Wowwwww what a sublime hike! First of all, this hike definitely requires some stamina, at least if you are doing during summer with the beaming sun. Much of the hike is wide open for the tanning. The trip up and down was about 5 miles. And I mean up and down. The way is up starts out as switchbacks and then is graded all the way to the top of the waterfall. Along the hike you get views of the valley, and half dome. Its spectacularly beautiful. Make sure to bring a ton of water and snacks to keep the energy going. If you come before 9am parking is pretty easy! Even on a weekend. Surprisingly the lot nearby was relatively empty. Anyway the views are amazing, and the air smelled delicious the entire way. Highly recommend! read more

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Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Wawona Length: 7.2 total miles Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet Trail Type: Out n Back Skill Level: Strenuous Duration: 4 hours Season: Best spring through fall Local Contacts: Yosemite National Park Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and fifth highest in the world, dropping 2,425 feet. The Upper Fall plummets 1,430 feet to the middle cascade. The cascade tumbles another 675 feet to the Lower Fall, which plunges 320 feet to the valley floor. The Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the park's oldest trails, built in the 1870s. It is a strenuous and challenging hike--leading from the valley floor, up the sheer north wall, to the precipice of Yosemite Falls on the upper plateau. The trail gains 2,700 feet in elevation. read more

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Are you sick of having toes? How about knees? Legs in general? Then the 2,900 ft. descent from Yosemite's Upper Fall should take care of all of those for you. Nothing quite like 3.5 miles of granite trail to make you really feel alive, or want to be dead. ;-) Fortunately, the hike is absolutely, entirely, without-a-doubt worth it. I've even done it more than once. In any hiking guide, the Upper Falls hike is noted for being a 6-10 hour strenuous hike. If you're short on time and in decent climbing shape, a two hour ascent is possible. Either way, I wouldn't start any later than noon. The fun part of the Falls hike is the diversity of folks making the pilgrimage, and the higher you get, the more friendly people become, perhaps because we're all realizing that we'll depend on each other if a knee blows out and someone has to call a ranger. After the first set of switchbacks, the views are gorgeous, so keep going at least to Columbia Rock before turning around. Bring a light backpack with a camera, water bottle, snack, a light windbreaker for the misty part, and a map so you can figure out where the heck you're going if you decide to keep looking around on top of the Valley. Please don't wear flip-flops while hiking the tallest waterfall in North America. I can't believe how many people screw that part up. For the acrophobe, prepare to freak the hell out at the Upper Falls overlook, where I personally white-knuckle the guard rail within an inch of my life. Once you acclimate, though, the sweeping vistas of the Valley make for a primo spot to grub on trail mix and contemplate your existence. That's what it's all about, after all. Enjoy. read more

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Date of hike: 5.30.2011 Since we couldn't hike Half Dome due to the cables not being up yet, this was our backup plan. It's a little less than 4 miles to the top, sounds easy? THINK AGAIN! You're climbing all the way up to the top. The trail barely flattens out but there are some downhill spots when you reach the bottom of the Upper Yosemite Fall. Then after that it's more climbing and climbing. I think the elevation gain was about 3,000 feet. Once you're at the top to get to the overlook is another challenge. If you have a fear of heights I don't recommend trying it. They do have railings but the steps are a little steep and very narrow (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/CESp8uqxn52MR401hN55Ug?select=u8SwzE-NeAHRtRJOifxeDg). At the overlook you can see where the river drops into the Upper falls. We also hiked an extra mile to get to Yosemite Point which had a better view of Half Dome. The trail was partially covered in snow when we went so we weren't sure with the exact trail. Luckily there were some hikers ahead of us so we just followed them. From the trail head to Yosemite Point the round trip mileage was about 10 miles. It took us about 8 hours with at least 5 breaks for snacks and lunch. As usual...start as early as you can, bring layers, sunblock, insect repellent, plenty of water and food, hat, and sunglasses, tissue etc. Also, if you can I would bring some trekking poles. Hiking back down there were some slippery spots and my poles helped me from seriously injuring myself. Just always be careful and wear proper shoes! If you want to prepare for this hike do the Stair Master at the gym!! read more

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Been here 4 times, and I enjoy it every time - the spring waterfalls are always great to experience, but seeing the waterfall in the snow was very different - and I'd love to see it again. I especially enjoyed visiting for firefall, both in 2020 before COVID, and this year once again. Would highly recommend. read more

The first thing I did was to be a part of the falls. Thank you very much for the beauty. read more

Yosemite Falls - Upper Yosemite Falls from the Yosemite Valley near the Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

