Fresno is the closest large Central Valley city to Yosemite Valley's big waterfalls. Bridalveil Fall, Vernal Fall and Yosemite Falls all sit about 65 to 70 miles northeast, and Nevada Fall continues up the Mist Trail beyond Vernal. A single park day can cover Bridalveil's short paved walk and a Mist Trail hike if you start early and use the Valley shuttle.
Outside Yosemite, Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park and Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes stretch the same day-trip radius in other directions. Closer foothill stops such as Corlieu Falls and Angel Falls near Oakhurst fill shorter half-days when you want to skip park entrance lines.
Snowmelt makes late spring and early summer the strongest season in the Sierra. Yosemite charges a vehicle entrance fee, Mist Trail dogs are not allowed, and Valley parking fills on peak weekends, so check current entrance and shuttle details before you drive.
By David F. · Published November 6, 2026 · Distances are straight-line miles from the center of Fresno.
Day-Trip Waterfalls at a Glance
| Waterfall | State | Distance | Google rating | Fee | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridalveil Fall | CA | 67 mi north | 4.8 (379) | Yes | Leashed |
| Vernal Fall | CA | 69 mi north | 4.9 (321) | Yes | Leashed |
| Rainbow Falls | CA | 70 mi northeast | 4.7 (239) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Yosemite Falls | CA | 70 mi north | 4.8 (140) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Nevada Fall | CA | 69 mi north | 4.9 (120) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Tokopah Falls | CA | 61 mi east | 4.8 (110) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Horsetail Fall | CA | 68 mi north | 4.8 (107) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Lower Yosemite Fall | CA | 70 mi north | 4.9 (79) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Mist Falls | CA | 68 mi east | 4.8 (68) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Roaring River Falls | CA | 64 mi east | 4.8 (65) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Wapama Falls | CA | 84 mi north | 4.6 (62) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Angel Falls | CA | 42 mi north | 4.7 (56) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Red Rock Falls | CA | 48 mi north | 4.9 (56) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Corlieu Falls | CA | 47 mi north | 4.9 (55) | Not checked | Not checked |
| Chilnualna Fall | CA | 57 mi north | 4.8 (32) | Not checked | Not checked |
"Not checked" means we haven't verified that detail yet, not that the answer is no. Open a waterfall's page for its trail, parking and swimming details where we have them.
