Is swimming allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall.

Live Conditions · 1,750 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Lower Yosemite Fall

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall?

No, dogs are not allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall.

California • Yosemite National Park • 320 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Daniel Gillaspia CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Fazia_ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

daveynin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.0 miles

Trail Type

Loop

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Lower Yosemite Fall

Lower Yosemite Fall is the lower section of Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. It is part of a two-tiered waterfall system and offers a stunning view of water cascading down granite cliffs. The waterfall is easily accessible and is a popular destination for visitors to Yosemite National Park.

The Setting

Lower Yosemite Fall sits at 4,488 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California. At 320 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 320 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in California at 2425 feet, lies 0.5 miles to the north. Also nearby: Sentinel Fall (1920 ft, 1.8 mi) and Upper Yosemite Falls (1430 ft, 0.3 mi).

Yosemite Falls Sentinel Fall Upper Yosemite Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 1.0-mile loop trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Lower Yosemite Fall is a short, paved loop that is accessible for most visitors, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. The trail offers excellent views of the waterfall and surrounding granite cliffs. Interpretive signs along the way provide information about the area's geology and history.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 320 feet.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Yosemite Fall?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit Lower Yosemite Fall due to the high water flow from snowmelt. Early summer is also a good time, but the waterfall may dry up later in the season.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The area near the base of the waterfall can be slippery due to mist and wet rocks. Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the waterfall. Be aware of changing weather conditions, especially in winter when ice may form on the trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

1,750 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

472 718 1.7k 2.1k

Based on 110 years of record

5.47 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

2.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 4,020 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Yosemite Fall is located in Yosemite National Park, California. It can be accessed via the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail or directly from the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead, which is near Yosemite Village. Follow signs for Yosemite Falls from the main park roads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at Yosemite Village or the Yosemite Falls parking area. During peak seasons, parking may be limited, and visitors are encouraged to use the park shuttle system.

Elevation

4488 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.751314° N, -119.596555° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the base of the waterfall can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, and consider visiting in the spring for the most dramatic water flow.

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This easy 1.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Lower Pines Campground

1.8 miles away · 75 sites

Walking distance Reservable

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

Book on Recreation.gov