Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, dropping a total of 2,425 feet in three separate sections. The waterfall consists of Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). This 2026 visitor guide covers access times, park entrance fees, how to get there, parking, accessibility, what to see, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This famous American waterfall is a popular stop on Yosemite National Park day tours from San Francisco.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Trail open year-round, 24 hours daily |
| Park entrance fee | $35 per vehicle (valid 7 days) | $30 per motorcycle (valid 7 days) | $20 per person on foot/bicycle (valid 7 days) |
| Trailhead location | Yosemite Village, accessible via shuttle stop 6 |
| Distance from Yosemite Valley Visitor Center | 0.5 miles via bicycle path |
| Trail distance | 1 mile loop (Lower Yosemite Fall Trail) |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour for loop trail |
Yosemite Falls access hours
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is accessible year-round, 24 hours daily. The trail remains open throughout the year, though winter brings icy conditions, particularly on the short climb to the footbridge on the western trail. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle operates from 07:00 to 22:00 daily, providing access to the trailhead at stop 6. Yosemite Falls flows approximately November through July, with peak flow in May. The waterfall is often dry from late July or August through October.
Why book the Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias day trip from San Francisco?
- Visit Yosemite’s iconic landscapes: See famous natural wonders such as Yosemite Valley, granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls in one unforgettable day.
- See giant sequoia trees: Walk among some of the world’s largest and oldest trees, offering a humbling experience amid ancient forest giants.
- Expert local guide: Knowledgeable guides share insights on geology, ecology and the park’s natural history throughout the tour.
- Comfortable round-trip transport: Includes direct travel from San Francisco so you can enjoy the scenery without arranging your own logistics.
- Perfect for nature lovers: A full-day immersion in one of America’s most beloved national parks, ideal if you want a comprehensive Yosemite experience in a single outing.
Yosemite National Park entrance fees
Access to Yosemite Falls requires payment of Yosemite National Park entrance fees. A private vehicle pass costs $35 and is valid for seven consecutive days. This fee covers the vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycle entry costs $30 for seven days. Visitors entering on foot or bicycle pay $20 per person aged 16 and over for seven days; children aged 15 and under enter free.
The Yosemite Annual Pass costs $70 and provides unlimited entry for 12 months. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass costs $80 and covers entry to all US national parks and federal recreation lands for 12 months. Senior, military, and disability passes are available at reduced rates or free. Entrance fees are paid at park entrance stations and cannot be purchased online in advance. The park does not accept cash; credit and debit cards only.
As of January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over must pay an outrageous $100 per person extra fee, unless they have a non-resident America the Beautiful Annual Pass. These cost $250.
Entrance fees and information were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Yosemite Falls
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is accessed from Yosemite Village. From Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, follow the bicycle path approximately 0.5 miles to shuttle stop 6 at the trailhead. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle (free) stops at stop 6, providing direct access to the trailhead. The shuttle operates from 07:00 to 22:00 daily.
Yosemite Falls is visible from numerous locations throughout Yosemite Valley, particularly around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. Viewing areas along Northside Drive and Southside Drive provide roadside views of the entire waterfall without hiking. The nearest major airports are Fresno Yosemite International Airport (approximately 95 miles south) and San Francisco International Airport (approximately 190 miles west).
Parking at Yosemite Falls
No parking is available at the trailhead. Park at Yosemite Village parking area or Yosemite Falls parking area, both located near Yosemite Village. Both lots accommodate cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Parking is free with valid park entrance. During summer months, parking fills quickly, particularly between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Arrive before 09:00 or use the Yosemite Valley Shuttle from other locations to avoid parking difficulties. The shuttle is recommended during peak season to reduce traffic congestion in Yosemite Valley. Walk approximately 0.5 miles from the Valley Visitor Center parking area via the bicycle path to reach the trailhead.
How long to spend at Yosemite Falls
The Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete at a leisurely pace. The 1-mile paved loop includes viewpoints of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, a footbridge crossing Yosemite Creek near the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, and interpretive exhibits about natural and cultural history. Walking clockwise from shuttle stop 6 provides the best views of the falls.
Photographers and visitors during peak flow (spring and early summer) often spend additional time. The Upper Yosemite Fall Trail is a strenuous all-day hike gaining 2,700 feet elevation over 7.2 miles one way to the top of the falls, requiring 6 to 10 hours round trip. This guide focuses on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail.
Accessibility at Yosemite Falls
The eastern portion of the Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail is wheelchair accessible when not covered in ice or snow. This section runs from shuttle stop 6 to the base of the waterfall via paved, relatively level trail. The western portion of the loop includes a short climb to the footbridge and is not wheelchair accessible.
Restrooms are located along the western trail. A drinking fountain is available near the restrooms; no additional drinking water is available along the trail. Accessible parking is available at Yosemite Village and Yosemite Falls parking areas. The Yosemite Valley Shuttle is wheelchair accessible and stops at stop 6 adjacent to the trailhead.
