Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
A strenuous 7.6-mile round-trip hike to the top of North America's tallest waterfall, offering unparalleled views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fullest waterfall flow
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
Best Time
Fullest waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A strenuous 7.6-mile round-trip hike to the top of North America's tallest waterfall, offering unparalleled views.
"The top is spectacular, with incredible views of the valley and an exciting adventure down to the edge of the waterfall."
Use Hiking Poles
Tackle the steep switchbacks and 'staircase' sections with ease. They save your knees! :hiking_boot:
Start Early
Beat the heat and the crowds. Early mornings offer cooler temps and better light for photos. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Staircase
Near the top of the trail
A thrilling, granite-carved staircase clinging to the cliffside, offering heart-pounding exposure and close-up waterfall views.
+1
Panoramic Valley Vistas
Various points along the trail
Breathtaking, expansive views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and surrounding Sierra peaks unfold as you ascend.
The Top of Yosemite Falls
Summit of the falls
Reach the apex of North America's tallest waterfall for an exhilarating sense of accomplishment and powerful, misty spray.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Strenuous Climb
Hydration and Sun Protection are Crucial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Use Hiking Poles
Tackle the steep switchbacks and 'staircase' sections with ease. They save your knees! :hiking_boot:
Start Early
Beat the heat and the crowds. Early mornings offer cooler temps and better light for photos. :sunrise:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. The sun can be intense. :droplet:
Consider the 'Bonus' Ledge
The exposed ledge section is optional but offers an adrenaline rush and unique views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Use Hiking Poles
Tackle the steep switchbacks and 'staircase' sections with ease. They save your knees! :hiking_boot:
Start Early
Beat the heat and the crowds. Early mornings offer cooler temps and better light for photos. :sunrise:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. The sun can be intense. :droplet:
Consider the 'Bonus' Ledge
The exposed ledge section is optional but offers an adrenaline rush and unique views.
Pace Yourself
It's a long, steep climb. Take breaks and enjoy the views along the way. :runner:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail for its spectacular, rewarding views and the exhilarating experience of reaching the top of one of North America's tallest waterfalls. While undeniably strenuous with its steep switchbacks and long distance, most agree the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking panoramas and the powerful encounter with the falls. Some suggest it's best to hike only partway if time or energy is limited, focusing on the viewpoints that offer the most impact.
"Amazing hike. Not terribly long (~7miles round trip) but it’s pretty steep. Great views of Half Dome throughout the hike. Excellent view point half way up gives you great views of the falls. Second half of the hike is better than the first in my opinion. The top is spectacular, with incredible views of the valley and an exciting adventure down to the edge of the waterfall."
Chris Willett
"A spectacular hike trail. It’s steep but mostly stairs so it’s easy to keep a moderate tempo. The view from the top is simply breathtakingly beautiful and the path has many picturesque view points to the waterfall and the valley. No need to bring too much water as there are plenty of natural water along the route."
Norbert Elek
"This is a beautiful and challenging hike (in a good way), probably medium+/hard- difficulty. There js around 1km elevation gain but overall there are no super steep steps etc - the main challenge is from the length and you need to be persistent. To hike the full thing I recommend to have at least 3 litres of water per person, definitely some food and plenty of sunscreen as some parts are very exposed to the sun (but overall there are many parts in the shadow too). I would also reserve at least 2.5-3 hours one way if you are not super experienced in hiking, so 5-6 hours in total. If you are experienced and physically fit you can easily do the whole thing in 3 hours but it will be quite a workout and no time to rest and enjoy. Overall the best return on investment to me is up until you stop seeing the waterfall from the side. Since then it’s just a hike to the top of the waterfall which is not that beautiful and the other views are marginally better than what you get on the way up. You obviously get a sense of achievement by doing the hike but views-wise I’d probably stop 20 minutes after the first time you see the waterfall, have some rest and go back to see more stuff after"
Alexey Subach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located in Yosemite Valley, near Camp 4. You can access it via the free Yosemite Valley shuttle system (get off at stop #7) or by parking in designated areas. Be aware that parking can be very limited, especially during peak season.
Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited and often fills up early. It's highly recommended to use the Yosemite Valley shuttle or arrive very early in the morning.
