Lower Yosemite Fall Viewing Area

Lower Yosemite Fall

NPS Photo / C. Jacoby

Quick Facts

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Tactile Exhibit, Wheelchair Accessible

Yosemite Falls is made of the upper fall, middle cascades, and lower fall, all dropping a total of 2,425 ft. (740 m), and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States. Take in a view of Lower Yosemite Fall from this iconic viewing area. In spring, when flow is strongest, expect to experience mist and even significant wind in this paved viewing area and the adjacent footbridge as the powerful waterfall cascades down the cliffs in front of you.

Yosemite Creek, the source of this waterfall, is fed entirely by snow melt. At its peak in late spring, 2,400 gallons per second can flow over the lip of the upper fall. While you can visit this trail and viewing area year-round, there is often no water in the waterfall by late summer. 

From this viewpoint at the base of the waterfall, the upper fall and middle cascades of Yosemite Falls are not visible. To get a view of the full height of the waterfall, walk the nearby Cook's Meadow loop or walk to the viewpoint on the west side of the Lower Yosemite Fall loop, which is near the restrooms and Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Caution: stay on the paved trail. Above the wooden footbridge that crosses Yosemite Creek, the rocks and boulders are slippery even when dry. Scrambling off-trail in this area frequently leads to serious injuries.

Leashed pets are permitted. Bicycles are prohibited on the Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail, including this viewing area. Numerous bicycle racks are located at the two trailheads (east and west side of the Lower Yosemite Fall loop).

Unique Phenomena at Yosemite Falls

Ice Cone

In winter, a cone of ice accumulates at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall. The height of the cone can reach as high as 322 feet, about as tall as a 25-story building, and is usually melted by mid-April.

Moonbow

As the full moon rises in April and May, the light is captured and refracted in the massive spray at the base of Lower Yosemite Fall, creating a phenomenon called a moonbow. The visibility of the moonbow is highly dependent on water flow, clear skies, and angle of the moon.

Frazil Ice

In early spring, frazil ice sometimes forms in waterfalls and creeks when waterfall mist becomes very cool. Ice crystals form and group into spongy masses which sometimes overflow the creek bed. In 1997 frazil ice was above the railing of the Lower Yosemite Fall bridge, almost completely burying it!

Getting Here

Yosemite Falls flows over the north rim of Yosemite Valley. Access to the base of the waterfall is located on Northside Drive, near the Lower Yosemite Falls shuttle stop (Valley Shuttle #6), and across from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. The walk to the base of the waterfall is an easy 1 mile (1.6 km) loop hike.

Accessibility

The entire Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail is paved. The eastern part of the loop (0.6 mile from shuttle stop 6) is accessible to wheelchairs and crosses several braided streams before reaching the Lower Yosemite Fall viewing area, which has transferable seating to granite boulders at wheelchair height.

The western part of the loop (0.5 mile) is wide enough for several people and is mostly accessible; however, a short, steep grade near the viewing area (the last 180 feet include a slope of 13.8%) may make assistance necessary for some visitors. An accessible restroom is located near the trailhead, across the street from Yosemite Valley Lodge.