Lower Yosemite Fall Loop Trail - Yosemite National Park

One of the most iconic and enduring images of Yosemite National Park is Yosemite Falls. This series of ephemeral waterfalls drops a total of 2425 feet in three sections with only the Upper Fall and Lower Fall visible from the valley. Upper Yosemite Fall plunges 1430 feet while Lower Yosemite Falls "only" drops 320 feet. The Middle Cascades flowing through a narrow gorge accounts for the remaining 675 feet of elevation drop. Depending on the amount, type, and timing of precipitation falling in the Yosemite Creek watershed as well as the temperature, the creek typically runs dry by the end of July and doesn't flow again until November. Peak flow is usually in May. We visited in March 2018.

According to the National Park Service, the Lower Yosemite Fall Loop Trail is a one-mile loop, but it is actually a bit longer at 1.1 miles. If you add in the short walk to the viewing bench from the east side of the loop, the total distance is 1¼ miles. The entire trail consists of a smooth constructed surface of either asphalt or boardwalk with no stairs. The western leg of the loop is a bit too steep to be ADA compliant, but the eastern leg is compliant. The total elevation change from trailhead to the viewing area near the base of the waterfall is about 50 feet. The park service recommends hiking the trail in a clockwise direction to get the best views of the falls. Since we were staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, we only had to walk to the northern end of the lodge property and cross Northside Drive to be at the trailhead. Even though there was snow on the ground, the trail had been cleared of snow. However, some places along the trail had ice still present from overnight freezing or near perpetual shade.

Due to its short length, lack of stairs, smooth surface, location and focal point, this trail is easily one of the busiest in the park. If you take photographs, expect other visitors to be in them. In addition, don't do anything foolish as you will also be in their photos. If possible, plan to use the trail early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Remember, as my wife told me, that this is likely their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Yosemite Falls.

Topographic map with GPS route

Trail head

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls without the trail

Upper Yosemite Fall

Lower Yosemite Fall

Snow covered rock field

Trail side boulder

Just a few of the visitors crowding the overlook on a Monday morning in mid-March

Lower Yosemite Fall

Yosemite Creek

Bridge over Yosemite Creek

View downstream from the bridge

Sentinel Rock from the bridge

Jet contrails high above the granite wall

Part of the trail is fenced

Most of the trail is not fenced

There were numerous icy patches 

Looking up from the base of the granite wall

Trail skirts a large boulder

Lost Arrow to the left of Yosemite Point

Secondary channel for Yosemite Creek

Upper Yosemite Fall and Lost Arrow

Upper Yosemite Fall

From pavement to boardwalk across the creekbeds

Half Dome

Back to asphalt surface

Stone bench at viewing area

Lower Fall from the viewing area

Upper Fall from the viewing area

Bridges have been cleared of ice, but snow remains along the edge

Upper Yosemite Fall above Yosemite Creek

Hanging valley beside Sentinel Rock

Restrooms near the trail head and bus stop

One last look at 2425' high Yosemite Falls

Entrance to Yosemite National Park requires an entry fee of $30 per passenger vehicle for a 7-day pass. The price increases to $35 per vehicle on June 1, 2018. Any of the America the Beautiful passes may be used instead.

The park website is https://www.nps.gov/yose.