You can drive to the general vicinity in Yosemite Valley, but parking directly at the trailhead is scarce. The best approach is to park in a designated lot and utilize the park's shuttle service.
If you're staying outside Yosemite, plan to drive into the park and find parking in Yosemite Valley, then use the shuttle. Alternatively, some visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation.
Yes, the Yosemite Valley shuttle system stops at the trailhead (stop #7), making it accessible via public transport within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a separate ticket for the trail itself, but you will need a valid Yosemite National Park entrance pass. These can be purchased online in advance or at the park entrance stations.
The trail is generally open year-round, but conditions can vary significantly with snow and ice in winter. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for current trail status and closures.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. It's advisable to purchase your pass online in advance to save time.
Hiking at night is generally discouraged due to safety concerns and potential wildlife encounters. Stick to daylight hours for this strenuous trail.
Reservations may be required during peak seasons or for specific entry times. Always check the Yosemite National Park website for the most up-to-date reservation requirements before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Most visitors take 5-6 hours to complete the round trip, allowing for breaks and enjoying the views. Experienced and fit hikers might do it in 3 hours, but that leaves little time to savor the experience.
This is considered a strenuous or hard hike due to its length (7.6 miles round trip) and significant elevation gain (around 2,700 feet). It's often described as having many steep switchbacks. +1
Restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. There are no restrooms along the trail itself, so plan accordingly.
While children can hike it, it's a very demanding trail. Parents should carefully assess their children's stamina and preparedness for a long, steep hike.
You'll get incredible, expansive views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding granite cliffs. The highlight is the close-up perspective of Yosemite Falls itself.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the trailhead. You'll find various restaurants and cafes in Yosemite Valley, such as Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Ahwahnee Hotel, before or after your hike.
Yes, packing your own food is highly recommended. Bring high-energy snacks and a packed lunch to sustain you during the strenuous hike.
There are no reliable potable water sources on the trail itself. You must carry all the water you need for the hike.
Focus on nutrient-dense, easy-to-eat foods like trail mix, energy bars, sandwiches, and fruit. Avoid anything that spoils easily in the heat.
While there aren't dedicated picnic tables right at the trailhead, you can find picnic areas in Yosemite Valley before or after your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the falls themselves. The 'bonus' ledge section also provides dramatic photo opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Midday sun can be harsh.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens can capture the grand scale of the landscape.
Exercise extreme caution, especially on exposed sections like the staircase. Stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
Vary your angles as you ascend. From lower points, you get the full height; from higher points, you capture the power and mist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly waterfall experience in Yosemite, the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a paved, easy loop that is much more accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent: Switchbacks and Stairs
Hiking poles are highly recommended by seasoned hikers to alleviate pressure on knees and provide stability, especially on the descent.
Remember to pace yourself and take breaks to enjoy the evolving scenery. The trail is a testament to early trail engineering, built between 1873 and 1877, making it one of Yosemite's historic routes.
The Thrill of the Summit and the Ledge
A particularly thrilling aspect for some is the optional 'bonus' section, often referred to as the 'ledge' or 'staircase' near the top. This part involves hiking along a narrow granite ledge with sheer drop-offs, offering an adrenaline rush akin to other famous hikes like Angels Landing.
+2 While not mandatory to reach the falls' summit, it provides a unique and exhilarating perspective for those who dare. Safety is paramount here; stay on the trail, be mindful of your footing, and never venture too close to the edge if you're uncomfortable with heights. +1This section is a highlight for many, providing a sense of extreme adventure and incredible photo opportunities. However, it's important to know your limits and only attempt it if you are comfortable with exposure and heights.
Yosemite Falls: A Trio of Cascades
This powerful segment is what most hikers aim to reach, offering the most intense experience of the falls' might. Below the Upper Fall are the Middle Cascades, a series of smaller drops and rapids spanning about 675 feet. While not directly accessible by the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, their presence contributes to the overall grandeur of the falls system.
Finally, the Lower Yosemite Fall, a more accessible and wider cascade of 320 feet, is easily viewed from the valley floor and is a popular spot for visitors seeking a less strenuous waterfall experience. Understanding that Yosemite Falls is composed of these three distinct sections adds another layer of appreciation for the natural wonder. The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail provides an unparalleled perspective on the uppermost and most formidable part of this iconic cascade.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit