Yosemite National Park is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, and the Falls Hike is one of the most popular and challenging trails in the park. This hike offers hikers the opportunity to witness some of the park’s most iconic waterfalls, including Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and Yosemite Fall, up close and personal.
Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails
The Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails are a popular choice for many visitors to Yosemite National Park. The trail originates near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley and offers up-close views of two large waterfalls – Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The hike is approximately 5.4 miles round trip and gains about 2,000 feet in elevation. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape make the effort worthwhile.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | There is no cost to hike the trail, but visitors must pay the park entrance fee. |
| Timings | The trail is open year-round, but the best time to hike is from May to October. |
| Rates | N/A |
| Value | The trail offers stunning views of two of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls, making it an excellent value for the effort. |
Yosemite Falls Trail
The Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet above the Valley floor. The trail is steep and rocky, with dozens of switchbacks, but the views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock make the effort worthwhile. The trail is approximately 7.6 miles round trip and gains about 3,967 feet in elevation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | There is no cost to hike the trail, but visitors must pay the park entrance fee. |
| Timings | The trail is open year-round, but the best time to hike is from May to October. |
| Rates | N/A |
| Value | The trail offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley and the park’s iconic landforms, making it an excellent value for the effort. |
Upper Yosemite Falls Hike
The Upper Yosemite Falls Hike is one of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails and offers close-up views of Upper Yosemite Fall, which cascades more than 2,400 feet. The trail is steep and rocky, with dozens of switchbacks, but the views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape make the effort worthwhile. The trail is approximately 7.6 miles round trip and gains about 3,967 feet in elevation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | There is no cost to hike the trail, but visitors must pay the park entrance fee. |
| Timings | The trail is open year-round, but the best time to hike is from May to October. |
| Rates | N/A |
| Value | The trail offers stunning views of one of Yosemite’s most iconic waterfalls, making it an excellent value for the effort. |
Yosemite National Park is a true gem of the United States, and the Falls Hike is one of the best ways to experience the park’s natural beauty. Whether you choose to tackle the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails, the Yosemite Falls Trail, or the Upper Yosemite Falls Hike, you’re sure to be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
References:
– Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails
– Yosemite Falls Trail
– Guide to Yosemite Hiking Trails with Waterfalls