About Royal Arch Cascade
Royal Arch Cascade is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 0.7 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Half Dome 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°44′59″ N, 119°34′15″ W (37.74965, -119.57072). Historical sources also record the name Scho-ko-ya. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Royal Arches (pillar, 0.3 mi), Royal Arch Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Tenaya Creek (stream, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lehamite Falls, 1.0 miles to the northwest.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, on Royal Arch Creek and the north wall of Yosemite Valley above the Merced River at mile marker 128.5. (US-T121)
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Weather at Royal Arch Cascade
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 Royal Arch Cascade
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 Royal Arch Cascade. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Royal Arch Cascade holds a 5.0 average from 1 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Royal Arch Cascade. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Royal Arches — pillar, 0.3 mi
- Royal Arch Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Tenaya Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Washington Column — pillar, 0.6 mi
- Indian Canyon — valley, 0.7 mi
- Indian Canyon Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- North Dome — summit, 0.8 mi
- Lehamite Creek — stream, 0.8 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 37.74965, -119.57072. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Royal Arch Cascade
- Sentinel Fall, CA2.2 mi southwest
- Snow Creek Falls, CA2.2 mi northeast
- Silver Apron, CA2.3 mi southeast
- Illilouette Falls, CA2.5 mi south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Royal Arch Cascade located?
Royal Arch Cascade is in Mariposa County, California, about 0.7 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.74965, -119.57072 (37°44′59″ N, 119°34′15″ W).
What town is closest to Royal Arch Cascade?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 0.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Royal Arch Cascade?
The closest is Lehamite Falls (1.0 mi northwest). Others within reach include Staircase Falls (1.0 mi), Lower Yosemite Fall (1.4 mi), and Yosemite Falls (1.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Royal Arch Cascade?
Royal Arch Cascade appears on the USGS Half Dome 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.