Exploring Yosemite’s Waterfalls: My Favorite Spring Hikes

Did you knwo Yosemite is home to over 2,000 waterfalls?  Spring is my favorite time to explore them. During this season, the waterfalls are at their peak, fed by melting snow from Tuolumne Meadows. Spring also offers fair weather and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to hit the trails. However, be aware that the water levels can be dangerously high, and the strong currents can be deceptive. Always check the latest trail conditions and park status before heading out.

Waterfall Day Hikes to Explore:

1. Alder Creek Falls (Strenuous)
   Alder Creek Falls, a 100-foot cascade located in Wawona, is accessible via a 0.4-mile trail up Chilnualna Falls Road. Starting from the “Backcountry Use” sign, the trail ascends through an open pine forest and offers stunning views of the creek. The round-trip hike to Alder Falls is 8 miles, while the Alder Creek Loop extends to 12 miles. It’s a challenging hike, but the views are absolutely worth it!
2. Bridalveil Fall (Easy)
   One of Yosemite Valley’s most iconic waterfalls, Bridalveil Fall stands at 617 feet and flows year-round. The 0.5-mile round-trip trail starts at the parking area and offers a close-up view of the waterfall, which is often one of the first you’ll encounter when entering the valley.
3. Chilnualna Falls Trail (Moderate)
   This 8.2-mile round-trip trail in Wawona offers impressive views of multiple waterfalls along the way, including the upper, middle, and lower falls. The trail is less crowded than others, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful hike. Expect a challenging 2,400-foot elevation gain, with the hike typically taking about 5 hours to complete.
4. Illilouette Falls (Moderate)
   A 370-foot waterfall on Illilouette Creek, located across from Vernal Falls, Illilouette Falls is accessible via a 5-mile out-and-back trail from Glacier Point. The hike provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including Vernal and Nevada Falls, as well as a panoramic view of Half Dome. Best visited from April to November.
5. Lower Yosemite Fall (Easy)
   Lower Yosemite Fall is one of the most popular attractions in the park, standing at 320 feet. It’s part of North America’s tallest waterfall, which plunges a total of 2,425 feet. The loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall is a short, leisurely walk offering beautiful views of both Upper and Lower Falls. The trail is open year-round, but spring and early summer provide the most dramatic flow.
6. Nevada Falls (Strenuous)
   Accessible via the John Muir and Mist Trails, Nevada Falls drops a powerful 594 feet. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike (via Mist Trail) is strenuous, with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. The hike typically takes 5-6 hours to complete, rewarding you with dramatic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscapes.
7. Vernal Falls (Moderate to Strenuous)
   Vernal Falls is a 317-foot waterfall on the Merced River, just below Nevada Falls. The Mist Trail leads to the waterfall, with a 1.6-mile hike to the footbridge offering a moderate challenge. For a more strenuous hike, continue to the top of Vernal Falls, a 0.5-mile stretch with an additional 500-foot elevation gain. Be prepared to get wet and exercise caution near the falls, as the trail can be slippery.
8. Upper Yosemite Fall Trail (Strenuous)
   The Upper Yosemite Fall Trail is one of my favorite spring hikes. It leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, with a total drop of 2,425 feet. The trail offers incredible views of the waterfall, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and surrounding peaks. The 7.2-mile round-trip hike includes a 2,700-foot elevation gain and typically takes 6-10 hours to complete, but the sweeping views make it all worth it.

Yosemite National Park Map  and Wawona Area Hiking Map