About Ribbon Fall
Ribbon Fall is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 3.9 miles west of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the El Capitan 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°44′09″ N, 119°38′54″ W (37.73576, -119.64822). Historical sources also record the names Virgin Tears Fall, Lung-oo-too-koo-yah, Lungyotuckoya, Pigeon Creek Fall, The Ribbon Fall, Lung-yo-to-co-ya, Virgin's Tear, and Ribbon Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include El Capitan Gully (valley, 0.3 mi), K P Pinnacle (pillar, 0.4 mi), and El Capitan (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Horsetail Fall, 1.2 miles to the southeast.
At 1,611-ft., this single-drop waterfall is the longest in North America, viewable in early spring.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, on Ribbon Creek and the north wall of Yosemite Valley, 1.6 km (1 mi) north of Merced River. (US-T121)
More Photos
54 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Ribbon Fall
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Ribbon Fall
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Ribbon Fall. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Ribbon Fall holds a 4.5 average from 12 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Ribbon Fall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- El Capitan Gully — valley, 0.3 mi
- K P Pinnacle — pillar, 0.4 mi
- El Capitan — summit, 0.8 mi
- Ribbon Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- El Capitan Meadow — lake, 1.1 mi
- Rockslides — cliff, 1.1 mi
- El Capitan Moraine — ridge, 1.1 mi
- Bridalveil Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.73576, -119.64822. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Ribbon Fall
- Yosemite Falls, CA3.3 mi northeast
- The Cascades, CA3.6 mi west
- Wildcat Falls, CA3.9 mi west
- Staircase Falls, CA4.0 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ribbon Fall located?
Ribbon Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 3.9 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.73576, -119.64822 (37°44′09″ N, 119°38′54″ W).
What town is closest to Ribbon Fall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 3.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Ribbon Fall?
The closest is Horsetail Fall (1.2 mi southeast). Others within reach include Bridalveil Fall (1.3 mi), Silver Strand Falls (2.5 mi), and Sentinel Fall (2.9 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Ribbon Fall?
Ribbon Fall appears on the USGS El Capitan 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.