If you think Yosemite National Park is just about iconic granite peaks and giant sequoias, think again. The park is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll ever lay eyes on. From the thunderous Yosemite Falls to the glowing magic of Firefall, these Yosemite waterfalls are the real stars of the show, and they’re ready to take your breath away.
When you think of Yosemite National Park, Half Dome probably comes to mind first. But beyond that famous granite giant, there are some seriously stunning waterfalls to discover. Sure, Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls steal most of the spotlight, but they’re not the only cascade contenders in this national park. Here are nine of the most spectacular Yosemite waterfalls you won’t want to miss.
Sage Advice: Find the perfect accommodations for chasing waterfalls with one of these hotels near Yosemite National Park.
Have You Visited Yosemite National Park?
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Bridalveil Fall: Yosemite’s Showstopper
Visiting Yosemite without seeing Bridalveil Fall is like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower — don’t do it! If you only have time for one waterfall at Yosemite, make it this one.
The easiest way to see Bridalveil Fall is to park in the designated lot near Southside Drive and Wawona Road. From there, it’s a quick 0.5-mile walk along a paved path to a viewpoint where you can see the fall across Bridalveil Creek.
Bridalveil Fall is a year-round beauty, but it’s especially impressive in May when it is at peak flow. You’ll likely hear it before you see it—a thunderous roar that’s hard to miss.
Sage Advice: I am a big fan of Keen hiking sandals for these kinds of walks. They’re comfy like flip-flops but with way better support. Plus, they’re machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about getting them dirty.
Yosemite Falls: The Park’s Namesake
Yosemite Falls is the Taylor Swift of Yosemite waterfalls — world-famous and undeniably impressive. This waterfall isn’t just one fall. It’s actually three! When the upper fall, middle cascades, and lower Yosemite Falls are stacked together, they create an impressive 2,425-foot masterpiece. That makes it the tallest waterfall in the park and one of the tallest in the world.
You can catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls from various spots in the Yosemite Valley, but the easiest way is to walk the 1.2-mile Lower Yosemite Falls Trail loop. Want an even better view? Take the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. At 7.2 miles long with a 2,700-foot elevation gain, it’s one of the most strenuous day hikes at Yosemite, but the incredible views are worth every step.
Not up for the full hike? No problem! Just head to Columbia Rock, about two miles into the hiking trail. You’ll still get stunning views of the valley, Half Dome, and the Upper Fall without climbing to the top.
Keep in mind that Yosemite Falls doesn’t flow year-round. The best time to admire this seasonal waterfall is between November and July, with peak views during the heaviest water flow in May. By late summer, it dries up, so plan your visit accordingly.
Sage Advice: Need the perfect caption for your waterfall photos? Check out these 100+ waterfall quotes and captions that perfectly capture their beauty.
Horsetail Fall: Yosemite’s Fiery Phenomenon
Important Note: Firefall 2025 will take place from February 11 to 15. Due to high demand, you’ll need a reservation to witness this magical event. Get your ticketed entry and all the latest info here.
Horsetail Fall is one of Yosemite’s most unique waterfalls. It’s a horsetail-type fall, which means it resembles a long, flowing tail swishing down the rock face. This one tumbles more than 1,000 feet down the east side of El Capitan, landing gracefully in the Merced River.
You can easily spot Horsetail Fall from Northside Drive or the El Capitan picnic area. But the real magic happens during Firefall in mid-to-late February. As the sun sets, its rays hit the upper part of the fall just right, making it glow like it’s on fire. Trust me, it’s worth planning your trip around this.
Ribbon Fall: The Underdog
Ribbon Fall is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Bridalveil Fall. But this beauty deserves some love, too. It’s a ribbon-type waterfall, plunging in a long, narrow strip. At over 1,600 feet, it has one of the highest single drops in North America.
You’ll find Ribbon Fall on the other side of El Capitan, just after El Capitan Meadow, when traveling westbound on Northside Drive. It usually flows from March through June, with May being the best time to see it in all its glory.
