Begin at the
Yosemite Falls Trailhead, beyond the Camp 4 parking lot
(Yosemite Valley shuttle stop 7 or El Capitan shuttle stop E2).
Where do you park to hike Upper Yosemite Falls?
Parking:
Anywhere near Yosemite Lodge or Yosemite Village
will work out well – the day-use lot just south of Yosemite Village is your likeliest bet in this area. If you can’t find space near the trailhead, you can park just about anywhere in eastern Yosemite Valley and catch a free shuttle to the trailhead.
How long is the hike to Upper Yosemite Falls?
Head out on this
7.6-mile
out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 41 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
How hard is Upper Yosemite Falls trail?
| Rating: Moderately strenuous to strenuous day hike | Length: 6 miles round-trip to Yosemite Point (1.2 miles round-trip to Columbia Rock) |
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Can you swim at the top of Yosemite Falls?
Do you need a permit to hike Yosemite?
A wilderness permit is required year-round for backpacking, overnight climbing, or any other overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness
. A wilderness permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome) or for staying in lodging facilities and frontcountry campgrounds.
How long does the Mist trail take?
| Rating: Fairly strenuous to strenuous day hike | Access: Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 16 along the Yosemite Valley shuttle system) | Time Required: 3-6 hours | Length: 5.5 miles round trip up Mist Trail and back down John Muir Trail (1.4 miles to top of Vernal Fall, 1.2 miles more to top of Nevada Fall) |
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Do Yosemite waterfalls dry up?
The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with
some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August
.
Can you drink water from Yosemite Falls?
Is your water safe to drink?
Our water is perfectly safe to drink
, bath and swim in, but we recommend that you bring bottled water for drinking, due to the fact that our water has a high mineral content.
How many steps up to Nevada Falls?
The lower slopes are paved and scenic, but then you cross the Merced River and hike through the mist up
600 granite steps
to the 317-foot Vernal Falls (3 miles round-trip). You can then continue to the massive and booming 594-foot Nevada Falls (6 miles round-trip).
Are Yosemite hikes hard?
Yosemite is home to
one of the most challenging day hikes in the park’s system
(Half Dome Trail) but also offers wheelchair accessibility to the base of Yosemite Falls, its most symbolic feature. Yosemite Valley is open year-round for hiking, and trails here, particularly the shortest, are almost always busy.
What elevation is Upper Yosemite Falls?
The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails, built 1873 to 1877. The trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall
2,425 feet (739 m)
above the Valley floor.
Where does the water come from Yosemite Falls?
In Yosemite’s case, most precipitation falls as
snow that accumulates above 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) during the winter, creating a natural water reservoir
. The snowpack slowly releases meltwater through the spring and early summer, nourishing downstream regions well into the dry season.
How many switchbacks does Upper Yosemite Falls have?
Over 135
switchbacks. It’s a grueling hike but you are rewarded with wonderful views of Yosemite Valley along the way and finally at the top.
How hard is El Capitan hike?
Those planning to hike up to and descend from the summit should expect a
long, strenuous, and rewarding 10 to 15-hour journey
. The length of this hike is just shy of 19 total miles. While it is possible to hike up El Capitan as a day hike, the trail tends to be a popular backpacking route for campers.
Is it safe to swim in the Merced River?
Swimming in the Merced River is a popular way to cool off–but help protect the river by entering and exiting only on sandy beaches.
Swimming in rivers is not without hazards, including swift currents, cold water, and hazards within the river (e.g., trees)
.
How cold is the water in Yosemite Falls?
On a hot day, the water might look inviting, but it’s freezing, actually about
46 degrees
. You may not make it out if you fall in.
Can you get in the water at Yosemite?
No summer vacation would be complete without a refreshing dip in the sparkling water.
Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards
. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk.
How far can you hike Half Dome without a permit?
You are allowed to hike all the way to the Sub Dome,
about 0.5 mile before the summit
, without a permit. Generally the ranger will be sitting there, checking people’s permits.
Can I sleep in my car in Yosemite?
Within Yosemite National Park,
you may not sleep in your car or RV except in a campsite that you’re registered to stay in
(except at Camp 4, where sleeping in cars is not allowed because it’s a walk-in campground). Sleeping in your car along the side of the road is not allowed.
Can you hike Half Dome at night?
At night, the path to the summit lies completely open, allowing you a solid 12 hours to hike the Half Dome cables, permit free
. Hiking at night might seem daunting to some, but I can assure you that it is just as enjoyable and challenging as hiking during the day.
How many steps is the Mist Trail?
To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of
over 600 steps
. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Trail is usually accessible throughout the autumn season.
What should I wear to the Mist Trail?
Better to wear
sturdy shoes with good tread, like sneakers or hiking boots or trail shoes
. Make sure they’re broken in before you go!
How hard is Vernal Falls hike?
Explore this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California.
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete
. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
What is the best month to visit Yosemite?
The best times to visit Yosemite are
May and September
, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.
How long do the waterfalls last in Yosemite?
This phenomenon typically lasts for
about three weeks if conditions are right
. Horsetail Fall is located on the east side of El Capitan. To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan Picnic Area on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, formerly Yosemite Lodge.
Can you see Yosemite Falls from the road?
To get the best views, park at the El Capitan picnic area (on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, formerly Yosemite Lodge) or in turnouts just east of the picnic area.
You can see the waterfall from the road
.