We came here in mid-June and decided to challenge ourselves with the Upper Yosemite Falls hike. As many other Yelpers have mentioned, this is definitely NOT an EASY trail. VERY strenuous hike, but definitely do-able if you just take it slow. The first one third of the hike is rather manageable, and brings you to a nice viewpoint with a perfect view of Half Dome. Walk another 20min more (part of it is downhill) and you start hearing the sounds of waterfall. Don't get too excited, you're not at the top (yet). Congratulations, you're now at the base of the upper yosemite falls :) You will be greeted with a magnificent view of the Upper Yosemite Falls right before your eyes. The view is breathtaking and simply amazing. To the left, you see the falls, while to the right in the far distant, you see half dome. If you feel too tired at this point, it is probably time to turn back - consider the first part onlu as a warm up. The real climb begins from now. From this point onwards, it is a steep climb all the way up until you finally breathe a sigh of relive when you see the sign saying you're 0.2 miles away. There, the most difficult part is over :) Then you will start to go around and down until you see the falls. Theres a view point right at the end which is a little dangerous/ steep to get to, but theres metal railings by the side so it isnt that bad :) We packed some sandwiches so we could enjoy our lunch next to the falls. After which, it'd be a long walk all the way back down again :) I'd recommend starting early, about 8am and take your time to go up so by the time you're at the top, it is about lunch time :) We took about 7 hours (round trip) in total, including the 45 min we spent on top with our lunch and just chilling. Bring plenty of water, we brought 2 litres of water each and it wasnt enough. And dont double book hikes on this day :) Definitely also bring hiking poles if you have since they will help greatly as most of my friends' knees started to give way towards the end. I definitely recommend doing this hike if you are somewhat fit. Even if you arent that fit, just take your time, start early, and slowly make your way up. The view from up there is definitely worth it. read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Such an awesome time to visit Yosemite Falls right now. The water is ripping and roaring because of all the recent rain and snow. I remember the last time we were there a couple of years ago, the falls were scant with water. Not this time around! You can hike to the lower or upper falls and have an amazing view either way. It's right across the street from the lodge. Super easy access if you happen to be staying there. Otherwise, there is a free shuttle bus that stops right up front. Bust out with your camera and throw on your hiking boots. This is a must stop when you visit! read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

This remains as one of the most spectacular hikes I have done in my life. I did this hike two years ago and there are very few others that compare. This is a pretty tough hike... you're going up the equivalent of two Empire State Buildings as there is an elevation gain of 2600ft. This hike is mostly switchbacks but you're hugging the falls the entire time so you get some pretty great views of it, and depending on the time of year (we went to June), you get some mist action, too, at some points. The real reward is, after completing this challenging hike, you get views from the top of the falls but also the views across the valley. You can also go another mile to Yosemite Point, which will put you above the falls and where you get amazing views of Half Dome and other key landmarks across the Yosemite Valley. Including Yosemite Point, we started just before 8AM and we finished just before 2:30PM. It was the perfect morning in Yosemite. We actually rented bikes and cruised around the valley afterward our hike... I'd recommend that (and a beer!). You can't possibly spend a day in Yosemite any better! read more

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This is the ubiquitous waterfall that is featured on every postcard, travel brochure, and Instagram post for YNP. And it truly is spectacular. One of the tallest waterfalls in the world. My advice is to admire the waterfall from the Valley floor where you can observe all 3 falls. Skip the hike. The hike is in the reason I'm dropping this to 2 Stars. It's a relatively short hike all on a paved wheelchair accessible path. Which means there are tons of people there, all jockeying for position, pushing and shoving. The absolute rudest, lowlife scum of the earth people were all here. Nobody bothered to stay on the path. People were collecting rocks and pine cones. People were harassing birds and squirrels. People were climbing in the waterfall. There are so many people walking on this trail that the nearby road crossing has to be staffed by 2 Park Rangers who have to set up cattle crossing guards. As I said- enjoy the falls from the valley. The view is better. And fewer A-holes to deal with. read more

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Only giving this 3 stars because it was literally the HARDEST HIKE I'VE EVER DONE. I'm no avid hiker by ANY MEANS. My dad and boyfriend wanted to do this hike and I dreaded it since the beginning. I'm an active girl but this was just a whole new level of intensity... We woke up early and took the Yosemite bus to camp 4 to begin at around 8am..... anyways long story short this was REALLY TOUGH. Going up was extremely tough but in retrospect I think they way down was even tougher. Worth it? Sure... but I will never be back to do this hike again. I've even heard people say half dome isn't as tough as this! read more

