Top Things to do in Yosemite National Park
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10 Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Tucked into the mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is renowned for its granite cliffs and waterfalls. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the formations made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. The valley is open year-round for camping, hiking, and climbing. Traffic is congested during peak season and park rangers encourage visitors to use the free shuttle system. For upscale visits, the Ahwahnee Hotel, built in 1927, is chic and luxurious.
1. Bridalveil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,507 reviews
Landmark waterfall located in Yosemite.
Reviewed By Y802JBanthonyd
A beautiful waterfall! Catch it in the right light and it can look like a firefall. It is a short and easy hike to the viewing area. The fall is very beautiful and you will probably get hit with the spray and mist of it. This is especially nice on a hot day. Beware: don’t go beyond the railings. Many have been injured and a couple even killed climbing over the rocks( wet polished granite with moss). It is perfectly safe and enjoyable from the viewing area. Unfortunately this year (2020) the parking lot and trail are closed. The fall can be seen from the road or at other points in the valley.
2. Yosemite Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,287 reviews
The fifth tallest waterfall in the world, Yosemite Falls is the centerpiece of Yosemite National Park.
Reviewed By ELKW
Yosemite falls consist of Upper and Lower fall, I think the Upper fall is more powerful, more impressive, but if you just look at the Lower fall, it is also beautiful and fabulous. You can see the falls in many spot, e.g. in the Cook's meadow loop, swinging bridge, Yosemite falls trail, Glacier point, etc. You can view the falls from different angles at different place, and it's worth to see the falls from different view at different place. It has the most water in the Spring and early summer, while the fall may dry out in late summer, so better plan to visit it in Spring and early summer.
3. Vernal Fall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,384 reviews
Though not as tall as Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall is popular for the green foliage that surrounds it year-round and the rainbow mist it produces as the water cascades.
Reviewed By MariaCaders - Los Angeles, United States
I have not worked out in the past 4 years but yet I was able to do this without struggling and I was carrying 1 Gallons of water on my back. Wear good shoes with plenty of traction. There is NO SOCIAL DISTANCING and 25 % of the people were wearing masks. Allow 2-3 hours to do the regular loop. The way back down brings you down the hill a different way from the way up. Beware bc it can be steep and those not used to running on trails may fall. I did not need it but bring salty snacks just in case
4. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By KaimukiGirl24 - Columbia, United States
What an amazingly beautiful area! If only we had known, we would have gotten here earlier in the day. The Hetch Hetchy reservoir...easily seen why John Muir and others like him fought for this land to be protected. Due to the population needs of the time, this huge dam became quite a man made work of engineering. We happened upon a Tuesday talk from an enthusiastic Park ranger who gave us a brief history of the area and showed us before and after pictures of what the area looked like before the construction of the O’Shaughnessy dam. As others have mentioned, you need to be prepared when you visit this area but it is so worth it! 1. Allow at least half a day if you want to go exploring or take one of the several hikes in this area. 2. There are no close amenities in the park so have gas in the car, food and water for the day. 3. The road to this area runs many miles and must be traveled carefully and not in the dark! It is paved but there are many narrow twisty turns and no guardrails in some sections. We were told this road use to be used by the railroad to bring materials in when the dam was being built. 4. Bring your park pass if you are coming from another area of Yosemite National Park, you are leaving one section and entering another. It took us about 1 1/2 hrs. one way from Yosemite Valley to get here. Once you enter this section you drive for several miles. Drive carefully pass some roaming cattle who sometimes wander into the street, pass the Evergreen Lodge, campsites and then eventually come to a small park entrance gate where a ranger will give you a day pass to put on your dash board that allows you to park close to the dam. You still need to go several more miles to reach the final destination! 5. You will have several vistas as you descend down to the reservoir, such incredible views of granite walls and rock formations but do not take your eyes off the road!! A few miles before you reach your destination there will be an awe inspiring first peak at the size of this dam. 6. Restroom is available in the over flow parking area. 7. You can walk all across the top of this dam. Read information placards placed along this rim and peak over the bridge to see the powerful release of water as it travels down the Tuolumne river on one side and the Sapphire blue color of the reservoir on the other side. All surrounded by large granite formations that remind you of similar famous ones in Yosemite valley! 8. You will see a tunnel at one end where you can travel through and hike to Wapama Fall or other trails in the area.(Fall was running low this time of year). 9. This is such a pristine area, quiet and an area you can enjoy in almost complete solitude. Pictures don’t come close to seeing it in person! We happened upon a man leading a mule train through the tunnel. It was explained that he was coming from the higher elevations bringing out supplies for the California Conservation Corp who have been doing trail work for the last month or so... incredible!
5. Chilnualna Falls
6. Illilouette Fall
7. Silver Strand Falls
8. Ribbon Fall
9. Sentinel fall
10. Staircase Falls
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
