Right now
Right now as of Oct 27, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $35/vehicle park fee (2026).
Status note (Oct 27, 2026): Trails are open, but the NPS conditions page said 'Yosemite Falls is dry' on October 23, 2026. That is normal from late summer until fall and winter storms return. El Capitan Bridge work causes weekday Valley road delays through December 2026. What the status labels mean
Yosemite Falls is a 2,425-foot, three-part waterfall on Yosemite Creek in Yosemite Valley. On October 23, 2026, the National Park Service listed it as dry, which is normal in fall. It usually flows from about November to July and peaks in May. A 1-mile paved loop reaches the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, and a strenuous 7.2-mile trail climbs to the top.
About Yosemite Falls
The National Park Service splits Yosemite Falls into three parts. Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet, the middle cascades add 675 feet, and Lower Yosemite Fall drops 320 feet. Together, the three parts add up to 2,425 feet of falling water from Yosemite Creek. To see how it ranks nationally, read our guide to the tallest waterfalls in the US.
Yosemite Falls runs on snowmelt. NPS says it usually flows from about November to July and peaks in May. By August it is often only a trickle or completely dry, so a late-summer or early-fall visit may show you little or no water.
There are two main ways to see Yosemite Falls up close. The Lower Yosemite Fall loop is short and paved, with about 50 feet of gain. The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is a long, steep climb to the top of the upper fall, and NPS rates it strenuous.
Searching for the February 'firefall'? That happens at Horsetail Fall on El Capitan, not here. NPS says it usually appears in mid- to late February.
There is no timed entrance reservation in 2026. Instead, NPS plans to handle busy days with real-time traffic monitoring and active parking management, and it suggests coming on a weekday. The park entrance fee of $35 per private vehicle (2026) still applies.
Getting there and parking
You can't park at the Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead itself. Use the Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls parking areas, or ride the free Valleywide shuttle to stop #6. Walking from the Valley Visitor Center adds about half a mile, according to NPS.
For the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, park in the Yosemite Falls lot across from the Camp 4 entrance. The Camp 4 lot is reserved for campers. If you take the shuttle, get off at stop #7.
Plan for slow traffic on weekdays. NPS says El Capitan Bridge work causes 15-minute delays from 7am to 7pm on weekdays through December 2026. The Valley Loop Trail over that bridge is also closed on weekdays through December.
The free Yosemite Valley shuttle
The free Valleywide shuttle runs every 12 to 22 minutes from 7am to 10pm, according to NPS. It stops at #6 for Lower Yosemite Fall and #7 for the Upper trail near Camp 4. Shuttles have wheelchair lifts, and riding one saves hunting for a parking space.
Staying and eating near the falls
Yosemite Valley Lodge is a short walk from Yosemite Falls, according to the park concessioner, Travel Yosemite. Its dining options include Basecamp Eatery, the Mountain Room and a Starbucks. The accessible restroom at the end of the Lower loop sits across from the lodge.
Map and nearby falls
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Lower and Upper Yosemite Fall trails
Yosemite Falls has two main trails. The Lower Yosemite Fall loop is 1 mile, paved and rated easy by NPS. The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is 7.2 miles round trip and rated strenuous.
Lower Yosemite Fall loop
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a 1-mile paved loop with about 50 feet of gain. NPS rates it easy and says to allow about 30 minutes. It offers views of both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.
The eastern half is wheelchair accessible when it is clear of ice and snow. The western section has a steep grade near the viewing area. An accessible restroom sits at the western end, and leashed pets are welcome on this paved loop.
Columbia Rock
NPS offers Columbia Rock as a shorter goal on the Upper trail. It lists it at 2 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of gain, rated moderate, taking 2 to 3 hours. The overlook has views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
The full climb to the top of the falls is 7.2 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of gain. NPS rates it strenuous and suggests 6 to 8 hours. The trail starts near Camp 4. Pets, bicycles and strollers are not allowed on it.
Use the restrooms at Camp 4 before you start. NPS lists none along the route itself.
When to visit
NPS calls spring the best season for waterfalls because that is when most of the snow melts. Peak runoff usually comes in May or June. For Yosemite Falls, aim for April to June, with the biggest flow typically in May.
Is it flowing now?
As of October 23, 2026, the NPS conditions page said 'Yosemite Falls is dry,' with Vernal, Nevada and Bridalveil falls running low. Flow usually returns with fall and winter storms, and the falls typically run again from about November.
To check before you go, read the NPS current conditions page or the NPS Yosemite Falls webcam, provided courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy. If the falls are dry, NPS says Vernal Fall flows all year, though NPS listed it as low in late October 2026.