Yosemite Falls - INTENSE - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Upper Yosemite Falls Hike Only for the super fit or those who are tired of life. Breathtaking and definitely worth the difficulty rating on all of the hiking review websites (I agree that this hike is 2x steep as the empire state building). Completed this hike with a group of 15 and it took us about 9 hours. We went in late June and the waterfall pretty much died out. I would recommend going earlier on in the season. Top 3 things you must have for this hike: 1) High ankle boots - Very steep and sandy in certain areas. Some portions of the trail became very dangerous as people above us slipped and rolled down. 2) 4+ liters of water - No water refill spots on this hike. Also, very little shade in the second half of the trail. 3) At least 3 whole Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches). Trust me on this one. Probably the most important. Lower Yosemite Falls Easy walk in the park. For touristy Instagram peeps. read more

Yosemite Falls - Upper Yosemite Falls Trail - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

Yosemite Falls are spectacular this year! After many years of poor water flows, this year the falls is pouring into the valley full force. The easy, paved trail to the base of the lower falls is a must if you are on your first time in Yosemite. Beauty and magic, even when it's crowded... read more

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The Lower Yosemite Falls trail was really short and fun! Took my 3y/o along with my 4 month old husky, they had a blast. I would try the Upper part for a better view! read more

Yosemite Falls - Rocky area of the Lower Falls! - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Excellent stop on any Yosemite visit! Came here during the winter and it was epic nonetheless. Does not take very long to get to and trail is super easy. Once there, you are free to scramble on the rocks to get as close to the falls as you wish. I did, and it was well worth it. It offers an amazing view of the the falls as well as a scenic background. Plenty of phot ops and you get to enjoy Yosemite's splendor at the same time! read more

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Wow wow wow. This is so beautiful. Even though is was cold and rainy it was worth the trip. 3-4 hours from Sunnyvale. Great drive. So much to see. The rivers. The mountains. Funny to see so many climate changes in one day. I would say this is a place to go. $35 per car to enter the park. Make sure you have tire chains when they ask. read more

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If you're a visitor to California or a native, this place is a must-see during Spring. Not only the Yosemite falls were running but other nearby waterfalls as well. During Covid, masks are required, and Yosemite Village requires that everyone wears one inside the stores. This place is breathtaking! If you're a visitor to California or a native, this place is a must-see during Spring. We were able to see Yosemite Falls, but other waterfalls were running nearby. Although we arrived on a Saturday, there was a ton of traffic, and we got there around 10 am. It is tough finding parking near Yosemite Village, but there is ample parking in the nearby streets, giving you a great view of Yosemite Falls and the valley. The falls, rivers, trees, and rocks will leave in awe of its beauty--one of the best places to bike with the family and hike. read more

Whats the big deal? It's just some water cascading down a high cliff. Now that I got your attention, that was just my easily bored alter ego talking. Ignore him. Yosemite Falls makes you appreciate mother nature and the beauty that it showcases. If you are not impressed with this then you might want to check if you have a pulse. This was my first time so the plan was to "Stop by for a couple hours on the way home to Vegas coming from Sacramento". Those reading this that have been there are shaking their heads right now. The couple hours alone are just waiting to get into the park and finding a parking spot. Yes, I showed up around 10 am on a saturday in late August. Lesson learned. Good thing it was just the lower falls we were visiting. The upper falls is a whole day affair. It's not even a hike to the lower falls. Its more like a pleasant walk. Since it was late August, the water flow was not a lot so off we went over the makeshift barriers from fallen logs on the right side of the falls. There are several posters warning you that its very dangerous to climb over the rocks allowing you to get closer to the base of the falls. On this day nobody seemed to notice the signs for the base of the falls were crawling with people looking like the entrance to an ant hill. Once you get as close to the falls as you want to be, of course you have to stick around for awhile. You dont want to waste your time and effort going there only to turn around and go back. Btw, the water is very cold. The only glaring negative that I have to mention are the rude people that bring food and drinks but fail to clean up after themselves. Jerks. Those people dont deserve to be there. That is not the fault of the Falls. To sum it up, plan your visit accordingly. Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear appropriate gear, and for nature's sake, clean up after yourselves. Yelp 2017 Review #24 657 overall read more

Yosemite Falls - What did the mama fish say to her baby fish? "Don't go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and lakes thst you're used to" - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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We came early October in order to avoid spring break madness and summer crowds but should have gone in spring when the falls are flowing. Going for Fall break left me disappointed with empty lakes, creek and falls but that's my bad for chancing it. The walk was still beautiful and there is much to take pictures on esp the majestic slate mountains. We walked the hike from the parking lot which was easy and found it tranquil. The landscape constantly changes. read more

