Lower Yosemite Fall, CA

This short, easy walk with spectacular views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Begin at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (Shuttle stop #6) - a short paved trail of 0.25 miles (Wheel-Chair Accessible) goes across the bridge over Yosemite Creek and winds through fir & pine forest and eventually will take you to the viewing platform at the base of Lower Yosemite falls where the frothy white raging waters of the falls crashes on many large granite boulders. Its windy here and the fine mist rises from the buolders and soaks the area. The views are awesome looking directly up at the lower falls & being treated to a sensory experience of the power of water! You will get soaked in mist especially in spring & early summer when the falls are running full force. The rocks around the base of the falls are wet and slippery: going beyond the end of the trail is not encouraged. Also note the waterfalls is often dry from late July or August through October.


Yosemite falls is the tallest waterfalls in North America - dropping 2425 feet in 3 tiers (Upper Yosemite Fall: 1,430 feet, Middle Cascades:675 feet, & Lower Yosemite Fall:320 feet) set against some towering granite cliffs. You will be able to see just the Lower Falls from the base. Enjoy ponderosa pine/incense cedar framed views of both the upper & lower falls as you make your way to the falls along the trail. These views are just as remarkable as that of the lower falls up close.

You can return the way you came for a short 0.5 mile trip or continue on across the bridge at the base of the falls along a shaded path that goes along & across the branches of the creek & back to the stop for a 1.1 mile long loop. Along this loop is a view point (Falls View) that offers a view of both Upper & Lower falls & there is a memorial bench for some contemplative reflection!

This trail is a 1.5 mile RT from the visitor center & about 1.3 miles from Yosemite Lodge at the Falls ( longer depending on where you have your room at). You can walk all the way to Mirror Lake.

You cannot reach the Upper Yosemite Falls from here. The trail to Upper Yosemite Falls which starts 0.6 miles west along the road at Camp 4. This is a streneous 3.6 mile hike with 2600ft elevation gain.

Photo Tips: The fall is in shade in the morning & its about 9:30 - 10:00 before the waterfall itself is lit up. Also this makes for some nice nighttime images!

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2011-06-22 desertgirl