Ribbon Fall
California • Yosemite National Park • 1612 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Ribbon Fall
Ribbon Fall is a seasonal waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is known for being one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in North America, with water cascading down a sheer granite cliff. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring when snowmelt feeds its flow, but it often dries up by late summer.
The Setting
Ribbon Fall sits at 6,293 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 1,612 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 1612 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Bridalveil Fall (620 ft, 1.3 mi) and Silver Strand Falls (574 ft, 2.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no official trail leading directly to Ribbon Fall. Visitors typically view the waterfall from Yosemite Valley, particularly from Northside Drive or El Capitan Meadow. Reaching the base of the waterfall requires off-trail navigation and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1612 feet.
Accessibility
Ribbon Fall is not directly accessible, and there are no paved paths leading to it. Viewing areas in Yosemite Valley, such as El Capitan Meadow, are more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ribbon Fall?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ribbon Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring, particularly April through June, is the best time to visit Ribbon Fall when snowmelt feeds the waterfall.
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
Off-trail hiking to Ribbon Fall is not recommended due to rugged terrain and potential hazards. Always stay on designated trails and be cautious of wildlife. Weather conditions can change rapidly in Yosemite.
Current Water Conditions
17 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 109 years of record
1.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
17 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
18 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
17 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
15 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny then smoke (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 1,807 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. It lines up with the 1,612 feet the falls are usually credited with. Elevation at the pin is about 5,610 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 1,536 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 189 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,610 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 1,807 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ribbon Fall is located on the western side of Yosemite Valley, near El Capitan. It is not directly accessible by a designated trail, but it can be viewed from various points in the valley, including along Northside Drive.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated lots in Yosemite Valley. The closest parking area is near El Capitan Meadow.
Elevation
6,293 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.735759° N, -119.648223° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring for the best chance to see Ribbon Fall at its peak flow. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for better views, as the waterfall is best seen from a distance. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in Yosemite Valley.
This trail sits at 6,293 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 25% 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
Big Creek Inn
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite
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
4.5 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
El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species in Yosemite Valley. Bears are also present in the park, so proper food storage is essential.
Cities near Ribbon Fall
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