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 Reporter |
Summary: Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the U.S. at 2425' over the valley floor. With an elevation like that, getting to the top is a strenuous but rewarding effort. The trail is well marked but ocasionally you'll have to negotiate around fallen boulders...an ever-present danger especially in spring time. The summer months aren't a good time to see the falls as the water has dried up by July/August. There are several spots along the trail where you can stop and take in the views as you climb higher and higher. Once at the top be sure to walk down to the viewing platform for an up-close view of the falls! For more details and photos visit my website The Backcountry: Yosemite Falls. Trailhead: Depending on your location, enter Yosemite National Park via Highway 41, 120 or 140. Be prepared to pay $20 for the entrance fee. Once in the park head to Camp 4 (Sunnyside Walk-In) in Yosemite Valley. Park in the parking lot. Follow the signs to the Yosemite Falls Trail. (Lat:37.75719 Lon:-119.59784) Trail Guides for Yosemite Falls Trail: Yosemite National Park by Jeffrey P. Schaffer (Wilderness Press) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Yosemite Wilderness Center (209) 372-0740 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Mike Matenkosky, who has posted 18 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Danny S on 11/2/2009 It's unfair to make this my favorite, as this is the first time hiking. It's extremely difficult for beginner, but well worth the 4 hour hell, to reach the heaven on top. Hiking shoes are definately suggested, as there are many uneven rocky surface. You will need at least 2 - 3 liter of water, or bring your filter. Wear cloth in layers. The fall point is little more than dangerous (at least that's what it seems), but the view will take your breath away. If you are fit, you can even reach the stream below and feel the super cold water. Once you are at Yosemite Fall, it's worth to hike another 0.8 mile to Yosemite Valey point (other side of the fall pass broken arrow). The sight of the entire valley and half dome is rewarding 
Reviewed by WN on 9/22/2009 9/21/09 There were three of us who did the hike yesterday. We did Half Dome three years ago and thought this would be a "piece of cake" hike because it is less than half the distance R/T. Absolutely wrong. This hike is at least as hard as half dome. We each had 2L of water and ran out about twenty minutes from the bottom on the return. 3 hrs to the top and 1.5 return.
Reviewed by LF on 8/8/2009 This was one of the hardest hikes I have ever walked. we set out early knowing that july temps were predicted to be 106. The switchbacks offered numerous terrain challenges. The views were fantastic all the way. Dont take this hike lightly, planning is key. Lots and lots of water is required along with high energy food. This is an extremely hard hike but the rewards are breathtaking.
Reviewed by Al on 5/18/2009 I wish that there were pictures of the trail on the way. I loved running and sliding on the riverbed and ending up in a bubble shaped pool. And there are two pools at the top, can you show better pictures of that?
Reviewed by Tom on 4/19/2009 Did the hike on april 5. Weather was perfect. Clear skies,70 degrees in the valley, probably 55 at the top. I took the hydration bladder out of my pack because of the mild weather. I will always fill that thing from now on. Ran out of water a little past half way. I've had giardia before so I know what a week of diarrhea is like. I also knew it wouldn't kill me. I was only there for a day so I couldn't turn around. I drank the water from a small waterfall as close to the top as I could go, hoping that nobody above me had peed in it, and hiked the rest of the way. Amazing views at top. Great hike, and I didn't get sick either. 
Reviewed by Annonymous on 9/6/2008 I hiked the Yosemite falls trail on Labor Day and learned a good lesson about planning before venturing off on a hike alone.I had been to Yosemite as kid. I am in pretty good shape and thought I could make it up to the falls and back by dinnertime.I left at 4pm with 1 bottle of water and no flashlight.I did not pay attention to the time, and didnt realize I had been hiking for over 3 hrs. At the top the falls were dry. On the way back it began to get darker darker until I could not see at all. I had do basically feel my way down with my feet searching for smooth dirt that identified the trail. By the grace of God I made it to the road by 11pm and tracked down a ranger. Heed my mistakes! Don't hike alone,bring a day pack with provisions.
Reviewed by Chratio on 7/8/2008 The most difficult hike i've ever been on. I thought Glacier point was challenging, but it was nothing compared to this. However, me and my bro accomplished the hike in a total of 4 and a half hours...and in skate shoes nonetheless. If you are planning on hiking, make sure you have ALOT of water, some wheat thins, and a few Odwalla bars (tm). It took 2 and a half hours to reach the overlook, and two hours to get down, both were equally difficult but the scenery was beautiful and now we have something to brag about.
Reviewed by AP on 6/29/2008 Don't ever wear sandals on this hike. The downhill hikes get extremely slippery and one slip could destroy your tailbone. Be sure to take this hike early in the morning because it could take hours and hours for the unexperienced hiker. Also bring plenty of water because in my case, 3 bottles for 4 hikers wasn't nearly enough. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||