Sentinel Fall
California • Yosemite National Park • 1920 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Sentinel Fall
Sentinel Fall is a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It cascades down the granite cliffs near Sentinel Rock and is one of the park's tallest waterfalls. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring when snowmelt feeds its flow, but it may dry up later in the summer.
The Setting
Sentinel Fall sits at 5,630 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 1,920 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.
Height: 1920 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in California at 2,425 feet, lies 2.3 miles to the north. Also nearby: Upper Yosemite Falls (1430 ft, 2.2 mi) and Illilouette Falls (370 ft, 2.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Sentinel Fall is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no specific trail leading directly to Sentinel Fall, but it can be viewed from various points in Yosemite Valley. Visitors can enjoy the view from Southside Drive or explore nearby trails for different perspectives.
What to Expect
The falls plunge a dramatic 1920 feet.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sentinel Fall?
❌ 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 Sentinel Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Sentinel Fall, typically from April to June, when the snowmelt is at its peak.
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.
Stay on designated viewing areas and trails. Do not attempt to climb near the waterfall as the terrain is steep and slippery. Be cautious of changing weather conditions and wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 2.1 miles away, not on Sentinel 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
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 (3 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 Sentinel Fall Frozen?
Updated about 11 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Sentinel Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 65°F to 42°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
Location & Access
Getting There
Sentinel Fall is located in Yosemite Valley, near Sentinel Rock. It can be viewed from various points in the valley, including the Southside Drive and nearby trails.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated lots in Yosemite Valley. The closest parking area is near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center or along Southside Drive.
Elevation
5,630 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.724926° N, -119.596553° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring for the best views of the waterfall. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to capture the details of the falls from a distance. Be prepared for changing weather conditions in Yosemite Valley.
This trail sits at 5,630 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 23% 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
2 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
Nearby attractions include Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.
Wildlife
Yosemite Valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Bears are also present in the park, so visitors should follow proper food storage guidelines.
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