Distance: 7.2 mile (National Park Service)

My rating: Hard

I hiked this trail on my second visit to Yosemite. It was hard, and my calves were sore for 4 days after. But I can say I’ve hiked North America’s tallest waterfall, so that’s something to brag about, I guess.

I usually park along Northside Drive as close to Camp 4 as I can get.

Note that this trailhead for Upper Yosemite Fall is different from Lower Yosemite Fall. We once we’re stopped by a couple more than a mile up the trail who were looking for the lower falls…we had to tell them they were a ways off and a thousand feet too high. Yikes.

The first mile or so is in the woods, and the NPS says you gain 1000 feet of eevation in the 1 mile trek to Columbia Rock. This is a good place to snap some pics and have a snack. I find dried fruit magical so keeping my energy up on the trail. Mmmmm….sugar.

I love any view of Half Dome, and this one is no exception.

There’s actually a downhill section after this, and it always makes me sad. I’m undoing some of the work I just put in to GAIN elevation. Not only that, but now I have an uphill section looming in the back of my mind for the way back when my legs don’t want to go uphill anymore. It’s still great though, because I’m outside and hiking!

By late summer and fall, depending on the previous snow season, the falls may be non-existent. But if it’s flowing, you get some

awesome views of it.

The remaining mile or so is just a push to the top for me. Endless switchbacks on sandy rocks (which make the way down action-packed) will finally lead you to the top.

There are stairs and a guardrail near the edge of the cliff that lead to another view. There are also many pools at the top of the falls to safely dip your feet in when the water is low late in the season.

For a totally worth it bonus, hike an extra mile or so eastward to Yosemite Point. You get a phenomenal view of Half Dome. If you look opposite of Half Dome and slightly down, there’s a pillar to the right of the falls that’s very popular with climbers called Lost Arrow Spire. If you’re lucky, you may spot a group climbing!

There is another add-on hike if you head west from the top of the falls that takes you to Eagle Peak, toward the top of El Cap. I haven’t explored that side yet, I may have to this year.

This is an out and back trail, so head back down the way you came. Be careful on those sandy rocks, and don’t forget about that final uphill section.

Back at Camp 4, walk around and check out the boulders. This camp is full of history, and you may spot a few “dirtbag” climbers. 🙂

I also highly recommend watching “Valley Uprising” before you go, and look out for Midnight Lightning!