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Upper Yosemite Falls

37.741904,-119.601967

4.7/5
based on 19 reviews

Details

Distance

5.98 miles

Elevation Gain

2700 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tiffany Nguyen

Strenuous 6 mile round trip hike. This trail has very sparse crowds compared to some other more well-populated hikes in the Yosemite Valley. Go early in the Spring time to see the waterfall at its maximum flow.

You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many short breaks due to the steep ascent on the way up. The first mile of the hike is pretty much exclusively switchbacks. This first mile should take about an hour at which point you’ll reach Columbia Rock. At the top of Columbia Rock, enjoy sweeping views of the Yosemite Valley highlighting Half Dome and Awahnee Meadow.

After a relatively easy half mile, you’ll reach the first view of the bottom of Upper Yosemite Falls. At this point, the trail gets much steeper as you must ascend many switchbacks on your way to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Be aware of loose gravel on the trail. While most of this part of the hike is exposed to the sun, there are occasional shaded areas to rest and enjoy the many different vantage points of Upper Falls and Half Dome in the distance. Hike for another 1.5 miles and follow the signs to Upper Yosemite Falls Overlook.

When you finally reach the top, soak in the stunning panoramic view of the Yosemite Valley. Go to the left and follow the guardrail down to the mouth of the falls. If you’re lucky you’ll even be able to catch a rainbow in the thundering falls while peering over the edge. Walk back up the railing and have lunch by the natural pools. To return to the trailhead, exercise caution as you return the same way you came. Please note that the National Park Service forbids swimming in the falls. 

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Scenic
Waterfall
Swimming Hole

Upper Yosemite Falls Reviews

Straight up to the top but the views are spectacular. I ended up doing this hike in February and it was snowy and icy. I suggest having microspikes as I was slipping a lot. Would highly recommend!

I took my parents to Yosemite for their first time and this was the first hike I took them on… and also the hardest! Haha we logged 12 miles, went to the top of the falls, the lookout that you take the giant stairs down to next to the falls, and added another 2-3 by going to Yosemite point. It’s a tough hike but we’ll worth it. It’s busy and very exposed so get an early start so you aren’t climbing in the heat

Gnarly hike to the top, but the views are worth it. Make sure to go to yosemite point too

This was probably the hardest hike I have done. The switchbacks with their loose and sometimes sandy rocks are hard to climb up, and scary to hike down. One person in our group brought hiking poles, and she really recommended them.

Definitely my favorite hike in Yosemite. Started early morning to avoid the masses and saw a bob cat in the beginning of the trail! Wonderful way up. The look out point is so gorgeous. Make sure to make it to Yosemite Point for even better views.

Beautiful views with many areas to stop and rest and enjoy the view on the way up. Leave time to explore at the top as there is much more to see. Bring a jacket as it's cold up there. The rocks, trees and river are fantastic. The downhill can be hard on the knees so consider hiking polls.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail

El Capitan Trail

Yosemite Point

Rock Climb in Camp 4

Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls

Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP