Is swimming allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall.

Nearby gauge (Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge) · 16 ft³/s · About average

Lower Yosemite Fall

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lower Yosemite Fall. Leashed pets are allowed on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, one of the few Yosemite trails open to pets.

California • Yosemite National Park • 320 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

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 2,425 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

1.0 mi distance 50 ft climbed

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. Dogs are welcome.

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 allowed
Leashed pets are allowed on the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, one of the few Yosemite trails open to pets.

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

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

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 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 2.5 miles away, not on Lower Yosemite Fall'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

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

6 10 67 130

Based on 111 years of record

1.01 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect 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

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

2.5 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 4,020 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

16 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

16 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

16 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

20 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

21 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

23 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

24 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Best 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 Lower Yosemite Fall Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Lower Yosemite Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 70°F to 47°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 670 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 320 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 4,496 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 391 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 411 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lower Yosemite Fall near Yosemite Valley, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lower Yosemite Fall near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 670 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 4,496 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 670 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

4,488 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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