Is swimming allowed at Upper Yosemite Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Upper Yosemite Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Upper Yosemite Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Upper Yosemite Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Upper Yosemite Falls.

California • Yosemite National Park • 1430 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Frozen Coffee CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

dlnwelch CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

jpkrone CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jeff Sullivan (www.JeffSullivanPhotography.com) CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

ricknor CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2 ft

About Upper Yosemite Falls

Upper Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is part of Yosemite Falls, which consists of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. The Upper Yosemite Fall is the most prominent and dramatic section, offering breathtaking views and a challenging hike to the top.

The Setting

Upper Yosemite Falls sits at 5,246 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 1,430 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 1430 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in California at 2,425 feet, lies 0.2 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Sentinel Fall (1920 ft, 2.2 mi) and Lehamite Falls (1180 ft, 1.1 mi).

Yosemite Falls Sentinel Fall Lehamite Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard 7.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Upper Yosemite Falls is steep and strenuous, with numerous switchbacks and rocky terrain. It offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding granite cliffs. The trail passes through shaded forested areas before opening up to exposed sections with panoramic vistas.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 1430 feet.

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 Upper Yosemite Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Yosemite Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring is the best time to visit Upper Yosemite Falls, as the snowmelt creates a powerful flow. Summer offers clear skies but can be hot, while fall and winter provide quieter trails but may have reduced water flow or icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

The trail is steep and strenuous, with exposed sections that can be dangerous in wet or icy conditions. Stay on the marked trail, carry plenty of water, and avoid hiking during extreme heat or storms. Watch for loose rocks and slippery surfaces.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

6 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 37 75

Based on 110 years of record

0.68 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°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 53 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

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

5 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, sunny (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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 1,611 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The listed height of 1,430 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,145 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 1,084 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 90 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Upper Yosemite Falls near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 1,611 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,145 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 1,611 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

Upper Yosemite Falls is located in Yosemite National Park. Visitors can access the trailhead from the Yosemite Valley area, near Camp 4. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible by shuttle or car.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Yosemite Valley Lodge or Camp 4, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

5,246 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.756314° N, -119.596833° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack snacks. Be prepared for steep and rocky sections. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before your hike.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 7.6 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. 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.

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.

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

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Nearby Campground

Lower Pines Campground

2 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