Yosemite Falls

Dramatically freefalling in two segments separated by a cascade, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America, and the eighth highest in the world with a combined drop of 2,425 feet (739 meters). Along with Bridalveil Falls, these are the most recognized and accessible waterfalls in the park. In this image, taken at the end of May after a wet previous couple of months, the flow was at its peak. This perspective is from an area undergoing a major restoration project.

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Yosemite Falls from Taft Point

Here is another view of Yosemite Falls, this time from Taft Point. Taft Point jets out from the south rim of Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 7,503 feet (2,287 meters). Looking northeast across the valley, this is the view of Yosemite Falls. From this perspective, you can see the upper and lower falls, separated by a cascading section formed by one of several horizontal fractures (look for the dark vegetation bands).

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Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Pogonip Fog

This view of Yosemite Falls, from the meadow in the center of the valley, was taken shortly before midnight during a February full moon. In this 10 minute exposure, the blue color of the sky is visible, as well as the circular tracks of the stars around the North Star, and the waterfalls almost glow in the moonlight. Pogonip Fog, composed of tiny particles of ice, hovers low above the ground. Pogonip is a Native American word for icy fog.

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Spotlight on Bridalveil Falls

Bridalveil Falls is a classic example of a hanging valley. The Pleistocene-age glaciers that scoured Yosemite Valley carved away at the granite and granodiorite, undercutting the side canyon now hanging 620 feet (189 meters) above the valley floor. The angled peaks behind Bridalveil Falls are the Cathedral Rocks.

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California Falls

California Falls is located along the Tuolumne River, less than 2 miles downstream of the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, and about 7 miles from Tuolumne Meadows. California Falls is the first of a sequence of cascades as the Tuolumne River enters the "Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne".

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Illilouette Falls

On the trail to the top of Half Dome, Illilouette Falls is the first falls encountered, seen to the south-southwest before the Vernal Falls Bridge crossing. It has a drop of 370 feet (113 meters) over sheer granite faces. This image was taken at sunrise.

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Vernal Falls and Merced River

Taken from the Vernal Falls Bridge, crossing the Merced River, along the trail to the top of Half Dome, Vernal Falls is first seen (in the background) from the trail. It drops 317 feet (97 meters), but is a much broader waterfall than the others in the valley. One trail option above this point is the "Mist" Trail. However, during the peak flow season, the hikers on this trail will likely get soaked.

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Double Rainbow under Vernal Falls

Taken in late July, the flow of the Merced River has subsided enough to approach the the falls without getting too wet. This also allows you to witness one of the most beautiful visions in Yosemite - a double rainbow as sunlight in the early afternoon reflects off the spray at the base of the falls.

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Nevada Falls

Continuing up the trail to the top of Half Dome, Nevada Falls are the most impressive of the hike, especially seen here from the John Muir Trail. This fall descends 594 feet (181 meters).

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Nevada Falls and Rainbow

From the John Muir Trail in the late afternoon, when the sun is out and the falls are really flowing, the mist catches the sunlight resulting in dancing rainbow colors.

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Snow Creek Falls

This image is the view north across Yosemite Valley from just east of Half Dome. Snow Creek Falls, seen in the far side of the valley, is tied with Sentinal Falls for the second tallest waterfall in the park with a drop of 2,000 feet (610 meters).

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Ribbon Falls

Lying just west of El Capitan, Ribbon Falls is another impressive waterfall, with a drop of 1,612 feet (491 meters). It is a narrow falls that only flows during high runoff periods.

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