Lehamite Falls
California • Yosemite National Park • 1180 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Lehamite Falls
Lehamite Falls is a seasonal waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is fed by Lehamite Creek and cascades down the north wall of Yosemite Valley. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak, but it may dry up later in the summer or during dry years.
The Setting
Lehamite Falls sits at 6,788 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 1,180 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 1180 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in California at 2,425 feet, lies 0.9 miles to the west. Also nearby: Upper Yosemite Falls (1430 ft, 1.1 mi) and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 ft, 1.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no established trail leading directly to Lehamite Falls. Visitors typically view the falls from afar, such as from the Yosemite Valley floor or nearby trails. Reaching the base of the falls would require off-trail navigation through steep and rugged terrain, which is not recommended for safety reasons.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1180 feet.
Accessibility
Lehamite Falls is not directly accessible, and there are no accessible trails leading to it. Visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy other accessible areas in Yosemite Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lehamite Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lehamite Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds the waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring and Summer. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Off-trail hiking to Lehamite Falls is not recommended due to steep and rugged terrain. Always stay on designated trails and be cautious of wildlife. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 2.4 miles away, not on Lehamite Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
16 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 111 years of record
1.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
44°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (4 km away).
Today
Moderate
16 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
16 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
20 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
20 cfs
5/10Sun
Moderate
21 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
23 cfs
5/10Tue
Moderate
24 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in June.
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.
Is Lehamite Falls Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast
Lehamite Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 42°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 1 of the next 7
- Flow
- 16 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 329 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 1,180 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 1,635 feet of descent end to end. The ground at the falls is roughly 6,809 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 61 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 132 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,809 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 329 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lehamite Falls is located in Yosemite National Park, near the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. It is visible from certain vantage points in the valley, but accessing it up close requires off-trail hiking, which is not recommended for most visitors due to the rugged terrain.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at various locations in Yosemite Valley, such as the Yosemite Village or Curry Village parking areas. From there, visitors can explore nearby trails or viewpoints.
Elevation
6,788 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.762425° N, -119.578776° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring or early summer for the best chance to see the waterfall flowing. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for better views from a distance. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for variable weather conditions in Yosemite Valley.
This trail sits at 6,788 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 27% 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
Yosemite View Lodge
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Buck Meadows Lodge
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
Lower Pines Campground
1.6 miles away · 75 sites
Overview Lower Pines is closed for the winter season.Lower Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from the campground open date to June 14. Reservation tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create
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Nearby Attractions
Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, Mirror Lake, and the Mist Trail.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species in Yosemite Valley. Bears are also present in the park, so proper food storage is essential.
Cities near Lehamite Falls
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