About Waterwheel Falls
Waterwheel Falls is a named waterfall in Tuolumne County, California, located about 14 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Falls Ridge 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°55′37″ N, 119°27′32″ W (37.92687, -119.45877). Historical sources also record the names LeConte Falls, Le Conte Cascade, Watershed Falls, and Rocket Cascades. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Return Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), Wildcat Point (summit, 0.9 mi), and Mattie Lake (lake, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Le Conte Falls, 0.4 miles to the southeast.
USGS gazetteer description: Along the Tuolumne River, 10.8 km (6.7 mi) north of Tenaya Lake and 17.1 km (10.2 mi) west-southwest of Saddlebag Lake. (US-T121)
More Photos
127 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Waterwheel Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Waterwheel Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Waterwheel Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Waterwheel Falls holds a 4.9 average from 7 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Waterwheel Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Return Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Wildcat Point — summit, 0.9 mi
- Mattie Lake — lake, 1.1 mi
- South Fork Cathedral Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Hooper Peak — summit, 2.0 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 37.92687, -119.45877. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Waterwheel Falls
- Bunnell Cascade, CA13 mi south
- Lehamite Falls, CA13 mi southwest
- Royal Arch Cascade, CA14 mi southwest
- Yosemite Falls, CA14 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Waterwheel Falls located?
Waterwheel Falls is in Tuolumne County, California, about 14 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.92687, -119.45877 (37°55′37″ N, 119°27′32″ W).
What town is closest to Waterwheel Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 14 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Waterwheel Falls?
The closest is Le Conte Falls (0.4 mi southeast). Others within reach include California Falls (1.3 mi), White Cascade (2.5 mi), and Tuolumne Falls (2.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Waterwheel Falls?
Waterwheel Falls appears on the USGS Falls Ridge 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.