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What part of Yosemite is NOT beautiful? I came here with a few friends to celebrate the new year. Mid winter Yosemite was not as snowy as last year, and was very hike-able with almost no snow. We went hiking around Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls with no problems. Some of my friends attempted the Upper hike last year, which was too iced over to get through. The falls, although water was not very abundant, was beautiful. It was awesome to be able to hike through the area! Upper Yosemite Falls is a little on the strenuous side filled with never ending switchbacks all the way up. With an elevation gain of about 2700 ft, this hike definitely will work your legs a lot. The views were far worth the work with a lot of amazing and scenic views along the way. I recommend summiting by 2pm to start the descend down before sundown during the winters. It was beauuuutiful and is in my book as one of my favorite ones of this year! read more

Amazing waterfall in an amazing setting earns Yosemite Falls the full five star treatment. Probably the most iconic waterfall in Yosemite National Park - technically two waterfalls - this beauty is located in the middle of the main valley area. It is on the north side of the valley with a large parking lot, although using the shuttle is easier during peak times. There are two hikes to access the base of the falls. The older one is shorter, but the newer one is more accessible to those with limited mobility. Once you arrive, you are pelted with spray and hear the roar of the falls. The bridge over the river is often wet and can make a great photo is you are careful. The combination of rushing water and smooth granite is very dangerous, but makes for a spectacular backdrop. During dry months and drought, the falls scale back to a near trickle. Most of the water comes from snow melt in the spring, so visit during that time for the best results. The more adventurous choose to climb the falls with a rather strenuous hike up the side of the valley wall. Along the longer accessible path, there is a turnoff to a nice viewing area where you can see the whole falls with a smaller crowd and much less water. You will see the Yosemite Falls from all over the park, but nothing matches the intensity at the base. read more

Yosemite Falls - Hike to Lower Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

My girlfriend and I (31 and 29) hiked this November 5th so the weather was brisk but the sun was out so it would warm up at times during the hike. We started at 8:30am and our total time was 5.5 hours, all the way up and back down. First , we are not regular hiker and we live in Florida so the only hiking we get to do involves flat land looking for alligators. Nothing like this. We are active and workout frequently, though the last month we have been slacking so we're not at our peak performance for this hike but we really wanted to give it a shot on our trip. This hike is no joke, it's tough with a lot of elevation. The beginning part isn't too bad, starts off in a wooded area with no views. It eventually opens up and the trail goes from mostly rock to more dirt , still with an elevation. Eventually it will open up to a plateau which is only about half way in but feel like you have already hiked the entire 3 miles. This part can be deceiving because there is a railing with a really nice view and you start to think "this isnt bad at all". And that's when things get worse. The second half of the hike up is rough. It's all switchbacks which I learned on this trips are zig zag trails up the mountain. It goes on forever and is pretty steep the whole way up. We stopped a few times and I questioned why I was doing this to myself. Since it was November , it wasn't too hot but I can see if it were summer time how the heat could really wear you down. We brought three water bottles each and that was more than enough at this time. By the time you reach the top your legs are pretty beat up but it is well worth it. The view is noting sort of beautiful and the personal satisfaction is even better than the view. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the climb down is worse that the climb up. At least for me it was. My legs were so shot it felt like I was walking with jello and that's when I could feel them. Other times I couldn't even tell if my legs were still there. At times I would step and my leg would give out, my feet became a bit blistered and that didn't help things. My knees also started to hurt. Bring Advil! This was really helpful when the pain set in and it's worth carrying in case you twist an ankle or something. Overall, this experience was worth the pain but my suggestion to you would be to read some comment on here before you decide to go. Make sure you have at least three bottles of water and prepare to have extremely sore legs because what I expected and the reality where a lot different. Enjoy this wonderful journey! read more

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Hike level: Strenuous Views 5/5 Distance: 7 mile RT from the top of Yosemite Falls. Parked at Camp 4. Hiked this during winter with snow on the trail was quite the challenge. As you past Columbia Rock (halfway point) you'll start to see snow on the trail as you get higher in elevation. Snow was about knee deep which made it even more exhausting and challenging. I had crampons which was a time saver, breezed through the trail without having to slip and slide. This hike was tougher than I had anticipated so be sure to come prepared. If you have a fear of heights the summit will definitely give you vertigo. I had vertigo just looking at the folks sitting right by the edge lol. Once you reach the top and views come into play you temporarily forget how much pain you're in. read more