Vernal and Nevada Falls: The Grand Staircase
Vernal and Nevada Falls are a dynamic duo you don’t want to miss. They’re part of what’s called a “grand staircase,” where Mother Nature stacked layer after layer of rock, creating a natural staircase for water to tumble down.
Vernal Fall drops 1,280 feet into the Merced River, and if you’re up for a challenge, you can continue to Nevada Fall. Both falls are at their best in May but don’t dry up entirely in summer. Vernal Fall does, however, split into multiple smaller falls as water levels decrease.
You’ve got options when it comes to seeing these falls. If you’re short on time or not in the mood for a hike, drive to Glacier Point. It’s a 0.6-mile paved trail that gives you panoramic views of the valley, including Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada Falls.
For a closer look at Vernal Fall, hike the Mist Trail to the Vernal Fall footbridge. One of the most popular trails at Yosemite National Park, it’s a moderate 1.6-mile round trek with a 400-foot elevation gain. Feeling adventurous? Continue up the steeper part of the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall. If you want to see Nevada Fall, keep going for another mile.
Sage Advice: Glacier Point is closed to cars in the winter, so plan accordingly.
Chilnualna Falls: Yosemite’s Hidden Gem
Chilnualna Falls isn’t your typical straight-down plunge. This waterfall twists and turns its way down 2,200 feet, making it hard to see the whole thing from one spot. You won’t find it visible from the road, either. To see Chilnualna Falls, you’ll need to tackle a strenuous 8.2-mile hike with a 2,400-foot elevation gain. But don’t worry, the stunning views are worth the effort!
The best part? Chilnualna Falls flows year-round, so you can enjoy its beauty whenever you visit.
Wapama Falls: A Year-Round Wonder in Hetch Hetchy Valley
About 15 minutes inside the Hetch Hetchy Entrance, you’ll find Wapama Falls, another waterfall that flows year-round. Fed by Lake Vernon, this waterfall drops over 1,000 feet in three sections into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
You can see Wapama Falls from the O’Shaughnessy Dam parking lot. But, if you’ve got a few hours to spare, take the 5.5-mile round-trip hike to the falls. The trailhead is near the dam parking lot and winds around the reservoir, eventually leading you to the base of the falls.
In spring, wildflowers line the trail, and you’ll pass the 880-foot Tueeulala Falls before reaching Wapama. Be cautious if you visit after a heavy snowfall or during a wet spring — the water can be so forceful that it floods the footbridge at the base of the falls.
Sage Advice: The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir may look inviting, but swimming is off-limits since it’s a drinking water source for nearby communities.
Waterwheel Falls: Yosemite’s Unique Waterfall
Waterwheel Falls in Tuolumne Meadows is one of the most unique Yosemite waterfalls. As the water rushes toward the Tuolumne River, it hits rocks that shoot it into the air before splashing back down. The result? A waterwheel effect that’s pretty mesmerizing to watch.
Getting to Waterwheel Falls is an 18-mile round-trip hike via the Glen Aulin Trail. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the spectacular views are worth it. If you’d rather skip the hike, you can experience the beauty of Waterwheel Falls through this video.
Practical Tips For Visiting Yosemite Waterfalls
Planning a trip to see Yosemite’s waterfalls? Smart move! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just someone who appreciates Mother Nature’s finer masterpieces, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your waterfall-chasing adventure.
Where is Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite is in central California, about three hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area.
When is the best time to visit?
Yosemite is beautiful year-round, but aim for May or June if you’re chasing waterfalls. That’s when the snowmelt and spring rains create the most impressive waterfall flows.
How many waterfalls are in Yosemite?
Yosemite has more than 25 waterfalls, ranging from the 100-foot Alder Creek Falls to the 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls. Some are easy to see from paved, wheelchair-accessible trails, while others require a hike.
When do Yosemite waterfalls dry up?
Snowmelt and spring rains feed most of Yosemite’s waterfalls, so peak runoff is typically in May. As summer progresses, many reduce to a trickle or dry up completely. However, Bridalveil Fall, Chilnualna Falls, and Wapama Falls flow year-round.
