Yosemite Falls

Without doubt the highest and probably most spectacular waterfall in North America with a drop of 2425 feet (425 meters) Yosemite Falls rate as the sixth highest in the world. Yosemite falls is actually a two stage drop, with the first fall of 1430 feet making it to the worlds top twenty by itself. These are known as the 'Upper Falls', followed by mid section commonly known as 'The Cascades'

In years of little snow, the falls may actually cease flowing altogether in late summer or fall. A very small number of  rock climers have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon thunderstorm could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face.

Upper Falls

The upper falls are formed and fed by Yosemite Creek which flow through Eagle Creak Meadow before tumbling in a breath taking cascade over Hanging Valley. The Upper Falls may be reached via a  3.5-mile (5.6-km) hike beginning near the Sunnyside Walk-in Campground, this hike is steep and often crowded, so best to pick your time carefully and be prepared. The Upper Falls may also be reached via several routes from the Tioga Road to the north.

The Cascades

The Cascades themselves account for another 675 feet of drop, more than twice the height of the Lower Falls. Due to the poor access to the area, The Cascades are often overlooked, indeed most of the valley's viewpoints miss them entirely. However, The Cascades can be viewed from several points along the Yosemite Falls Trail. However, the steep and slippery nature of this terrain  makes it suitable only for more experienced hikers, with helicopter rescues having often been required for the less careful!

Lower Falls

The final drop of 320-foot (97-m) Lower Falls brings the waters of Yosemite Creek to the end of their spectacular drop, and not surprisingly, the viewing area for this is amongst the most used in the park. Emerging from the base of the Lower Falls, Yosemite Creek flows onwards to it's journeys end at  the Merced River

The Lower Falls very accessible from the Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley.