Yosemitespring waterfalls
Waterfall peak runoff typically happens in May or June, when most of the snowmelt comes down; Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall usually peak in May, per the National Park Service (May 1–Jun 30). This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Yosemite · September
- Half Dome cables up · May–Oct
214days to the next spring waterfalls seasonMay 1–Jun 30, local timing
Yosemite National Park through the year
- Wildflowers, from the low canyons up to the high countryMar–Aug
- Half Dome cables upNowMay–Oct
- Waterfall peak runoff, usually May or JuneMay–Jun
- Yosemite Falls flowing, roughly November through JulyNov–Jul
- Tioga and Glacier Point roads closed by snowNov–May
- Glacier Point Road plowed to Badger PassDec–Mar
Where to see the falls
- Lower Yosemite FallAn easy 1-mile paved loop to the base of the 320-foot lower fall, where spring spray reaches the footbridge; no parking at the trailhead, so ride the free Valleywide shuttle to stop #6
- Bridalveil FallOften the first waterfall you see entering Yosemite Valley; from a signed parking lot, a few short trails (one wheelchair accessible) reach the base in minutes
How we know
National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Yosemite: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Yosemite seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Yosemite: Where to See Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.
Questions people ask
When are the waterfalls strongest at Yosemite National Park?
Waterfall peak runoff typically happens in May or June, when most of the snowmelt comes down; Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall usually peak in May, per the National Park Service: May 1–Jun 30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Are the waterfalls at Yosemite National Park flowing strongly right now?
Not now: the spring waterfalls season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 214 days (May 1–Jun 30, local timing).
Do Yosemite's waterfalls flow all year?
Some do. Bridalveil Fall flows all year, but Yosemite Falls runs roughly November through July and is often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Late-fall storms bring some waterfalls back.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an easy walk to a waterfall?
The Lower Yosemite Fall loop: 1 mile, paved, about 50 feet of climbing and around 30 minutes. Its eastern part is wheelchair accessible when it isn't covered in ice or snow, and leashed pets and strollers are allowed.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where do I park for Lower Yosemite Fall?
There's no parking at the trailhead. Park at the Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls parking areas, or ride the free Valleywide shuttle (7 am to 10 pm) to stop #6. Restrooms and a drinking fountain are along the western part of the trail.Source: National Park Service, Yosemite: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I climb closer to the falls at high water?
No: stay on the trails. The Park Service warns that the rock is extremely slick even when dry and the current is very powerful, and scrambling off-trail above the Lower Yosemite Fall footbridge has led to serious injuries.Sources: National Park Service, Yosemite: Waterfalls ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Yosemite: Lower Yosemite Fall Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Yosemite National Park?
Lower Yosemite Fall: an easy 1-mile paved loop to the base of the 320-foot lower fall, where spring spray reaches the footbridge; no parking at the trailhead, so ride the free Valleywide shuttle to stop #6; Bridalveil Fall: often the first waterfall you see entering Yosemite Valley; from a signed parking lot, a few short trails (one wheelchair accessible) reach the base in minutes.
What is Yosemite National Park like through the year?
Half Dome cables up (May–Oct), Tioga and Glacier Point roads closed by snow (Nov–May), Glacier Point Road plowed to Badger Pass (Dec–Mar), Wildflowers, from the low canyons up to the high country (Mar–Aug), Waterfall peak runoff, usually May or June (May–Jun) and Yosemite Falls flowing, roughly November through July (Nov–Jul).