite Trail.
The view up the Yosemite Valley. North Dome on the left, Half Dome in the middle, and the Glacier Point on the right. Great views open up in this section of the Upper Yosemite Trail.
Upper Yosemite Falls through the trees on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Upper Yosemite Falls through the trees on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Upper Yosemite Falls
Upper Yosemite Falls
Western Yosemite Valley from the first overlook on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Western Yosemite Valley from the first overlook on Yosemite Falls Trail.
Lower Yosemite Falls.
Lower Yosemite Falls.
View of Upper Yosemite Falls from past halfway up the trail.
View of Upper Yosemite Falls from past halfway up the trail.
Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Valley.
Shot from the bridge above Upper Yosemite Falls
Shot from the bridge above Upper Yosemite Falls
Half Dome from Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Half Dome from Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Half Dome and some greenery.
Half Dome and some greenery.
Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Falls.
Yosemite Falls with Half Dome in the background.
Yosemite Falls with Half Dome in the background.