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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 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Linda on 6/22/2008 This is an amazing hike and the look out at the very top of the falls is beyond compare. (That lookout point is not appropriate for small children.) I do a lot of hiking so I knew to bring 3 liters of water for myself plus pleanty of food and sunscreen, but I was shocked by the people who tried to do a serious hike like this with one small bottle. One poor girl tried to refill in the stream at the top (with no filtering.) Another woman tried to hike in flip flops and was shocked there were no drinking fountains. All in all, fantastic hike with a wonderful thrill at the very end. For an added adventure, head out to North Dome for a great camp out.
Reviewed by Roland on 7/23/2007 This is truly a difficult hike. For the non professional this would be a very strenuous hike.
Reviewed by Damien on 6/13/2007 So I know you guys probably won’t believe but at about six pm on 6/4/07 I left the employee housing area for a nice run and thought that I could make it all the way to the top of the falls. Two and a half hours later I was back down. Just before the first overlook lots of sand, it might seem like it goes forever, but it stops…eventually. If you’ve got the time and energy keep going to Eagle Point, worth the effort. 
Reviewed by Melissa and Rob on 6/11/2007 We did this spectacular hike on 6-6-07, and the weather looked a little unsettled, but it was nice to hike in cool weather rather than hot sun. Although we came prepared, we were still exhausted. The views were so worth it! The hike is immediately strenuous, there is no "warm up." We left at 11:30 am and made it to the top by 2:45. It was so chilly at the top, the mist was icy and it made it difficult to use the hand rails at the overlook. It was so cold our Powerbars were solid as rocks. Descending, our knees took a beating, and legs were so shaky that it made it difficult to keep footing on the rocky, sandy trail. We were down by 5pm with a story to tell!
Reviewed by Steve on 5/27/2007 Hiked this trail on May 23rd, with my wife, 10 year old son, 7 year old daughter and 3.5 year old son. Had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. Ran out of water half way up; not realizing how much further we had to go. We have never hiked anything before, so we were quite unprepared. I was very surprised at how well my 3 kids did, although there were a few steep inclines near the very top where my 3.5 year old wanted to give up. So I carried him on my shoulders (ugh!). It was so great to push ourselves to the point of exhaustion and discover what we were capable of. The views were terrific. And although my wife was mad at me then, she brags about it now. http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevecarroll/511767964/in/set-7215760024
Reviewed by SK on 4/29/2007 We hiked this trail today. Started at 8am, made it to the top of upper Yosemite falls by 11 am and came back down by 2 pm. This trail is rocky, steep, somewhat slippery and dangerous coming down. I would strongly advise the following pick a cool day, start early and bring hiking poles.
Reviewed by AJ on 4/15/2007 My husband and I completed this hike in 5/04. Neither of us are in the best shape but after conquering Nevada Falls the prior year, we were feeling a little cocky. Wow...we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into but we just took our time, plus plenty of water/energy bars and went at our own pace. It took us 4.5 hours to make it to the top and by the time we got there, a thunderstorm had moved in (the barometric pressure was rapidly falling during the last 1000 ft). We barely had enough time to look around, take a quick rest and then we were headed back down. Like others have mentioned, the descent was rather difficult and with the rain, the trail became VERY slippery. Great hike but some training beforehand wouldn't hurt!!!
Reviewed by MMC on 4/7/2007 I hiked this trail yesterday, 4/6/2007 and it was sooo amazing. It is a strenuous hike, especially climbing in the peak hours of the day with the sun burning down on you. Don't do what I did and forget the sunscreen. I'm paying for it today. Bring lots of water. Pace yourself and if you get to the top, you'll know the pain that you just went through was worth the view. I recommend training before this one. Be careful on those last switchbacks because they are the ones that are exposed and it is very rocky so watch the footing. I STRONGLY suggest bringing trekking poles. Believe me, people wanted to steal mine as we were heading down. It was AMAZING. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||