Where to see Yosemite Falls without hiking
You don't have to hike to see the falls. NPS says you can see them from many places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. For a closer view, the flat, paved Lower loop takes about 30 minutes.
| Height | 2,425 ftNote: three parts per NPS: upper fall 1,430 ft, middle cascades 675 ft, lower fall 320 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | 1-mile paved loop to Lower Yosemite Fall; 7.2 mi round trip to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall |
| Difficulty | Easy (Lower loop) / Strenuous (Upper trail) |
| Time needed | About 30 minutes for the Lower loop; 6 to 8 hours to the top (NPS) |
| Entry fee | Yosemite entrance fee (2026): $35 per private vehicle (7 days); non-US residents 16+ pay an extra $100 per person |
| Permit / reservation | No entrance reservation in 2026; park entrance fee applies |
| Parking | Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls lots; free shuttle stop #6 |
| Hours / season | Open 24 hours; Lower trail open year-round |
| Dogs | Leashed pets allowed on the Lower Yosemite Fall loop; pets prohibited on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail |
| Swimming | No. NPS says not to swim or wade in the creek above the waterfall. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Eastern half of the paved Lower loop, when free of ice and snow; the western section has a steep grade near the viewing area. Shuttles have wheelchair lifts. |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Accessible restroom at the western end of the Lower loop, across from Yosemite Valley Lodge; for the Upper trail, at Camp 4 only (none on the trail) |
| Best time to visit | April to June; flow typically peaks in May |
| Managed by | National Park Service, Yosemite National Park |
Safety and swimming
On the Upper trail, NPS says not to swim or wade in the creek above the waterfall. On the Lower loop, stay on the pavement. Do not leave the trail to scramble toward the base of the falls, especially when water is flowing.
Treat the Upper trail as a full-day effort. It gains 2,700 feet, and there are no restrooms along the way. Start early, carry plenty of water and food, and turn around if you are running out of daylight.
In winter, ice and snow can cover the paths. NPS only describes the eastern half of the Lower loop as accessible when it is free of ice and snow, so take care on frozen pavement. For general tips, see our waterfall safety guide.
Where to stay near Yosemite Falls
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Photos
Yosemite Falls FAQ
When does Yosemite Falls dry up?
Usually by August. NPS says the falls flow from about November to July, peak in May, and are often a trickle or completely dry by August. NPS listed the falls as dry on October 23, 2026.
Can you see Yosemite Falls without hiking?
Yes. NPS says the falls are visible from many places in Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. The paved Lower Yosemite Fall loop is a flat 1-mile walk if you want a closer look.
Where is the best place to see Yosemite Falls?
For both tiers together, NPS points to the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, which has views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. The areas around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge also have clear views. Columbia Rock on the Upper trail looks out over the Valley.
How long is the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls?
The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail is 7.2 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of climbing. NPS rates it strenuous and says to allow 6 to 8 hours. For a shorter goal, Columbia Rock is 2 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of gain.
How long is the Lower Yosemite Fall trail?
The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a 1-mile paved loop with about 50 feet of gain, and NPS says it takes about 30 minutes. The eastern half is wheelchair accessible when free of ice and snow.
Do I need a reservation to visit Yosemite Falls in 2026?
No. Yosemite has no timed entrance reservation system in 2026. You still pay the entrance fee of $35 per private vehicle, good for 7 days. Non-US residents aged 16 and older pay an extra $100 each unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass.
Where do I park for Yosemite Falls?
The Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead has no parking. Use the Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls lots, or the free Valleywide shuttle to stop #6. For the Upper trail, park in the Yosemite Falls lot across from Camp 4, near shuttle stop #7.
Can I bring my dog to Yosemite Falls?
Yes, on a leash, on the paved Lower Yosemite Fall loop. Pets are not allowed on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail.
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Sources
- NPS: Yosemite Falls Trail
- NPS: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
- NPS: Yosemite waterfalls
- NPS: Yosemite current conditions (updated Oct 23, 2026)
- NPS: Yosemite reservations (2026)
- NPS: Yosemite entrance fees (updated Jan 9, 2026; read Oct 27, 2026)
- NPS: Yosemite webcams (Yosemite Falls cam, courtesy Yosemite Conservancy)
- NPS: Yosemite public transportation (Valley shuttle)
- NPS: Horsetail Fall (updated Jan 14, 2026)
- Travel Yosemite: Yosemite Valley Lodge
- NPS: Yosemite Accessibility Guide (2022)
Last verified Oct 27, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with National Park Service, Yosemite National Park before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.