Wapama Falls

California • Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

s__i CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

www78 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

thekevinchang CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Cowgirl Jules CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Wapama Falls

Wapama Falls is the larger of two waterfalls on Falls Creek spilling down the northern wall of Hetch Hetchy Valley below Hetch Hetchy Dome in Yosemite National Park. Nestled within Yosemite and managed by the National Park Service, the falls flow year-round and create a dramatic curtain of water that can be spectacular in spring and early summer when snowmelt swells Falls Creek. The hike to Wapama Falls follows a 4.0-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a moderate and rewarding day trip for most hikers. Note that the nearby Tueeulala Falls is a seasonal distributary of Falls Creek; during peak flows Wapama can inundate the trail bridge at its base, occasionally making the route impassable, so plan your visit with seasonal conditions in mind.

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail in Yosemite National Park managed by the National Park Service. Distance: 4.0 miles round trip; Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet; Difficulty: moderate. The route follows park trails to the base of Wapama Falls and offers close-up views of the waterfall and Hetch Hetchy Valley; however, Wapama Falls flows year-round and peak runoff can inundate the trail bridge at the falls' base, potentially blocking passage.

Location & Access

Elevation

4816 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.966309° N, -119.765454° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

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With 4.0 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

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

CHERRY VALLEY

8.4 miles away · 45 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated in the central Sierra Nevada, camping at Cherry Valley campground offers many beautiful sights. It is located in a forest of mixed conifers about 1.5 miles northeast of Cherry Valley Dam, 1 hour east of Tuolumne City, 1 hour northeast of Groveland, and 2.5 hours from the northwestern border of Yosemite National Park. Lake access is available via a hiking trail. The road to the campground is a winding mountain road and must be taken slowly.Recreation There are unlimited opportuni

Book on Recreation.gov