Yosemite Falls Tours

Yosemite Falls showing a waterfall and mountains
Yosemite Falls which includes rapids
Yosemite Falls showing rapids
Yosemite Falls featuring mountains
Yosemite Falls showing a waterfall and a gorge or canyon as well as an individual male


You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park sets the bar high for magnificent natural beauty, but Yosemite Falls is indisputably one of its most striking features. This towering waterfall is one of the highest in North America. Water plunges a total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) from top to bottom of Yosemite Falls in three distinct sections. 

The 1,430-foot (440-meter) drop of Upper Yosemite Falls is impressive by itself. To experience its deafening power up close, follow one of several trails between its base and top. Note that the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls is strenuous and will take all day.

The Middle Cascades are a series of five small falls. These don’t have great public access so many people miss them entirely. 

Although Lower Yosemite Falls is the smallest portion, its accessibility makes it the most popular viewing point for the waterfall. Explore it via the popular 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) loop trail or take the free shuttle bus to the base of the falls.

The most dramatic time to visit Yosemite Falls is in May or June, when the runoff from snowmelt creates an impressive cascade with a deafening roar. By the end of summer, most of the snow in the high country has melted and the falls are reduced to a mere trickle. 

If you visit in the spring, look for a moonbow, also known as a lunar rainbow in the spray from the falls. In winter, a unique “snow cone” formation develops at the base of the falls. 

Yosemite Village is nestled near the foot of the falls. This quaint town is a great place to stop for a snack or souvenir. If you want to stay overnight, get a room at Yosemite Lodge. For a more rustic experience, bring your tent or RV to one of Yosemite’s many rentable campsites. Book well in advance to ensure you can get accommodations.

While visiting Yosemite National Park, seeing Yosemite Falls is a must. You might get a little wet, but it is well worth it to experience this natural wonder.  

Plan a trip to see Yosemite Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Fitzgerald Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Reviews of Yosemite Falls

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
790
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
139
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

If you are expecting to see this in late fall, don't. It's a seasonal waterfall depending on the time of year.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I went in late fall oct1 and no water

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Best in spring..falls was a dribble in September

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Vert good. easy hike, - no parking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It took us 2.5 hours of hiking to see the magnificent Yosemite Falls at the halfway point. Bring lots of water and hiking poles to help with slippery slope.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful, but crowded!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Yosemite Falls

Curry Village

Curry Village

2.5 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee

4 out of 5
9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
The Ahwahnee
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Curry Village

Curry Village

2 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., 9010, Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge

2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!

Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!

4 out of 5
7285 Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite, Valley, California 95389, United States, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Quail - Nestled in With a View!
Yosemite Aviary and Quail Within Yosemite - 2 Separate Units, Up To 14 Guests!

Yosemite Aviary and Quail Within Yosemite - 2 Separate Units, Up To 14 Guests!

4 out of 5
7285 Yosemite Park Way, Yosemite, Valley, California 95389, United States, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Aviary and Quail Within Yosemite - 2 Separate Units, Up To 14 Guests!
Inside Yosemite Park Winter Wonderland

Inside Yosemite Park Winter Wonderland

4 out of 5
7428 Yosemite Parkway, Yosemite National Park, CA
Inside Yosemite Park Winter Wonderland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including hiking the scenic Panorama Trail, which provides stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Outdoor seating areas allow for a nature experience where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the park. Additionally, there's the option for a ski trip during the winter months, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is El Portal Market, offering a variety of local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out nearby stores for unique souvenirs and gifts that capture the essence of Yosemite National Park.

Recreation

Enjoy a serene day at Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, just 1.6km from Yosemite Falls, where you can relax amidst nature. For ultimate pampering, visit Ascent, the Spa at Tenaya Lodge, 32.2km away, offering rejuvenating treatments. If you're in the mood for sports, Wawona Golf Course, 25.7km away, provides a fantastic outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

At Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, located 3.2km from Yosemite Falls, enjoy a family-friendly campground surrounded by nature. Cook's Meadow, 1.4km away, offers scenic hiking trails perfect for adventurous explorers. Shadow of the Giants Trail, also 3.2km distant, immerses you in breathtaking outdoor scenery.

Nightlife

In Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating performances just 1.6km away, while the Golden Chain Theater, 43.5km away, provides a unique blend of entertainment and culture, making both venues perfect for an enchanting night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore the stunning Yosemite Valley, experience the grandeur of Yosemite National Park, and marvel at the breathtaking Yosemite Falls. For those seeking thrilling activities, Yosemite Adventures provide exciting options to immerse yourself in the park's incredible scenery and natural beauty.

  • Yosemite Valley: Nestled just 1.3km from Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley offers breathtaking views and thrilling outdoor adventures. This iconic valley is surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush meadows, making it a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and picnicking.
  • Yosemite National Park: Located 1.6km from Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and countless outdoor activities, visitors can explore its vast landscapes and experience the beauty of nature up close.
  • Yosemite Visitor Center: Positioned 1.3km from Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for families. It offers educational exhibits and helpful information about the park's attractions, making it an ideal destination for adventurers of all ages.

Best time to go to Yosemite Falls

The best time to visit Yosemite Falls can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Yosemite Falls falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Yosemite Falls falls in December and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June54.3°F (12.4°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.0°F (16.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Yosemite Falls

To save money during your trip to Yosemite Falls, consider visiting in January, March, or November, as these months offer lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and sort prices from lowest to highest. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to further savings and exclusive perks.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Yosemite Falls are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Yosemite Falls is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Yosemite Falls with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.

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