Upper Yosemite Fall Trail(edit)

based on 270 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#2 hike out of 412 in Yosemite National Park |

DIFFICULT

5.9 mi

Distance

1 hrs 53 min

Time

2,713 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Yosemite Falls Overlook in Yosemite National Park.

This trail goes by Columbia Boulder, Energy Boulder, Columbia Rock, Upper Yosemite Fall, and First view of Upper Yosemite Falls.

Don't miss the view of the valley from the stop at Columbia Boulder, especially early in the morning.

Getting Started

There is parking next to the Yosemite Lodge. The trailhead is on the way to Lower Yosemite Falls and it starts off to the left. Fill up with water before you leave and be sure to take multiple rest stops along the way. The top of the falls has plenty of places to rest and have lunch before you start your way back down.

Taking Children

This trail can be grueling but is highly rewarding. The youngest children and families I observed on the trail were between 8-10, though many did not do the whole trail. I would say this trail rates about a 4 on a scale of 1-10 for general acceptability for children. This is something I would have done around the age of 10 in the Boy Scouts, but it is challenging. I highly recommend starting this trail early in the morning around 6-7am.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Andrew Crow 1 year, 9 months ago

Really unique hike to take. It's not an easy one, but has tremendous views both at the top and at many points along the way. It's a mix of sun and shade, but remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen. You also gain a lot of elevation, so be aware of your reaction to the elevation change (watch your hiking buddies).

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jonathan C. 3 years, 5 months ago

Definitely a strenuous hike going up. But very much worth the effort. Awesome view from many different points of trail.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

HumidExplore7188 4 years, 4 months ago

Amazing hike I wish this app included the total round trip hiking miles. But overall beautiful trail, be sure to take your hiking shoes and water filter. People underestimate how much water to bring. My boyfriend and I brought a platypus water filter and people were asking for water once we were at the very top.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

CalmSquall3026 4 years, 5 months ago

Wow the falls were Sublime so beautiful words can’t describe the Natural scenic beauty of Yosemite Falls,Uplifting Hike rainbow 🌈 across the Falls,mist,blanket of building snow at the base,listening and watching it do its thing,Weather conditions for the hike were also tremendous,very few hikers on trail,a hike for the memory books,be safe and happy hiking

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DarkRaft5898 4 years, 8 months ago

There’s something to be said about this trail. Like many other cultivated trails, it is well maintained and safe. The endurance to ascend this elevation over 3 miles up is what gives it the difficult rating. Pack your lunch and some hydration and take your time. Enjoy the hike. I burned through it in just under 6 hours up and back with a stop to eat Andie the view. The snow in March has spot to transit with care. But on a sunny warm spring day, it was no waste of time.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

YoungTundra3428 6 years, 5 months ago

Lots of up and down on this one – go only about halfway up for the best view of the falls. You don’t really see the falls from the top at all - but the view from the top more than compensate. As usual, a little bit harder to go down than up - you don’t expend the energy, but you do spend a lot of effort looking for the right foot plant. Decomposing granite on top of the regular granite boulders can make spots very slippery.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

jesseweeks 7 years ago

Great half day trip! Unbeatable view from on top of the falls! Start early to avoid the heat and people. Bring a gallon of water and feel your legs the next morning!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★