Is swimming allowed at Yosemite Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Yosemite Falls.

Nearby gauge (Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge) · 16 ft³/s · About average

Yosemite Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Yosemite Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Yosemite Falls. 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.

California • Yosemite National Park • 2425 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

akasped CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Udax CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

inky CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

raygunb CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2,700 ft

About Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, located in Yosemite National Park, California. It consists of three sections: Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall. The waterfall is a major attraction and offers stunning views, especially during peak flow in the spring.

The Setting

Yosemite Falls sits at 6,824 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 2,425 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 2425 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sentinel Fall (1920 ft) lies 2.3 miles to the south. Also nearby: Upper Yosemite Falls (1430 ft, 0.2 mi) and Lehamite Falls (1180 ft, 0.9 mi).

Sentinel Fall Upper Yosemite Falls Lehamite Falls

Trail & Hike Details

7.2 mi distance 2,700 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 7.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 2,700 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall is steep and challenging, with numerous switchbacks and rocky terrain. However, there are shorter, easier trails to Lower Yosemite Fall, which is accessible and family-friendly. The full hike offers breathtaking views of the valley and the waterfall.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 2425 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit Yosemite Falls is in late spring (April to June) when the snowmelt is at its peak, creating a dramatic flow. By late summer, the waterfall may dry up, depending on the year's snowfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. 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.

The trail to Upper Yosemite Fall is steep and can be dangerous, especially during wet or icy conditions. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 2.7 miles away, not on Yosemite Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

16 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

6 10 67 130

Based on 111 years of record

1.01 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect 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

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

Moderate right now

16 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

16 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

16 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

20 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

21 cfs

5/10

Sun

Moderate

23 cfs

5/10

Mon

Moderate

24 cfs

5/10

Tue

Moderate

23 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Yosemite Falls Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately 1 more freezing day forecast

Yosemite Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 62°F to 42°F. 1 freezing day are forecast, so ice may start to form.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 1 of the next 7
Flow: 16 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

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 204 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. The falls are listed at 2,425 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 683 feet of descent end to end. Elevation at the pin is about 6,826 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 120 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 218 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Yosemite Falls near Yosemite Valley, California, showing about 204 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 6,826 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 203 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Yosemite Falls is located in Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park. Visitors can access the falls via shuttle buses or by parking in designated areas near Yosemite Village.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Falls trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

6,824 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.758258° N, -119.595166° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially if hiking to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall. Check weather conditions before your visit, as trails can be icy or slippery during winter.

This trail sits at 6,824 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 27% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 7.2 miles trail gains 2,700 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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