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Upper Yosemite Fall

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 16/100 · Easyout and back#waterfalls#valley-rim#beginner-friendly#spring
Distance
7.4 mi
Total gain
2,700 ft
Net gain
2,700 ft
Net loss
2,700 ft
Elevation
4,058–6,132 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Yosemite Falls Trail climbs 2,700 feet in 3.7 miles to the brink of North America's tallest waterfall — a short, brutal, spectacular overnight with the Valley floor 2,400 feet below your tent.

Highlights

  • Standing at the top of Upper Yosemite Fall as it leaps into space
  • The Valley's lights coming on below at dusk
  • Yosemite Creek's granite slots on the rim
  • An easy extension to Yosemite Point's viewpoint

How hard is Upper Yosemite Fall?

CaliPeaks rates this route 16/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 2,700 ft puts this trip at 23% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 7.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 6,132 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trailhead (4,058 ft) · parking: Camp 4 / Yosemite Falls parking in Yosemite Valley
  • Water: Yosemite Creek near the rim; treat all water. The lower trail is dry.
  • Resupply: None; Yosemite Valley stores at the trailhead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Yosemite Falls entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: April, May, June, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free April through November; the fall runs strongest April–June.

Heat: The switchbacks are hot and exposed by midday.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 2,700 feet of switchbacks on an east-facing slope — start early
  • Water is scarce on the rim in late summer
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Yosemite Valley Trails — Yosemite Falls. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yosemite-valley-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (7.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (2,700 ft) to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.