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Yosemite Falls

North America's Tallest Falls

Yosemite Falls is a waterfall located in Yosemite Valley. It is the highest waterfall in the park, with a total drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters). The falls are formed by the Merced River, which flows down from the high country of the park and drops over the edge of a granite cliff. The falls are divided into three sections: the Upper Falls, the Middle Cascades, and the Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are the tallest, with a drop of 1,430 feet (436 meters). The Middle Cascades are a series of smaller waterfalls that drop a total of 675 feet (206 meters). The Lower Falls is the final section of the falls, with a drop of 320 feet (98 meters). The falls are a popular tourist destination in the park and can be viewed from various points along the Yosemite Falls Trail.

Hiking Around Yosemite Falls

The Yosemite Falls Trail is a popular hike in Yosemite National Park that leads to the base of Yosemite Falls. The trail begins at the Yosemite Falls parking area and follows a relatively steep route through the forest to the base of the falls. The total distance of the hike is about 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers) round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet (820 meters). The hike takes most people between 4 and 7 hours to complete, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the falls.

Along the way, hikers will have the opportunity to see a variety of plant and animal life, as well as stunning views of the valley and the falls. There are several points where the trail offers views of the falls and the surrounding landscape, including Columbia Rock, which provides a panoramic view of the valley and the falls.

Your Trusted Yosemite Falls Tour Guides

Since 1997, we’ve guided groups along every step of this exhilarating experience. Our catalog of Yosemite trips includes the classic Yosemite Falls Day Hike Tour (All Lasting Adventures trips including required permits.)

Your Yosemite Falls Day Hikeawaits!

On the way up to Yosemite Falls on our Yosemite Hiking Tours

Yosemite Falls Day Hike

The strenuous Yosemite Falls hike takes you up a number switchbacks beside incredible outlooks and waterfalls to award you with the famous lookout at the top of the falls. A Yosemite hiking tours classic!

Trip Highlights:

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Trip Length:

Day Hike

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