We’ve compiled a list of the top ten Yosemite waterfalls so you can check out the park and go waterfall chasing.
1. Bridalveil Fall
As you approach Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall, at 620 feet (189 meters), is often the first waterfall you’ll see. Although it flows rapidly in the spring, it can also be breathtaking when the wind catches the water and raises it aloft during low flow periods. The Ahwahneechee Indians called it Pohono “Spirit of the Puffing Wind” because of the way the water appears to drop sideways in heavy winds.
2. Nevada Fall
Since it is fed by the Merced River, Nevada Fall is around 594 feet tall and runs all year. Because the water twists as it descends, it hits rocks and turns white as a result. In Spanish, Nevada means covered with snow, but in the native American language, it is called Yo-wy-we. This is a spectacular waterfall in Yosemite that you can’t afford to miss!
3. Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall is a 317-foot waterfall located on one of the most popular walks in the park, which contributes to the route’s name (the Mist Trail). In order to reach the falls, hikers ascend a nearby rock stairway and are frequently soaked with mist. Vernal Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite. The road to Glacier Point is a little further away, but you can see it from there whenever it is open, which is normally from the end of May until November.
4. Horsetail Fall
Despite only having running water for only a few months in the winter and early spring, Horsetail Fall is still well worth checking out. Yosemite’s legendary Firefall occurs in February when the setting sun strikes the fall at the precise angle that creates the glowing effect in the water. The park runs under strict restrictions in the afternoons and evenings during the few weeks when the Firefall is most likely to occur to limit crowds.
5. Ribbon Falls
With a height of over 1,600 feet, Ribbon Fall is North America’s tallest single-drop waterfall. In addition, it’s in a great spot, just west of El Capitan. Even though it’s tall, it still gets less attention than it’s worth because everything it’s surrounded by in the park is so beautiful. Also, its season is short, sometimes just lasting until the snow melts in June.
6. Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is America’s highest waterfall, and it is actually three waterfalls in one. Since it flows virtually all year round, it’s one of the easiest falls for people of all ages and abilities to access. In total, Yosemite Falls cascades 1850 feet down the cliffs, with a 675-foot drop between its top section (1430 feet) and its lower section (320 feet).
7. Sentinel Falls
Sentinel Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Yosemite, cascades from Sentinel Rock on the park’s south side to Yosemite Valley below in the spring and early summer. The falls are divided into six drop parts. When the falls are in full flow, they may be seen from numerous spots along Southside Drive in the Valley. It is underappreciated despite its height given Yosemite’s many attractions, such as Yosemite Falls.
8. Illilouette Falls
Ililouette Fall is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in Yosemite. It is difficult to view from any vantage point within the Valley, so it is not widely accessible. It is kind of like a prize for hikers who can manage to take on one of the more difficult hikes. You can see the waterfall from a side angle along the hiking path en route to Vernal Fall during high flow months, but it is also best seen closer to Glacier Point along the Panorama Trail.
9. Chilnualna Falls
Since the road blocks your view of Chilnualna and the path of the water twists and bends, the entirety of the waterfall is not visible from a single spot. The level of Chilnualna Creek ranges from 30 to 300 feet. While the height of the falls is unknown, they run all year, peaking around May. You can hike up to the top of the falls, however, there is a great deal of uphill hiking that will take several hours to complete. From the trail, there is a view that is about 1/4 mile away.
10. Lehamite Falls
The Lehamite Falls are a series of cascades that descend down Indian Canyon to Yosemite Valley. In some ways, it can be overshadowed by its neighboring waterfall, Yosemite Falls. In addition to being among the most erratic and changeable, the falls are sometimes only in effect for a couple of weeks each year. During the early afternoon, Cook Meadow is the best vantage point because there is no shadow to impede the view.