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The round trip hike to the top is under 8 miles however most of the trail is rock stairs and switchbacks without much cover from the elements. The views of the falls and valley along the way are amazing and the payoff on top is well worth the effort. Remember to pack plenty of water as there are no water sources along the trail other than the falls at the summit if you have a filter. Please know your limits before hiking in any area of the park including this trail. If you take your time and are prepared most people should be able to tackle this trail... one member of our group (slightly over 40 and slightly out of shape) struggled on this hike as shown in photo but he groaned and grunted through pain and eventually reached the top. Tip: If it's crowded at the top of the falls and you still have some energy, escape to the top of Yosemite point which is another mile up trail and worth it for the views of Half Dome. read more

Yosemite Falls - Don't forget to look up and enjoy the views as you climb to the top. - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls were flowing with lots of water! They were so powerful it was unbelievable. The hike to lower falls was short and easy. Upper falls on the other hand is about 7 miles round trip. We didn't get a chance to do it due to tired muscles! But it's on our list to do next trip here. Lower falls was very crowded, of course when we were here. So maybe, come early in the day or later in the evening. You have to climb over rocks and boulders to get a closer look of the falls. read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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What's not to love? One of the tallest waterfalls in the world in all of its majestic glory and surging at full speed and power. Spring time is the ideal time to catch Yosemite Falls at its best. I also loved the hiking area below the falls. Reminds me of visiting Muir Woods and Jurassic Park all in one. read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

OK I'm Backkkkkk..... I decided to go back and see the bountiful runoff from the recent snow melt. So here is my story: May 13th 2017 Left Elk Grove 2:10 am Arrived at Camp 4 campground 5:10 am, took the last parking spot. Starting Hiking from trailhead at 5:20 Reached the Summit of Upper Yosemite Falls 7:05 Spent nearly 1 hour up top trying to warm up my hands/arms Started back down 7:50 Arrived at Trailed 9:40 am Total time hiking 3:35 min, with 45 min enjoying the summit. - No running or jogging, just hiking with no stops for breaks, other than quick pics. I started hiking shortly before sunrise, but the trail was light enough where a headlight was not required. I wanted to beat the sun and avoid the heat and dehydration it brings. I counted 51 switchbacks that start the trail, give or take a few as some of them squirm and aren't as clear to when they start switching-back :)... Nonetheless it took me 20 minutes to complete the switchbacks without stopping. May I add, that other than about 30 photos and 10 short videos I did not stop to drink or eat on my way up to the summit. One foot in front of the other for 1 hr 45 min. will get you to the top. It definitely helped that it was cool in the morning with a light breeze. I arrived at the point where most people stop to take photos of Upper Yosemite Falls in 50 minutes. I consider this the halfway point even though it's probably 2.5 miles of the 3.5 mile hike. It's halfway because it take about the same time there to the top. I also felt mist in this air which normally would have been great but again, it was very early and the sun still hadn't show it's face on the trail due to the mountains and trees so the rain made my arm hairs stand up and skin become chicken-skin. After taking some photos and videos at this spot I marched forward. About halfway up to the top into my hike I realized that I could make it there without any food or water breaks. I hadn't really broke a sweat and the medium spray of mist for the past 20 minutes kept me cool. I arrived at the summit just after 7 am. It was so cold from the breeze and mist on my way up that my arms and hands were getting numb. I kept moving them and stretching them while I hiked but this didn't seem to work. Part of the reason for this is I wore shorts and a dry-system shirt; no sweater, no jacket, gloves or beanie etc. But hey they add more weight right? I had a very difficult time using my fingers and taking photos up top. Breathing into my palms helped momentarily but they quickly became numb again the moment I stopped breathing into them. I put them under my arms and under my shirt but still they were too cold. The sun had not reached the summit yet and the heavy winds made the air I breathe out come out white. I was able to get a bottle of water from my backpack and twist it off by using my wrists. I drank about 15 oz of water and then saw smoke. I followed the smoke where I met two guys who had camped up there overnight. Eric from New York and Tom who recently moved to the Bay Area for school. I asked them if I could warm my hands by their fire and they were happy to take me in. We talked for about 10 minutes as my hands never left the fire. If you guys read this and want to take a hike in Yosemite sometime, please message me. On my way back down I realized that it takes about the same amount of time to get down as it did for me to reach the summit. It's probably due to the slick rocks that can move and how my steps are more calculated coming down to not twist an ankle. It took me just under 2 hrs to get down. However I did stop twice for two awesome shots. I think the name is "Oh My Gosh Rock". This trail is very close to the spot where you can first see the waterfall and take really good pictures. If you look to the right you will see a faint trail. IF you go there BE careful, but you can take pictures of 3 waterfalls. Yup, no typo. The middle waterfall is rarely seen but you can see lower, middle and upper falls, and its awesome. After that further down there is another trail, this one is more visible and there is a pile of large boulders. I went there and took some great shots of the valley. I'm hopeful that some of the photos I took this time will actually load on Yelp because none of them loaded in my previous review. Meal: I had (1) organic banana driving to Yosemite - nothing else I brought along Kale (Kool Ranch) Chips and several granola bars but again did not eat anything on this hike. I took a photo of the small amount of water I drank. I will do this hike again at the end of the summer, but probably extend it to North Dome which is another 4.5 miles or so. I think my pace of 1:45 to the top is an accurate amount of time it would take for a fit person with slightly above average cardio to get to the summit hiking. . Afterwards I then went to hike Carlon Falls about 3 miles total and then went to Rainbow Pools and took some photos. My Health App showed I took 32,000 steps. read more

