Awesome to watch the water gushing down! You practically see this fall from everywhere within the park. read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

Decided to do the upper Yosemite falls trail in early February. The hike was very strenuous with countless switchbacks, but very worth it! There were breathtaking views of Yosemite valley and half dome, as well as many viewpoints of Yosemite falls. The last set of switchbacks was definitely challenging; it was filled with snow and very slippery. Some trails were icy and required more caution. Make sure to start early so that you can make it back before sunset! read more

Yosemite Falls - Nice views throughout the trail - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Breathe taking, while in the valley the way the mountain towers over you open your eyes to how fragile life is. For those that appreciate nature it remains us of how plants and nature and man can intertwine without destroying it. It reminds me of one of the theme song in the movie Pocahontas, when she sings how tall will the sycamore grow, how will you know if cut it down. It also reminds me of Jurassic Park and what animals may have roamed this valley at one point in history. Lots to do use the apps and plan your trip. The drive in is long. read more

The short hike to the base of the falls was one of the best hikes in the valley. My family and I went off the beaten path and blazed a trail through the boulder field. This was awesome! Also got a good view of a slackline walker at the top of the falls. read more

It's beautiful! What can I say? Lots of water falling over the edge! Maybe in September, or during drought years, it's a one star waterfall (this is sarcasm, btw) but in April of a rainy year it's def 5 stars. I hiked from the valley floor to the top which is exhausting and takes (me) about 3 hrs up (with short rest breaks). If you like to hike it's fun and worth it! read more

Most beautiful fall I've seen to far! Climbing the rocks for a closer view was a good stretch for the legs ;)

What else is there to say about it. Spectacular!!! The trails were challenging. We hiked the Upper Yosemite Fall trail, 3.5 miles to the top, the elevation gain was around 2500 ft. Def challenging, or I'm just very out of shape. Once you hit the top, the view was breathtaking. Even the overlooks, mini areas throughout the trails were amazing. It was def worth waking up at 6am in the morning trying to get to the park. I am def coming back here again. One more national park down. thousands more to go. :D read more

5 stars for Yosemite Falls itself and for the views you get about halfway to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls (you can see both Yosemite Falls and Half Dome and photograph them in the same frame, even without any kind of wide angle lens). 3 stars for the trail (especially the second half). Let me explain. -The trail is unbelievably crowded. I don't think the park was THAT crowded when I was there in early May but it seemed like everybody and their brother was on this trail. Aside from the fact that I like hiking to get away from people, this was annoying because people were really crowding you, especially on the way down. I was constantly getting off the trail to let people go past, because they were following way too close for my comfort. -The footing is terrible. I knew the trail would be steep and strenuous (about 3,000 feet elevation gain in 8 miles roundtrip) but I didn't realize how bad it would be under foot. Its not really a dirt trail or a staircase-like trail. Instead, in many places its a series of small rocks laid parallel to the ground that are very sloped and are often wet (from the mist from the waterfall). Going down them was unbelievably hard, at least for me. I normally get down in about half the time I take to go up and this time it was pretty much equal. This combined with the fact that I had people constantly breathing down my neck made the descent pretty nerve-racking. -The best views are about halfway up the trail (when you see the full Yosemite Falls and Half Dome). When you finally get to the top, you have nice panoramas of the valley, but it honestly doesn't compare to what you saw halfway up (in my opinion). I prefer hikes where the views are progressively better and we both really wished we hadn't done the second half of the trail. You really couldn't even see the falls at the top. There was a view point you could walk to to get closer to the falls but the path there was very slippery and exposed and it seemed a little dangerous to me. My husband did it, I didn't, and he said the views weren't that impressive. A couple other things to note: -It's obviously a great workout. I read somewhere its like climbing the Empire State building TWICE. It's an all-day hike (unless you're in very good shape) and you deserve a carbload after. -Obviously come here in May/June when the falls are at their peak. I can't imagine the views are that impressive in late summer/fall when the waterfalls have dried up. Four Mile Trail up Glacier Point is a great later summer/fall trail (and also a good workout). read more

