If chasing waterfalls is on your adventure list, Yosemite National Park is the perfect destination. Nestled among towering granite cliffs and vast forests, Yosemite showcases its raw beauty with some of the world’s tallest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls. From the thunderous roar of water crashing into the Yosemite Valley to the misty spray that greets you on the trails, each waterfall offers its own captivating experience. Whether hiking, driving, or simply pausing at a scenic overlook, the magic of Yosemite’s waterfalls is unforgettable. This guide will help you discover the best waterfalls in Yosemite and how to experience them.
The Best Waterfalls in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is home to 25 named waterfalls, plus countless smaller cascades that come alive in spring. From easy viewpoints to challenging hikes, there’s a waterfall adventure for everyone. Here are some of Yosemite’s most iconic falls to explore:
Yosemite Falls
Height: 2,425 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: November through July, with peak flow in May
Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s most iconic waterfalls, is the tallest in North America, dropping 2,425 feet from the towering cliffs above Yosemite Valley. This mighty waterfall is made up of three separate sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. Late spring is when the falls are most powerful, with misty spray rising from the valley floor. For the best views, head to Yosemite Falls Viewpoint, Swinging Bridge, or Glacier Point for panoramic perspectives. For a challenge, tackle the 7.2-mile round trip Yosemite Falls Trail, with a 2,700-foot elevation gain, for sweeping views of the falls and valley.
Sentinel Falls
Height: 2,000 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: March through June, with peak flow in May
Located near Sentinel Rock, Sentinel Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Yosemite, plunging over 2,000 feet in a series of six major drops. Its dramatic cascades are best viewed in the spring when snowmelt fuels its flow, as it often dries up by late summer. Surrounded by spectacular scenery, Sentinel Falls captures the park’s essence, making it a must-see for visitors during its peak season. The best vantage points are along Southside Drive near Sentinel Rock.
Ribbon Fall
Height: 1,612
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: March through June, with peak flow in May
Ribbon Fall is the highest free-leaping waterfall in North America, plummeting 1,612 feet over sheer granite cliffs. Though lesser-known, it’s no less impressive and is best viewed in early spring when there’s fresh snowmelt. The best place to view Ribbon Fall is along Southside Drive near El Capitan, offering clear views from the valley floor. While there isn’t a trail to the base, its towering presence is easily admired from the road.
Horsetail Fall & Firefall
Height: 1,000 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: December through April
Horsetail Fall captures attention every February with the famous “Firefall” phenomenon, where the setting sun lights up the waterfall, creating the illusion of lava pouring down the cliffs. This brief, magical spectacle depends on perfect conditions, but when it happens, it’s unforgettable. Horsetail Fall, which drops from the east side of El Capitan, was known as El Capitan Fall in Ansel Adams’s time. The best viewing spots are the El Capitan Picnic Area and Northside Drive pullouts. Even outside the Firefall event, it’s worth seeing whenever water flows.
Bridalveil Fall
Height: 620 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
Bridalveil Fall is one of the first waterfalls you’ll see upon entering Yosemite Valley, named for the mist that, when caught by the wind, resembles a flowing bridal veil. This waterfall offers a stunning, year-round spectacle and serves as the perfect introduction to Yosemite’s grandeur. For a breathtaking view, head to Tunnel View, where you’ll see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, and the expansive Yosemite Valley, all captured in one iconic scene that showcases the park’s beauty.
Nevada Fall
Height: 594 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
Nevada Fall, one of the two major waterfalls along the famed Mist Trail, is a dramatic cascade rushing down a steep granite slope. The top third flows freely, while the bottom two-thirds crash down the rock, creating powerful whitewater and mist. To enjoy sweeping views from above, continue hiking up the John Muir Trail. If you’d prefer to skip the hike, head to Glacier Point for a panoramic view of Nevada and Vernal Falls and the stunning surrounding landscape.
Vernal Fall
Height: 317 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
Just below Nevada Fall is Vernal Fall, a stunning waterfall that’s a highlight of the Mist Trail, where you’ll get the most immersive view. As its name implies, this hike will leave you soaked with mist as the waterfall thunders beside you in spring. Surrounded by lush greenery and with a powerful flow, Vernal Fall makes the Mist Trail one of the park’s most popular hikes. Together, Vernal and Nevada Falls form a cascade where the Merced River descends into the valley, creating the “giant staircase.” While Vernal Fall flows year-round, it narrows into three falls during late summer as the water decreases.
Illilouette Fall
Height: 370 feet
Location: Near Glacier Point
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
Illilouette Fall is a beautiful 370-foot waterfall tucked away in Yosemite, often overshadowed by more famous falls but worth the hike for those seeking a quieter experience. Flowing year-round, it’s best viewed from the Panorama Trail near Glacier Point, where the fall cascades through a rugged and forested landscape, offering a peaceful and less crowded spot to appreciate Yosemite’s natural beauty. You can also glimpse Illilouette Fall from the Mist Trail as you hike toward Vernal and Nevada Falls, allowing you to check off three incredible waterfalls in one journey.
Wapama Falls
Height: 1,400 feet
Location: Hetch Hetchy
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
The northwest corner of Yosemite, a favorite spot of John Muir, is home to Wapama Falls, a thunderous waterfall that plunges into the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Created by the O’Shaughnessy Dam in the 1920s, this reservoir is the park’s largest body of water. Hike the five-mile round trip Wapama Falls Trail for a scenic and peaceful journey to the base of the falls. While you can glimpse the falls from the parking lot, the hike is well worth it. Just remember to bring water, as the trail offers little shade.
Chilnualna Falls
Height: 2,200 feet
Location: Wawona
Flows: Year-round, with peak flow in May
While the Mist Trail is a top choice for waterfall enthusiasts, Chilnualna Falls Trail is another hike that shouldn’t be overlooked. This 8.4-mile roundtrip trek is challenging, but the reward is fewer hikers than the busy Yosemite Valley trails. The effort is worth it, especially during peak runoff, when the waterfall cascades down five tiers, with drops ranging from 30 to 300 feet. Since there are no roadside viewpoints, hiking is the only way to experience this stunning fall up close.
Silver Strand Falls
Height: 574 feet
Location: Yosemite Valley
Flows: December through April
Head to the Tunnel View overlook along Wawona Road to see Silver Strand Falls in Yosemite. From this famous viewpoint, look above and slightly to the right of the Wawona Tunnel, where you can spot Silver Strand Falls cascading 574 feet down the cliffs. While most visitors focus on the iconic views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome from Tunnel View, Silver Strand Falls is a hidden gem often overlooked, making this viewpoint the best place to catch a glimpse.
Best Time to See Waterfalls in Yosemite
The best time to see Yosemite’s waterfalls in full force is in the spring, particularly from May to June when the snowmelt is at its peak. Many falls dry up by mid-to-late summer, so spring is ideal to witness their full power. Some waterfalls, like Bridalveil Fall and Wapama Falls, flow year-round, but the spring runoff brings them to life.
Where to Stay in Yosemite
Under Canvas Yosemite offers a luxurious glamping experience on 85 forested acres, just 10 minutes from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance. Relax in upscale, safari-inspired tents with king-size beds, private ensuite bathrooms, and West Elm furnishings. With a YART shuttle stop just steps away, exploring the park is convenient and car-free. After a day of adventure, unwind with complimentary activities like morning yoga, live music, kids’ programs, and cozy evenings around the campfire, roasting s’mores under the stars. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Yosemite while enjoying unparalleled comfort in nature.