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Get ready to be sore tomorrow because this hike is no walk in the park! Upper Yosemite Falls is considered a strenuous hike and is 7.2 miles. It's at shuttle stop #7. It is one of Yosemite's oldest historical trails and is one of North America's tallest waterfalls at 2425 feet above the Valley floor. Do not stray off the mark path because there are steep drops of 70 switchbacks. This hike will take an average person 6 to 8 hours. We were running up and down the hills so it took us 4 hours but that is at the highest speed possible. I suggest you take your time and enjoy the scenery because it's worth slowing down and taking longer. Depending on the weather you might be hiking in the cold and the heat or just one of those so I suggest you dress in layers. There are shaded and sunny areas throughout the hike. The views at the top are priceless and worth every step! If you can manage a difficult hike, I would suggest this hike for some of the best views in the park. You will enjoy spectacular views from Columbia rock at the top! Remember you can get altitude sickness. People overexposed to a rapid increase in altitude might start feeling sick. Acclimate yourself to higher elevations slowly. Beware this is a very hard hike. If you're not in shape it will take you a day to hike this trail. Water and food is a must! read more

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Disclaimer: my partner and I did Half Dome the day prior to this hike, so our perspective may be slightly skewed due to tired legs. We idiotically started this hike at 12 p.m., which was a terrible mistake as temperatures were soaring in the mid-90s. Don't be fooled by the short length of this round trip hike (7.2 miles). The sun exposure on the many steep switchbacks is brutal, and the lack of shade for much of the hike will leave you asking, "how much farther?" when much remains. After the strenuous journey, the oasis that awaits at the top is well worth the trouble. Pack a suit and plan to enjoy the view for awhile before heading down. In hindsight, I wish we had started in the morning and been able to enjoy the refreshing pools during the hottest part of the day. Good luck to all + don't forget to pack lots of water! read more

Yosemite Falls - View at the top of Upper Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Upper falls is one of the more difficult trails available in Yosemite but definitely should be on everyone's bucketlist should you make a trip into the park. This hike rates as difficult for its strenuous and rocky switchbacks, but still good for almost any age. This 5.8 mile hike gives you a 3,300 ft elevation gain and peaks you at 6,700 ft. There's decent shading on the way up, but still come as early as you can to avoid the exposure to the sun on the way down. I recommend skipping this hike if you have bad knees because the way up and down requires all extremities and strength of your lower ligaments. 2/3 of the way there is a nest for bugs. Repellent is relatively ineffective and the insects are part of the difficulty of this hike! If you have long hair wear it down to keep them from getting in your ears and sunglasses for eye defense. I ate about 4 bugs from neglecting to bring a handkerchief. Do not be stupid! Pack enough water, I would say 3 liters just to be safe. There is no refilling station at the top. I saw so many people have to turn around because they miscalculated their use of water. Remember that you will have to factor in altitude as well. In addition to adequate water bring a good attitude. Yes it is a short trip but there are switchbacks for days, stopped counting them out of despair! Choosing to bitch all the way up is also an option... Once you've summit the top you can view the vertigo inducing distance down from some of the lovely rocks cliff hanging on the edge. There's also a narrow trail on your right leading you to the closest you can get with the upper falls. But the real money is where the water pools are at! If you didn't plan to jump in you are wasting your time. Yes the water is frigid but how many people can say they climbed up 7000 ft and swam in a waterfall's pool? Do it!!! Though your daily runners won't give you issues going up, coming down will be another story. Even with my hiking boots I still managed to slip many times. Smooth rocks + gravel + downhill = all my life I had to fight! Bring something with good traction or take your sweet time heading down because those steps are a real bitch to transcend. Somebody told me this hike is harder than half dome but in my opinion it's still not as strenuous. An avid hiker can complete the trip in 4 hours. 6-7 hours is good enough time to enjoy the views, have a picnic and pace yourself. No reason to do a speed run! Parking to get here is weird...The side if the street that takes you to this trail belongs to camp 4 campgrounds and require a permit to park. Across the street there is free visitor parking so long as you don't stay there pass midnight. Basically pay attention to which signs says what and use common sense. read more

