Yosemite Falls Tours and Activities

Yosemite Falls which includes a cascade and mountains
Yosemite Falls which includes rapids
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls showing mountains
Yosemite Falls showing a cascade and a gorge or canyon as well as an individual male

You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park sets the bar high for magnificent natural beauty, but Yosemite Falls is indisputably one of its most striking features. This towering waterfall is one of the highest in North America. Water plunges a total of 2,425 feet (739 meters) from top to bottom of Yosemite Falls in three distinct sections.

The 1,430-foot (440-meter) drop of Upper Yosemite Falls is impressive by itself. To experience its deafening power up close, follow one of several trails between its base and top. Note that the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls is strenuous and will take all day.

The Middle Cascades are a series of five small falls. These don’t have great public access so many people miss them entirely.

Although Lower Yosemite Falls is the smallest portion, its accessibility makes it the most popular viewing point for the waterfall. Explore it via the popular 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) loop trail or take the free shuttle bus to the base of the falls.

The most dramatic time to visit Yosemite Falls is in May or June, when the runoff from snowmelt creates an impressive cascade with a deafening roar. By the end of summer, most of the snow in the high country has melted and the falls are reduced to a mere trickle.

If you visit in the spring, look for a moonbow, also known as a lunar rainbow in the spray from the falls. In winter, a unique “snow cone” formation develops at the base of the falls.

Yosemite Village is nestled near the foot of the falls. This quaint town is a great place to stop for a snack or souvenir. If you want to stay overnight, get a room at Yosemite Lodge. For a more rustic experience, bring your tent or RV to one of Yosemite’s many rentable campsites. Book well in advance to ensure you can get accommodations.

While visiting Yosemite National Park, seeing Yosemite Falls is a must. You might get a little wet, but it is well worth it to experience this natural wonder.

Plan a trip to see Yosemite Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
ERTH INN by AGA Los Angeles

ERTH INN by AGA Los Angeles

3 out of 5
per person
16 Oct - 21 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX)
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Came for a procedure at USC & hotel is conveniently located across the street.

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Budget Inn Hollywood

Budget Inn Hollywood

2 out of 5
Hollywood
per person
16 Oct - 21 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX)
5.2/10 (234 reviews)
The staff was amazing. On top of their game. Very helpful. All the bad reviews. Its hollywood. Full of life. Full of character. We were super happy. Thanks guys.

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Melrose Rooftop Boutique Residences

Melrose Rooftop Boutique Residences

4 out of 5
Fairfax District
per person
16 Oct - 21 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)

Popular places to visit

Lower Yosemite Falls

Lower Yosemite Falls

Walk near the continent’s tallest waterfall and feel the spray. Time your visit to experience the most breathtaking unobstructed view.

Lower Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Visitor Center showing interior views

Yosemite Visitor Center

Discover the geological history of the Yosemite Valley, pick up trail maps and shop for souvenirs at this portal to Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Visitor Center
Yosemite Valley featuring mountains and a waterfall

Yosemite Valley

From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.

Yosemite Valley
Ansel Adams Gallery

Ansel Adams Gallery

Surrounded by majestic beauty, this spot features awe-inspiring natural marvels. Enter to find a collection of these wonders captured in photographs.

Ansel Adams Gallery
Cook's Meadow

Cook's Meadow

In the mountainous Yosemite area, you can also walk on relatively flat terrain to view the landscape. Experience the majestic location in comfortable walking shoes.

Cook's Meadow
Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater featuring a waterfall and forests

Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater

Enjoy entertainment under the stars, ranging from ranger talks to nature movies, during the summer months in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater

Top Yosemite Falls Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Curry Village

Curry Village

2.5 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge

3 out of 5
9006 Yosemite Lodge Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
Yosemite Valley Lodge
The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee

4 out of 5
9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA
The Ahwahnee
Curry Village

Curry Village

2 out of 5
9010 Curry Village Dr., 9010, Yosemite National Park, CA
Curry Village
Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite View Lodge

2.5 out of 5
11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA
Yosemite View Lodge
The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park

The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park
The Ahweanee in Foresta, Inside Yosemite National Park
INSIDE YOSEMITE! 10 Minutes From Yosemite Valley. Summer and fall openings!

INSIDE YOSEMITE! 10 Minutes From Yosemite Valley. Summer and fall openings!

Yosemite National Park
INSIDE YOSEMITE! 10 Minutes From Yosemite Valley. Summer and fall openings!
Elmer's Hideout - Fully Renovated Yosemite Escape!

Elmer's Hideout - Fully Renovated Yosemite Escape!

3 out of 5
7540 Henness Cir A103, Tuolumne, Meadows, Ca 95389, Usa, Yosemite National Park, CA
Elmer's Hideout - Fully Renovated Yosemite Escape!
See all 1,599 properties in Yosemite Falls
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Yosemite Falls

At Yosemite Falls, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking through breathtaking landscapes, camping under the stars in Yosemite National Park, and attending the Yosemite Music Festival. Exploring the stunning Yosemite Valley and catching a captivating Yosemite show are also must-do experiences. This picturesque destination offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit the El Portal Market, conveniently located 19.3km from Yosemite Falls. If you're up for a drive, you'll find a variety of local products and gifts that capture the spirit of the region.

Recreation

Ascent, the Spa at Tenaya Lodge, offers rejuvenating body treatments 32.2km from Yosemite Falls, perfect for relaxation. Wawona Golf Course, located 25.7km away, invites sports enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors. For a quick escape, Swinging Bridge Picnic Area, just 1.6km away, provides a serene spot for unwinding.

Adventure

At Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, located 3.2km from Yosemite Falls, enjoy a delightful camping experience among nature's beauty. The Yosemite Falls Trailhead, 1.6km away, offers exhilarating hiking with breathtaking scenery. Explore Cook's Meadow, only 1.4km from the falls, for more stunning views and adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at Yosemite Falls with a visit to the Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater, just 1.6km away, offering family-friendly entertainment and romance. For a broader experience, the Golden Chain Theater, located 43.5km from the falls, showcases captivating performances in a charming setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls and its surrounding areas offer a stunning blend of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Key attractions include Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and the majestic falls themselves, all set within the iconic Yosemite National Park. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply wish to soak up the stunning landscapes, there’s plenty to explore. Consider staying near Yosemite Falls for easy access to these remarkable natural wonders.

  • Yosemite Valley: Nestled 1.3km from Yosemite Falls, this stunning valley offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. With its towering cliffs and lush meadows, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and soaking up the natural beauty of the park.
  • Yosemite National Park: Located 1.6km away from Yosemite Falls, this iconic national park is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery and diverse wildlife. Explore vast wilderness, granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, making it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Yosemite Visitor Center: Just 1.3km from Yosemite Falls, this visitor centre is a family-friendly hub. Here, you can gather information, participate in educational programs, and plan your day’s adventures in the stunning surroundings of Yosemite.

Best time to go to Yosemite Falls

The best time to visit Yosemite Falls can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Yosemite Falls falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Yosemite Falls falls in December and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March28.9°F (-1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June54.3°F (12.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
November33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Yosemite Falls

To save on your visit to Yosemite Falls, consider travelling in January, March, or November for lower accommodation prices. Book your stay about a month in advance, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Tuesdays, which are cheaper than Fridays. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Bundling your hotel with flights can also save you money. Don't forget to explore free activities in the park to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Yosemite Falls are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Yosemite Falls is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Yosemite Falls is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: By booking an Expedia package, you can save some dollars by bundling your hotel stay near Yosemite Falls with your flights and activities.