Dogs are allowed on the trail and must be kept on a leash. Strollers are permitted on the paved trail. Bicycles are prohibited on the trail, with bicycle racks located nearby. The rocks and boulders above the wooden footbridge are slippery even when dry; visitors should stay on the paved trail to avoid serious injury. Scrambling off-trail has resulted in serious injuries.
What to see at Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the world’s tallest waterfalls at 2,425 feet total drop. The waterfall is composed of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). All three sections are visible from the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, with the best comprehensive views from the eastern portion of the loop.
During peak flow (May and early June), the waterfall is deafening and creates significant spray. Visitors standing on the footbridge near the base of Lower Yosemite Fall can expect to get wet. The force and volume of water during peak season create a powerful experience with misty wind and booming sound. An ice cone often forms at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall during winter, created by spray freezing in cold temperatures.
By late summer (August through October), the falls often reduce to a trickle or cease flowing entirely as snowmelt diminishes. The dry or near-dry waterfall has its own beauty and serenity, revealing the granite cliff face and allowing visitors to see the rock formations that shape the falls. Late autumn storms rejuvenate the waterfall, and winter accumulates frost along the edges of the cascade.
The paved loop trail offers different vantage points of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Creek. Walking clockwise from shuttle stop 6 provides immediate full views of the waterfall. The trail passes through mixed forest and meadow, with interpretive exhibits explaining the waterfall’s geology, formation by glaciers, and cultural significance. A wooden footbridge crosses Yosemite Creek near the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, providing close views of the falling water.
Yosemite Creek flows through the valley after leaving Lower Yosemite Fall, creating pools and small cascades visible from the trail. During peak flow, the creek is impressive and powerful. The granite cliffs surrounding the waterfall show the characteristic polish and steep walls created by glacial erosion.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit during May or early June for peak waterfall flow and the most dramatic experience, but expect to get wet from spray at the base. |
| Arrive before 09:00 or use the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to avoid parking difficulties, particularly during summer months. |
| Walk the loop clockwise from shuttle stop 6 for the best immediate views of Yosemite Falls. |
| Stay on the paved trail; rocks above the footbridge are extremely slippery even when dry and have caused serious injuries. |
| Check current waterfall flow conditions on the National Park Service website or Yosemite Falls webcam before visiting in late summer. |
| In winter, expect icy conditions on the western trail, particularly on the short climb to the footbridge. Wear appropriate footwear. |
| Bring drinking water; only one fountain is available near restrooms on the western trail. |
| Keep food within arm’s reach at all times; black bears and other wildlife are common in Yosemite Valley. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Yosemite Falls suitable for children? | Yes, the 1-mile paved loop trail is suitable for children of all ages. During peak flow, spray at the base may drench visitors. Strollers are permitted. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No advance booking is required for the trail. However, Yosemite National Park entrance fees must be paid at park entrance stations. |
| Is Yosemite Falls accessible in winter? | Yes, the trail is open year-round. Winter brings icy conditions, particularly on the western portion. The waterfall typically flows during winter months. |
| Are restrooms available? | Yes, restrooms are located along the western trail. A drinking fountain is available near the restrooms. |
| How long does the walk take? | The 1-mile loop trail takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete at a leisurely pace. |
| Is there wheelchair access? | Yes, the eastern portion of the loop trail from shuttle stop 6 to the base of the waterfall is wheelchair-accessible when not covered in ice or snow. |
Things to do near Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead, provides exhibits, ranger programs, wilderness permits, bookstore, and park information. The visitor centre serves as the hub for Yosemite Valley Shuttle service to other valley attractions. Cook’s Meadow Loop, a 1-mile level trail accessible from shuttle stops 5 and 6, offers views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and valley meadows.
Yosemite Village contains shops, restaurants, the Ansel Adams Gallery, the Yosemite Museum with exhibits on Native American history, and the Indian Village of Ahwahnee with reconstructed structures. Yosemite Valley Lodge, accessible via shuttle stop 8, offers dining, accommodation, and serves as a base for exploring the valley. Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village), accessible via shuttle stops 13A, 13B, and 14, provides accommodation, food service, and outdoor equipment rental.
El Capitan, the 3,000-foot vertical granite monolith, is visible from various points on El Capitan Meadow along Northside Drive, approximately 3 miles west of Yosemite Falls. Bridalveil Fall, a 620-foot waterfall flowing year-round, is accessed via a 0.5-mile round-trip paved trail approximately 7 miles southwest of Yosemite Falls, although the first sighting of it usually comes from Tunnel View. Mirror Lake, a seasonal lake reflecting Half Dome and surrounding cliffs, is accessed via a 2-mile round-trip paved trail from shuttle stop 17.
Elsewhere in the park, giant sequoias soar in Tuolumne Grove and Mariposa Grove and Sentinel Beach is a picturesque picnic spot.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Complete guide to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda.
- Visitor guide to Fort Point by the Golden Gate Bridge.
- What to know before visiting the California Academy of Sciences.
- Walking on the salt pans of Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park.
- Walking on the salt pans of Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park.