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I remember going to Yosemite National Park, when I was a year old with my family, before my brother was born in 1999. Also, I enjoyed spending time with my family on my summer vacation from school and work at the same time throughout the years. It's good to have a relaxing day from getting stress out of any kind of job and school during the year. My family and I liked taking pictures of half dome, forest trees, waterfall, and wild animals. The cabins are more comfortable than setting up the tents as the last time I ever went in Yosemite National Park and I haven't been getting a paid vacation at work of my own, since last 2 years as part time employee. Hopefully, I'll get a 2 week vacation off, once I get promotion to full time job. We also liked making s'mores, chopping logs, hiking, touring wildernesses, and souvenirs from Yosemite National Park. Lastly, I'll recommend this place to my friends and extended family, when the time has come. read more

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Hike it all the way up 2x!!! Am I ready for #3 hike!!! Absolutely!!! Best time to go would be in the Spring when the water is flowing well. I recommend starting early so you can enjoy a little more time up there. Bring snacks, water, lunch, and your first aid kit. I did sprain my ankle when I got on top of Upper Falls. Someone had a Ace Bandage Wrap and some Motrin, which helped me get down the mountain. There is a lot of switch backs at the beginning of the hike. As you get higher the views are just amazing!!!! The coolest part about hiking in the Spring is the amount of run off that you might walk into. Very refreshing. Keep your eyes open for various animals as you head up this hike..stay on the trail. Stay safe. And enjoy Mother Nature!!! My all time favorite hike ever!!!! read more

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My wife planned a hike for us here. I think she may have been trying to kill me. Oh wait, no, we haven't bought the life insurance yet, so maybe not. (*) We planned about an hour for this hike, to make it up to Colombia Rock, and maybe push ourselves to go just another half mile further, to the view of the Upper Fall. Boy, did we ever miscalculate how much time we would need! First - we parked at the Lodge at the Falls parking lot, and crossed the street. The first warning sign was that there was a split - one for Lower Falls, one for Upper Falls. And everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, was heading toward Lower Falls. No worry, I thought - we can do this, I thought. So we follow the "trail" for about 5-6 minutes - which isn't really a trail, but a small asphalt lane. After a few minutes, I start to wonder if we'd taken the wrong path, because we were basically walking on level ground along the road, and walking farther and farther away from where the falls would be. Then we come upon the next parking lot - would've been nice if we'd known to park here, could've saved all that extra walking and time! Now we see some HUGE boulders, and we start the real ascent. And this is where I start to grumble, just a little bit. The back and forth switchbacks were kind of fun at first, but after about 30 (**) of them, I was getting tired and really winded. After about 60 (**) of them, I was starting to wonder why we were doing this. After about 90 (**) of them, I started to question if my wife really did love me, because if she did, why would she put me through this?? Oh, but at one point we hit a clear area, and we looked down, and I had two realizations: 1) Holy moly, we are up REALLY high, and 2) WOW THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL VIEW! At this point, my daughter decides she can't go on any further, and so I stay with her while my wife and son go on. A short while after that my daughter and I decide to go down first and let my wife and son continue on their trek, and you can read the next part of our adventure in the review for the Ahwahnee Bar. (*) Note: I'm just kidding. She wasn't trying to kill me. She totally loves me. Just maybe underestimated the difficulty of the trail. (**) Numbers have been greatly exaggerated, I feel. But it really did feel like that many. read more

Yosemite Falls - Flat Stanley, 2/3 of the way up to Columbia Rock. - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

Horrible parking situation. Food is scarce. Bring yours. Restrooms lines. Men, bring empty bottle. And : DON'T come during the summer! read more