The view of the whole Valley is like a dream, it's so enjoyable and relaxing, I will be back soon. read more

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Yosemite is one of my favorite National Parks and I waited a long time to visit. This park has true beauty, the wind, the hills, trees, rivers, waterfalls they all give you an appreciation of the vast beauty of our great Nation. Highly recommend to visit. read more

Yosemite Falls - INCREDIBLE! Having been coming to Yosemite for over 40 years I am still in awe, especially when it is a big year for the falls. To view the falls from across the valley is breathtaking. To view the falls from the pathway stunning. To view the falls from the base is inspiring. Come early in the year say May to see the falls really pounding. This year with the small snow, the size of the falls is shrunk a bit. But come again and again and you will always find nature in Yosemite, and Yosemite Falls is one of the crown jewels! read more

Did the hike to the top of Yosemite falls....whoa! In 94 degree weather, hiking straight up a mountain, going uphill for the first few hours.....this is the test of time fo sure! Was worth the extra effort to get to the top cause then lounging by the creek that turns into the waterfall was legendary! Gorgeous hike but did see lots of girls hiking with their guys and about to cry not even half way up. If you can convince yourself mentally that you can do it....well then ...you can do it! Took us about 6-7 hours. read more

There was a time when you could take a guided all day horse / mule trip from the valley to the top of Yosemite falls. If you thought hiking it was interesting, you really would have thought the horse / mule ride was crazy. In retrospect I think it was also, ha. read more

The hardest hike I have done thus far, we had a party the night before and we all woke up late on the day of the hike and started this hike at 11 A.M. woefully unprepared, we only had a little bit of water and a sandwich. This hike is pretty tough, it has a lot of switchbacks early on, I still think the best part of this hike is when you are above the lower falls and below the upper falls, you can sit under the trees and view and listen to the water gushing down. As you hike higher up it gets really steep and in some areas slippery (if you go before June). The view from the top is Amazing, you can see everything and as far out as you can see. Spend some time on the top and savor the view. On the way down, bring some hiking poles, trust me your knees will thank you, this is quite possibly some of the steepest downward hiking you will do, we got to the top at around 5-6 p.m. and by the time we were halfway down it was pitch dark and we didn't have a flashlight and just kept following the trail. Go prepared, bring lots of water, some snacks for energy and a flashlight and if you have hiking poles bring them. read more

Yosemite Falls is pure beauty. Ever since I visited the place, I felt like I left part of my soul there, and I won't be whole until I return and reunite with the piece of me that I left behind. The sheer force of nature is purely awe-inspiring, as you gaze up to the waterfall, rumbling over the cliff with thunderous passion. read more

You have to visit this place in the spring to really see it charged up. If you come late in the summer it might be dried up.

Iconic slab of DRY granite now, in August. It's near other icons of Yosemite so you'll likely see it, but sans water. Bridal veil falls is still happening and some others requiring longer hikes to see. read more

Upper Yosemite Falls is really only a 4 star but several factors boosted it up to 5. First of all, why four stars? The view from the top is very nice, but not great. I have seen such a view from other hikes. I will blame the drought too... I am sure if the waterfalls were full, it would be a different experience. How did it become a 5? The people on the trail were really friendly. As you I passed the half way point, the pretenders had turned around and everyone trekking up from that point were focused on getting to top. I was leap-frogging with several other groups and we just kept telling each other that were are almost there. Saw same groups coming back down too. Several times when I stopped to rest, I struck up conversations with other people resting. One guy was going to actually rock climb with ropes and stuff once he got to the top. Amazing. The hike itself was a lot tougher than I expected. It kicked by a$$ pretty good and I am in decent shape. I did the Half Dome hike several years ago. If that hike was a 10 in difficulty, this on was at least an 8. HD was longer but Yosemite Falls was more technical because of the large rocks everywhere. Giving 5 stars means I give a lot of respect to the trail. Tips: Wear good shoes... I saw a few flip-flops... I give them credit for sure, but no way could I do that. Bring more water than you think you need... this is the most important tip. read more

