Le Conte Falls
California • Yosemite National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
10.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Le Conte Falls
Le Conte Falls is a stunning cascade located along the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park, California. It is part of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, a remote and scenic area known for its rugged beauty and series of waterfalls. The falls are named after Joseph LeConte, a prominent geologist and early conservationist.
The Setting
Le Conte Falls sits at 7,054 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Le Conte Falls is part of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, a challenging and remote hike that features steep descents, river crossings, and rugged terrain. The trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon, granite cliffs, and multiple waterfalls, including Tuolumne Falls and Waterwheel Falls.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a strenuous hike with stunning views of Yosemite's wilderness. Le Conte Falls is a cascading waterfall that flows powerfully during the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak. The area is remote, and hikers should be prepared for a multi-day backpacking trip if attempting the full trail.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Le Conte Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for overnight trips in Yosemite National Park. Permits can be obtained through the park's reservation system.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Le Conte Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is late spring to early summer when the waterfall is at its most powerful due to snowmelt. Fall can also be a good time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hikers should be prepared for remote and rugged conditions. Carry a map, compass, and sufficient supplies. Be aware of river crossings, which can be dangerous during high water. Check weather and trail conditions before starting your hike.
Current Water Conditions
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
6.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
58°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TUOLUMNE R A GRAND CYN OF TUOLUMNE AB HETCH HETCHY (18 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
9 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny then smoke (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 225 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,022 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 138 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 135 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 7,022 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 225 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Le Conte Falls is accessible via the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne trail, which begins at either White Wolf or Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. The falls are located approximately 10-15 miles into the trail, depending on the starting point.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailheads in White Wolf or Tuolumne Meadows. Visitors should check Yosemite National Park's website for current parking conditions and availability.
Elevation
7,054 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.923256° N, -119.452385° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to maximize daylight hours, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous, and bring a water filter for refilling from the river. Check trail conditions and river levels before your trip, as high water can make crossings dangerous.
This trail sits at 7,054 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 28% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Where to Stay
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Yosemite View Lodge
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Timber Ridge Resort by 101 Great Escapes
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Porcupine Flat Campground
10.1 miles away · 56 sites
Overview Porcupine Flat is closed for the winter.Staying at Porcupine Flat Campground requires reservations. No first come, first serve sites are available. The campground typically opens in late-June and closes mid-October. The opening date varies depending on the opening of the Tioga Road and related seasonal facility and road work.Porcupine Flat Campground is located off the Tioga Road about 30 minutes west of Tuolumne Meadows and over an hour from Yosemite Valley. RVs and Trailers are not rec
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Arnold, California
Unnamed Spring Mono County 5
This 72-degree thermal spring near Bridgeport sits at 6,383 feet elevation, requiring a short 160-meter walk from the road in M...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 6
This 91-degree thermal spring near Mammoth Lakes delivers exceptional warmth, running 42 degrees above the cool ambient air whe...
Buckeye Hot Spring
Buckeye Hot Spring flows at 140°F from the eastern Sierra Nevada in Mono County at 6,963 feet elevation on US Forest Service la...
Paoha Island Springs
Rising from the volcanic island of Paoha in Mono Lake, Paoha Island Springs reaches 181 degrees Fahrenheit—one of California's ...
Hot Spring
Hot Spring near Bridgeport emerges at 151°F just 130 feet from the road, making it perhaps the most accessible high-temperature...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 7
This 97-degree thermal spring sits at 8,159 feet elevation within Inyo National Forest, running an extraordinary 56.7 degrees a...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Arnold, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne trail include Tuolumne Falls and Waterwheel Falls. Tuolumne Meadows and White Wolf are also nearby and offer additional hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors should practice proper food storage to avoid attracting bears.
Cities near Le Conte Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Le Conte Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.