Is swimming allowed at Snow Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Snow Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 5 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Snow Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Snow Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Snow Creek Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Snow Creek Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $35.00. A permit is also required. A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in Yosemite's backcountry, including the Snow Creek area. Day hikes do not require a permit.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Snow Creek Falls, see below

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

jawa9000 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Images by John 'K' CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

daver6sf@yahoo.com CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Martin Hapl CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

dandoug CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

9.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2 ft

About Snow Creek Falls

Snow Creek Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is part of Snow Creek, which flows down the north rim of Yosemite Valley. The falls are known for their dramatic drop and stunning views of the surrounding granite cliffs.

The Setting

Snow Creek Falls sits at 5,230 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lehamite Falls (1180 ft) lies 2.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Nevada Fall (594 ft, 2.8 mi) and Vernal Fall (317 ft, 2.6 mi).

Lehamite Falls Nevada Fall Vernal Fall

Trail & Hike Details

9.4 mi distance 2 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 9.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The Snow Creek Trail is a challenging hike that ascends steep switchbacks, offering breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome along the way. The trail is well-maintained but requires good physical fitness due to its elevation gain and length.

What to Expect

Expect a strenuous hike with rewarding views of Yosemite Valley and the cascading Snow Creek Falls. The falls are most impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt increases water flow.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Snow Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in Yosemite's backcountry, including the Snow Creek area. Day hikes do not require a permit.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Snow Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Snow Creek Falls is in late spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.

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

The trail is steep and strenuous, with exposed sections that can be hazardous. Carry plenty of water, watch for loose rocks, and be cautious of changing weather conditions. During winter, the trail may be icy and dangerous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

5 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 7 32 72

Based on 110 years of record

0.67 ft

Water depth at gauge

51°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 51 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

2.7 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

Barely Flowing right now

5 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

6 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 469 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 5,210 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 293 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 130 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Snow Creek Falls near Yosemite Valley, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Snow Creek Falls near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 469 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,210 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 469 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.

Ground profile through the falls

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

Snow Creek Falls is accessed via the Snow Creek Trail, which begins near Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley. Visitors must hike up a steep trail to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Mirror Lake trailhead in Yosemite Valley. Arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as parking can fill up quickly.

Elevation

5,230 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.765480° N, -119.534885° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early in the day to avoid the heat and ensure you have enough time to complete the hike. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy hiking boots. Be prepared for steep sections and exposed areas along the trail.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 9.4 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

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

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

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

2.4 miles away · 75 sites

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