Yosemite Falls - Hiking Near Me - Yosemite, California

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Mother of hiking god... Some of the reviews here made me laugh, cringe, and realize why I am in so much pain. To begin, an excerpt from YosemiteHikes.com: "Difficulty: High. It's a long, steep climb from the valley floor to the valley rim, and easily rates an 8 out of 10. Consider this question: would you climb the stairs all the way to the top of the Empire State Building? Well, in the course of your hike to Upper Yosemite Falls, you'll climb the equivalent of just over two Empire State Buildings." To put it in context, this was a spontaneous trip and none of us had a clue what the hike entailed (amateur hour, I know). I recently lived in CO and hiked 14-ers, I've been to Tibet and Everest, but the Upper Falls hike made me hurt more than anything else I have done. Quite frankly, I have never experienced pain like this in my life. I wanted to stop several times but was egged on by my fellow hikers. By the time I was really ready to call it quits, I knew I was way too close to the top to give up. We started at 1pm, made it to the top just over two hours later, explored the falls and all that is redeeming up there, and then took another two hours or so to stumble down. All of our legs were quivering, knees getting weak, and ankles giving out. I am not proud to admit that I did this hike in Nikes; it was a totally unplanned trip (but I never say no to spontaneity!), so this was the best I had. I did see loads of people doing it in jeans and even button-up shirts, so I felt a little less like a toolbox. The trail was extremely slippery. There are portions with just rock and just sand, and those are doable, but the parts where the rocks get sandy spell trouble; we had so many near-slips on the way down. Would I ever do it again, even if I had my hiking boots? No. Maybe Colorado spoiled me, but I just didn't see anything special enough that would warrant the pain I experienced. If waterfalls are your thing, however, then I imagine this hike to be borderline life-changing. read more

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We visited at the end of April and the falls were running strong. Beautiful walk to the lower falls. Empty in the mornings, we had it to ourselves. We did the hike to the upper falls and it is strenuous but worth it. The views are incredible. You can continue to Yosemite Point or North Dome from there. read more

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Gorgeous hike!! If you are going to Yosemite you have to do this hike. It is so rewarding. It takes a while, about 6 hours total to get to the top and back so make sure you give yourself enough time. It can get pretty hot going on this hike. It is a pretty steep hike and it's not paved. So you're stepping on a lot of rocks and doing a lot of balancing as you are going up and down. It's likely that you will be at least a little sore from the hike the next day. Taking that into consideration, make sure you wear good shoes. Don't wear your 9 year old running/tennis/whatever shoes. If you slip and land on one of these rocks it will hurt. So wear shoes with good traction and bring a hat or something. It is shaded most of the way, but at the top when you are completing the final switchbacks, it is not shaded and the heat can be pretty brutal. If you have a camelbak, bring it. You'll need lots of water on this hike. And bring a lunch to eat at the top! It's nice to relax and enjoy your accomplishment over a lunch before you head back down. This is an incredible hike and it is completely worth the time. Depending on the time of year you go, there may not be water coming from the falls. But even if you go at a time when there is not that much water, if any, it is still amazing. I've been when the water has been gushing and also when it has been completely dry and it's been beautiful both times. Enjoy the hike! read more

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LOL This hike was no joke! I would say that this hike is pretty challenging, especially during the winter when there are some parts of the hike near the top of the Falls where there is a lot of snow you'd have to trek through. We did this hike on Valentine's Day weekend when Yosemite was cold enough have snow. The entire hike was breathtaking though. There were so many gorgeous views of Half Dome and all of Yosemite Valley. For the first half of the hike, the you'll hit the Lower Falls. If you're brave enough to climb higher, you'll hike all the way up tothe Overlook where you can see the whole Valley. There was also an option to climb to a higher point where you are literally at the top of the falls where the water falls (ha) and cascades down. We were way too tired to go all the way up-- this I regret. The way down was the worst though, especially with the snow. Without snow cleats, you're pretty much screwed. We pretty much slipped the whole way down. And when we got to the Valley, there were convenience stores selling snow cleats. Lol fail-- on our end. This hike was definitely full of sights to see-- it has one of the most beautiful views of Yosemite. I'd say it's worth another visit. I'd be open to coming back during the Spring when the scenery changes (ie when the snow melts). By the way, park at Camp 4-- that's where the Trailhead is. read more

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This Review covers Upper Yosemite Falls and the Middle Cascades. Yosemite Falls is the highest measured waterfall in North America and a major Yosemite attraction, especially in the Spring when the water flow is at its peak. It's one of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877) and measures about 2425 feet from the top of the upper falls to the Valley floor. It's also worth every labored breath and sore muscle to get to there. The Upper Trail is about 3.5 miles each way, while the top can also be reached via several routes from the Tioga Road to the north. Just don't stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. The Upper Falls is formed by the swift waters of Yosemite Creek, which after meandering through Eagle Creek Meadow, hurl themselves over the edge of a hanging valley in a spectacular show of force. In years of little snow, the falls may actually cease flowing altogether in late summer or fall. A very small number of rock climbers have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls. However, a single afternoon thunderstorm could restart the falls and sweep any climber off the face. Between the two obvious main plunges there are a series of five smaller plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. Taken together these account for a total drop of 675 feet, more than twice the height of the Lower Falls. Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Several vantage points for the Cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive helicopter rescue due to steep and slippery terrain and features. read more

I hadn't been here since I was a kid. It took exactly 23 years for me to comeback and it was well worth it. Will definitely be back again. I love Yosemite! read more

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