Upper Yosemite Falls
37.741904,-119.601967
Details
Distance
5.98 miles
Elevation Gain
2700 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Strenuous 6 mile round trip hike. This trail has very sparse crowds compared to some other more well-populated hikes in the Yosemite Valley. Go early in the Spring time to see the waterfall at its maximum flow.
You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many short breaks due to the steep ascent on the way up. The first mile of the hike is pretty much exclusively switchbacks. This first mile should take about an hour at which point you’ll reach Columbia Rock. At the top of Columbia Rock, enjoy sweeping views of the Yosemite Valley highlighting Half Dome and Awahnee Meadow.
After a relatively easy half mile, you’ll reach the first view of the bottom of Upper Yosemite Falls. At this point, the trail gets much steeper as you must ascend many switchbacks on your way to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Be aware of loose gravel on the trail. While most of this part of the hike is exposed to the sun, there are occasional shaded areas to rest and enjoy the many different vantage points of Upper Falls and Half Dome in the distance. Hike for another 1.5 miles and follow the signs to Upper Yosemite Falls Overlook.
When you finally reach the top, soak in the stunning panoramic view of the Yosemite Valley. Go to the left and follow the guardrail down to the mouth of the falls. If you’re lucky you’ll even be able to catch a rainbow in the thundering falls while peering over the edge. Walk back up the railing and have lunch by the natural pools. To return to the trailhead, exercise caution as you return the same way you came. Please note that the National Park Service forbids swimming in the falls.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
Straight up to the top but the views are spectacular. I ended up doing this hike in February and it was snowy and icy. I suggest having microspikes as I was slipping a lot. Would highly recommend!
5.0
I took my parents to Yosemite for their first time and this was the first hike I took them on… and also the hardest! Haha we logged 12 miles, went to the top of the falls, the lookout that you take the giant stairs down to next to the falls, and added another 2-3 by going to Yosemite point. It’s a tough hike but we’ll worth it. It’s busy and very exposed so get an early start so you aren’t climbing in the heat
5.0
Gnarly hike to the top, but the views are worth it. Make sure to go to yosemite point too
5.0
This was probably the hardest hike I have done. The switchbacks with their loose and sometimes sandy rocks are hard to climb up, and scary to hike down. One person in our group brought hiking poles, and she really recommended them.
4.0
Definitely my favorite hike in Yosemite. Started early morning to avoid the masses and saw a bob cat in the beginning of the trail! Wonderful way up. The look out point is so gorgeous. Make sure to make it to Yosemite Point for even better views.
5.0
Beautiful views with many areas to stop and rest and enjoy the view on the way up. Leave time to explore at the top as there is much more to see. Bring a jacket as it's cold up there. The rocks, trees and river are fantastic. The downhill can be hard on the knees so consider hiking polls.
5.0
This hike was by far my favorite I have ever done. Yosemite is a beautiful place and this hike only proved that further. Strenuous, but highly rewarding as you reach several views of the valley floor, Halfdome, Upper falls and other peaks. Highly recommend. Bring water and pack light!
5.0
We did this hike mid-April. After the insane amount of rain California got this winter and early spring, there's definitely still snow at the top of this trail, but it's melting quickly. It's basically 3 or so miles straight up, so the hike is challenging, but the rewards are worth reaping. Along almost every switchback is a breath-taking view of Yosemite, and a great trail where you can get up close to the falls.
5.0
Even though I was in Yosemite in November, the weather was quite warm and the park was still busy. Because of this I decided to do a head lamp start and I highly recommend it. Most people thought I was crazy (even the friends I dragged along) to get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and start this hike. But let me tell you the benefits definitely outweigh disadvantages: 1. There is no one on the trail. 2. Its truly quiet. 3. Its cool. Trust me climbing those 2700ft sure works up a sweat. 3. You can get to the top for sunrise. 4. You have the whole place to yourself. 5. The way back down is way easier in the sun.
5.0
We started at sunrise to take advantage of the cool temperature and the serenity of the park (do bring insect repellent). A light windbreaker is all needed in the July days. The falls will be visible after a short hike, and the view constantly changes as you ascend through the switchbacks. Drink before you need to! After the first mile, you will actually descend for about 1/4 mile before ascending again. Don't be concerned, because you are going in the right direction. The view from the top of the falls is spectacular! Pay attention when climbing the steps at to the lookout point. There is railing, but narrow steps. From the top, continuing to Eagle Peak (3.2 mi) is totally worth it. The hike along the way is not exciting, but serene (and lots of mosquitoes). This section of the hike is not crowded at all. Only saw two groups along the way, just crossing our path. At Eagle Peak, you will have an amazing view of Half Dome and the valley in the foreground. A great place to have lunch before heading back down. Round trip from Camp 4 to Eagle Peak is approx. 12 miles, and 8 hours (with breaks). Strenuous hike so plan accordingly. Going back down is hard on the calves since the rocks can be slippery, so good hiking shoes are highly recommended. Bring at least 100 ounces of water per person for this trip.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
El Capitan Trail
Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail
Yosemite Point
Rock Climb in Camp 4
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy