About Wildcat Falls
Wildcat Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 7.7 miles west of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the El Capitan 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′25″ N, 119°43′03″ W (37.72354, -119.71739). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Wildcat Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Cascade Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), and Tamarack Creek (stream, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is The Cascades, 0.3 miles to the northeast.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosimite National Park, 0.48 km (0.3 mi) northwest of the mouth of Wildcat Creek and 0.8 mi) northwest of Elephant Rock. (US-T121)
More Photos
85 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Wildcat Falls
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 Wildcat Falls
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 Wildcat 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
Wildcat Falls holds a 4.9 average from 28 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Wildcat Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Wildcat Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Cascade Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Tamarack Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- The Gateway — gap, 0.5 mi
- The Rostrum — bench, 0.6 mi
- Elephant Rock — pillar, 0.7 mi
- Turtleback Dome — summit, 0.9 mi
- Coyote Creek — stream, 1.4 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 37.72354, -119.71739. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Wildcat Falls
- Chinquapin Falls, CA4.5 mi southwest
- Horsetail Fall, CA4.9 mi east
- Sentinel Fall, CA6.6 mi east
- Lower Yosemite Fall, CA6.9 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wildcat Falls located?
Wildcat Falls is in Mariposa County, California, about 7.7 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72354, -119.71739 (37°43′25″ N, 119°43′03″ W).
What town is closest to Wildcat Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 7.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Wildcat Falls?
The closest is The Cascades (0.3 mi northeast). Others within reach include Silver Strand Falls (2.9 mi), Foresta Falls (3.2 mi), and Little Nellie Falls (3.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Wildcat Falls?
Wildcat Falls 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.