Which Yosemite entrance should I use?
Yosemite has five entrances, so which one you choose depends on where you’re coming from:
- Big Oak Flat Entrance is best if you’re coming from San Francisco or Oakland.
- Arch Rock Entrance is a good choice if you’re traveling from the South Bay Area along Highway 140.
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance is the path less traveled, with only one percent of visitors using this gate.
- South Entrance is ideal for those arriving from Southern California.
- Tioga Pass Entrance is best if you’re traveling from Mammoth Lakes, Death Valley, or Las Vegas.
Sage Advice: For a unique experience, drive under a rock arch when you enter through the Arch Rock Entrance.
Which Yosemite Waterfalls Have You Visited?
How many waterfalls have you checked off your list? Which one was your favorite? Got any tips or tricks to share? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
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I adore Yosemite. The falls are truly amazing and the hiking is my favorite in California.
I haven’t been to Yosemite yet, but these gorgeous waterfalls definitely make me want to visit!
It’s a phenomenal national park!
I’m really embarrassed to say, of all the national parks I’ve been to, I’ve yet to visit Yosemite. And it looks incredible. I would love love love to see the Firefall one day. Is it only on the one waterfall, or are there a couple that have that same effect there?
I believe it’s just Horsetail Falls!
I haven’t been to Yosemite since I was a kid. We used to camp often at Touleme Meadows. My mom just took my son there for the first time this summer, but because of COVID and fires they didn’t enter the park. I would definitely want to go back in May and do a lot of hiking.
It’s such a gorgeous place! We would camp there at least once each summer when my family lived in the Bay Area!
Waterwheel Falls In Tuolumne Meadows looks really. Haven’t been to Yosemite yet.
It’s definitely a sight to see!
I still haven’t been to Yosemite, but it’s high on my to-do list! I had no idea the park had so many waterfalls!! I know of the more iconic ones, but not the rest. A great place to go waterfall chasing, apparently!
Now you have all the details you need to plan a trip for this May when they’re all at their peak!
This is totally on my bucket list! So pretty!!
Ev and I were just talking about how much we want to go to Yosemite! Thanks for creating this guide!
I had no clue that Yosemite had so many waterfalls! This just makes me want to visit even more as there are so many beautiful things to explore and I would love to see it all 🙂
There is SO much beauty in this world. I can’t wait to get on the other side of this darn pandemic!
I have been at Yosemite a couple of times in summer and remember that some of the easier accessible falls were almost dry. Now it makes sense to me since they are fed by melting snow. Waterwheel Falls look stunning.
You’ll have to go back in the spring!
I’ve been on a day trip to Yosemite park many years ago and was really impressed: The mountains, the trees – everything was larger than life! Nevertheless, I don’t really remember having seen many waterfalls – I think I remember one. Since Yosemite is I a place I would love to visit again someday, I still have the chance!
Maybe you were there in the dry season? Or, you could have just been totally mesmerized by Yosemite’s other beautiful sights!
So for me, as an avid backpacker and outdoorsman I have backpacking all around Yosemite and sitting on God’s Ledge already on my bucket list. I have also always wanted to see the Horsetail Falls when it turns all golden as seen in your pics. Though I hate the cold, I guess I will have to get over there for my birthday in Late Feb to see the golden glow!
I will say though, I bet in the mid spring when the snow melt is hitting the water, I bet it is fun and wet standing on the footbridge at the bottom of Wapama Falls!
I think you should go for your birthday in late February and then just hike around until the peak fall season in May! (Plus also, Pisces power! My birthday is in mid-March.)
If we use Pisces Power, shouldn’t we be swimming around Yosemite? Not going to lie, this Fish was born in the year of the Dragon, thus I only prefer warm waters and I am sure those mountain fed streams and waterfalls are a bit nippy!!
Good point! This fish hates being cold, too. But I’m also quite content just being by the water (or waterfalls) and not necessarily in it!