Staircase Falls
California • Yosemite National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
About Staircase Falls
Staircase Falls is a seasonal waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It cascades down a series of granite steps, giving it the appearance of a staircase. The waterfall is most prominent during the spring when snowmelt feeds the flow, but it may dry up later in the summer.
The Setting
Staircase Falls sits at 4,400 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Lehamite Falls (1180 ft, 1.9 mi) and Illilouette Falls (370 ft, 1.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
There is no official trail to Staircase Falls, but it can be viewed from Curry Village or nearby areas in Yosemite Valley. Visitors should exercise caution if attempting to explore off-trail areas.
What to Expect
Staircase Falls is a seasonal waterfall that is most visible during the spring. Its flow diminishes significantly in the summer and may disappear entirely. The falls cascade down a series of granite steps, creating a unique visual effect.
Accessibility
Staircase Falls is visible from Curry Village and other areas in Yosemite Valley, but there are no accessible trails leading directly to the falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Staircase Falls?
❌ 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 Staircase Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring, when snowmelt is at its peak, is the best time to visit Staircase Falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. 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.
Visitors should stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on wet or slippery rocks near waterfalls. Always check weather conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 0.9 miles away, not on Staircase Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
19 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 111 years of record
1.09 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 (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
20 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Staircase Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Staircase Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 45°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 20 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
Staircase Falls is located near Curry Village in Yosemite Valley. It can be seen from various points in the valley, but there is no designated trail leading directly to the base of the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Curry Village or other designated parking areas in Yosemite Valley. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Elevation
4,400 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.735204° N, -119.574886° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring for the best chance to see the waterfall in full flow. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for better views, as the falls are not easily accessible up close.
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
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Nearby Campground
Lower Pines Campground
0.6 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, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Glacier Point.
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 store food properly.
Cities near Staircase Falls
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