This is an excellent, although a very challenging hike. You get to see the valley from up top, and also get up close to the sheer cliffs on the side of the valley. The viewing platform on the top of the falls will tickle some nerve endings too! Tips: - The waterfall is at its full flow around May - It may dry up by September, especially after a snowless year. Check the water levels before going. - Hiking this trail during winter may offer an interesting variation. The falls is frozen on the cold mornings. Read more about our recent (winter) hike here and check out the photos: http://blog.compasstales.com/2012/02/03/journey-to-the-top-of-yosemite-falls/ read more

Greatest fall I have ever been in California. Loved the drive, hike... it was amazing way to spend thanksgiving holiday... would definitely go back again.. read more

We went to the lower fall and hiked up upper Yosemite. It was a breath-taking hike especially when you reach the top. We ate our lunch up there hear the rivers and falls and there is no place like it. Peaceful, beautiful, and on a warm sunny day, it was so relaxing to rest on the giant rocks. We met some chipmunks too.Best in May-June when the snow-melt is fresh. read more

The Lower Falls "Hike" is more of a walk than a hike. As an iconic spot, I can see why people are drawn to it. However, keep in mind that you are going to have to fight all sorts of traffic and it's hard to park on the valley floor. It is a ton of extra work for a short walk to see the lower falls. If you manage to find a parking space, there is a shuttle that takes people around the valley floor but it is jam packed . If you are looking for a longer, more scenic and secluded hike, try the Upper Falls hike or any of the hikes off of Tioga road. read more

The Yosemite Falls was beautiful. I went on a hike to see the upper falls, but I couldn't make it. It was very hard. I went down with my Dad, we were both too tired, while my Mom and Brother kept going. They sent us pictures, but didn't take a water bottle so were very thirsty. Going downhill was dangerous, the rocks were slippery. But I got to pick some and take them home. This place isn't too good for kids, they would probably fall, or get too tired, like me. read more

This is still one of the best falls anywhere. It is a long hike and admittedly we were not in any shape to go the distance but what fantastic views. read more

the only reason why i rated this a 4 star is because i went when the sun was high and the shade was almost non-existent. at first it was a good hike, shaded, mist from the large waterfall pounding at the rocks far far away. i was memorized. but that didn't last long. before i knew it the trail became nothing but rocks rocks and more rocks. no shade in sight. i was cursing in my mind the whole way up. i did half dome, but i thought this one was much harder because its basically all incline with hardly any straight/flat path to alleviate the stress of going completely uphill. the hope was magnificent though. we came at a time when the water the high so the stream was flowing and the water was freezing! it was an amazing look-out. we just sat and relaxed there. it's a very good place for a nice lunch. my friend and i also hiked to yosemite point, another mile longer then yosemite falls. i wasn't too amazed with the view at yosemite point, but once you get up to yosemite falls, it's a pretty easy trail from there to point. thank goodness for that. i would totally do this again... this time... in colder weather if possible. it was beautiful! read more

first serious hike i've ever done. started at camp 4 around 11am and finished around 7pm. this is for the physically fit and mentally prepared hikers. i would not recommend it for first timers. otherwise, amazing views,breathtaking (besides the hike) very rewarding once you get to the top. i would recommend a good and light backpack with hydration kit about 3L minimum. read more

I am and avid hiker and this trail also kicked my butt (and everyone's who was with me)! We went last June after a very rainy month and the falls were at like 300% of their normal flow- it was stunning! But seriously you are walking up makeshift large rock stairs for the most part for hours. The top was intense, looking over the railing down on the valley was stunning but also a little scary (I didn't know I had a fear of heights until now!). We thought going back down would take half the amount of time but it actually took almost as long as going up since you have to really watch your footing on the way down with all the rocks, it's slick from the water coming off the falls, and your legs are so tired they are shaking. It was all worth it though for the majestic views and to say we did it! The bus driver laughed when we told her we were hiking to the top... I guess most people just hike to the bottom of the falls. Bring snacks or lunch, we were starving after hiking up and didn't have enough food. read more