Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is a three-part waterfall in Yosemite Valley, and this viewing area sits at the foot of Lower Yosemite Fall, its bottom tier. It’s an easy way to get close to the water. The tradeoff is that the upper fall and middle cascades are hidden from this spot. The viewpoint can get crowded.

The paved Lower Yosemite Fall loop is about a mile. From the east-side shuttle stop, the viewpoint is 0.6 mile away; from the west side, it’s 0.5 mile. The eastern approach is wheelchair accessible, with seats beside wheelchair-height granite boulders at the viewpoint. The west approach is mostly accessible, but its final 180 feet climb at a 13.8% slope and may need assistance. A public accessible restroom, including a family restroom, is near the west trailhead across from Yosemite Valley Lodge, not at the viewpoint.

Yosemite Creek is fed by snowmelt. Flow usually peaks in May or June, then can shrink to a trickle or disappear by August. At peak late-spring flow, as much as 2,400 gallons per second can spill over the upper-fall lip. Down here, strong flow means spray and wind at the base; later in the season, you may find a dry cliff.

The whole waterfall drops 2,425 feet: 1,430 feet at Upper Yosemite Fall, 675 feet through the middle cascades, and 320 feet at Lower Yosemite Fall. The base viewpoint hides the upper two sections. For a full-height photo, use the west side of the loop or Cook’s Meadow.

During high flow in April or May, moonlight can make a rainbow in the falls’ mist. It takes a full moon, clear skies and the right angle, so it’s a lucky sight rather than a sure thing.

Rivers first cut Yosemite’s canyons. Later, glaciers widened, steepened and deepened them, leaving streams like Yosemite Creek to spill over cliffs. That glacial shaping is why the falls rise so abruptly above the valley floor.

Leashed pets are allowed on the loop; bicycles aren’t, though racks are available at both trailheads. Stay on the pavement: rocks above the footbridge are slippery even when dry. The path itself is short and straightforward.