About Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 1.5 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Yosemite Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°45′30″ N, 119°35′43″ W (37.75826, -119.59517). Historical sources also record the names Scho-tal-lo-wi, Schoolook, and Choolook. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lost Arrow (pillar, 0.1 mi), Yosemite Point (cliff, 0.2 mi), and Arrowhead Spire (pillar, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Upper Yosemite Falls, 0.2 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, plunges down the north wall of Yosemite Valley to its floor in two falls, the greater being nearly 1300 feet, total drop over 1600 feet. (US-T121)
More Photos
674 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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 Yosemite 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
Yosemite Falls holds a 4.8 average from 140 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Yosemite Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lost Arrow — pillar, 0.1 mi
- Yosemite Point — cliff, 0.2 mi
- Arrowhead Spire — pillar, 0.4 mi
- Castle Cliffs — cliff, 0.4 mi
- Eagle Tower — pillar, 0.5 mi
- Lehamite Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Indian Canyon — valley, 0.8 mi
- Columbia Rock — pillar, 0.9 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 37.75826, -119.59517. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Yosemite Falls
- Horsetail Fall, CA2.7 mi southwest
- Ribbon Fall, CA3.3 mi southwest
- Snow Creek Falls, CA3.3 mi east
- Vernal Fall, CA3.4 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yosemite Falls located?
Yosemite Falls is in Mariposa County, California, about 1.5 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.75826, -119.59517 (37°45′30″ N, 119°35′43″ W).
What town is closest to Yosemite Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 1.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Yosemite Falls?
The closest is Upper Yosemite Falls (0.2 mi southwest). Others within reach include Lower Yosemite Fall (0.5 mi), Lehamite Falls (0.9 mi), and Royal Arch Cascade (1.5 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Yosemite Falls?
Yosemite Falls appears on the USGS Yosemite Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.