Upper Yosemite Falls CA

• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 9 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 2,700 ft to 3,160 ft | Peak 6,700 ft
• Yosemite, CA | Yosemite Region
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A tall, narrow waterfall cascading down a steep, rocky cliff face. The waterfall is surrounded by rugged terrain with sparse vegetation. In the background, there are additional rocky formations and a clear blue sky.

A tall, narrow waterfall cascading down a steep, rocky cliff face. The waterfall is surrounded by rugged terrain with sparse vegetation. In the background, there are additional rocky formations and a clear blue sky.

Upper Yosemite Falls, with Half Dome photobomb.

Conquer one of the largest waterfalls in the world on a steady and well maintained hiking trail through and experience some of the best Yosemite Valley views on the way.

At last count Yosemite Falls was considered the seventh largest waterfall in the world, and since it's tiered, only the lowest 320 feet of falls can be viewed at close quarters without hitting the hiking trails. This trail takes you from the Lower Falls viewpoint to the top of the Upper Falls in 3½ miles and 2,700 feet of elevation gain.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Yosemite Falls Trail 7.2 mi out & back, moderate, gain 2,700 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Yosemite Falls & Sierra Point 8.6 mi out & back, moderate, gain 3,160 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

You'll have plenty of excuses to stop for breaks on the climb, since photo opportunities are many. Sweeping panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome become increasingly impressive as the elevation increases, and eventually you'll turn a corner and the towering Upper Yosemite Falls will be revealed.

Water crashes down 1,400ft of sheer vertical granite face into the pool below, before gushing off into the smaller mid-falls area. From here the trail does not approach the rushing water, but instead veers and switchbacks upwards towards the top of the falls where a viewing are provides limited views over the top of the falls.

If you have a little more energy left over, cross the Yosemite Bridge creek and head up another 300ft and ¾mile to Yosemite Point for an even higher vantage point over the valley.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes from a mountainous area. The left side shows a tall waterfall cascading down a steep cliff, surrounded by trees. The right side depicts a person hiking on a rocky trail with a vast mountainous landscape in the background, featuring rugged cliffs and forested valleys.

The image is a side-by-side comparison of two scenes from a mountainous area. The left side shows a tall waterfall cascading down a steep cliff, surrounded by trees. The right side depicts a person hiking on a rocky trail with a vast mountainous landscape in the background, featuring rugged cliffs and forested valleys.

Very different views from below and above.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape, likely from a national park. The scene includes prominent granite cliffs, forested valleys, and a clear blue sky. The central feature appears to be a large, dome-shaped rock formation, surrounded by other rugged peaks and dense forests.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape, likely from a national park. The scene includes prominent granite cliffs, forested valleys, and a clear blue sky. The central feature appears to be a large, dome-shaped rock formation, surrounded by other rugged peaks and dense forests.

Yosemite Valley, from the Yosemite Falls Trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Yosemite National Park
• AllTrails Public: Upper Yosemite Falls
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Nevada & Vernal Falls (3-5 mi) · 4★ Four Mile Trail (9 mi) · 4★ Lower Yosemite Falls (1 mi) · Show Map

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