Are there fees or permits required for Wildcat Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wildcat Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wildcat Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wildcat Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,160 ft³/s · About average

Wildcat Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wildcat Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wildcat Falls.

California • Yosemite National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

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

albategnius CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

AlexiUeltzen CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Wildcat Falls

Wildcat Falls is a delicate, multi-tiered cascade tucked into the western quarter of Yosemite National Park along Highway 140, about 2.8 miles inside the Arch Rock Entrance. The falls present as a relatively thin string of cascades totaling roughly 720 feet (some sources list 630 feet) across seven distinct drops—the longest plunge measures about 120 feet—creating a striking spring display when snowmelt is strong. Managed by the National Park Service, Wildcat Falls is seasonal and typically flows only through spring, tapering off by May or June. Because the falls sit alongside Highway 140, they make an accessible and rewarding stop while exploring Yosemite’s western corridor. The site pairs well with a short hike: an out-and-back route leads visitors closer to the cascades for photos and viewing. Plan your visit in spring for the fullest flow and check park conditions with the NPS before you go.

The Setting

Wildcat Falls sits at 4,252 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bridalveil Fall (620 ft) lies 3.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Silver Strand Falls (574 ft, 2.9 mi).

Bridalveil Fall Silver Strand Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 350 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail provides access from the Highway 140 corridor roughly 2.8 miles inside the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park. Wildcat Falls is seasonal—flows are strongest during spring snowmelt and usually diminish by May–June—so timing your hike affects what you’ll see. Trail surface and technical class are not specified in the available park data; expect typical park footpaths with moderate grades corresponding to the stated elevation gain.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wildcat Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wildcat Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring and Summer. Winter access may be limited. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Strong

2,160 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

965 1.4k 3.1k 4.1k

Based on 109 years of record

6.05 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A POHONO BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11266500

2.9 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 321 sq mi

Altitude: 3,865 ft

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Foresta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Elevation

4252 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.723538° N, -119.717393° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 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

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

Bridalveil Creek Campground

6.8 miles away · 110 sites

Reservable

Overview Bridalveil Creek Campground is closed for the 2025 season.Staying at Bridalveil Creek Campground requires reservations. There are no first come, first served sites available.Bridalveil Creek is located in breathtaking Yosemite National Park in Central California's rugged Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The site is situated on Glacier Point Road at an elevation of 7,200 feet, 26 miles from Yosemite Valley. Within Yosemite, visitors can gaze upon waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, deep valley

Book on Recreation.gov