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Coordinates: 37°45′25″N 119°35′48″W / 37.756845°N 119.596785°W / 37.756845; -119.596785
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| name = Yosemite Falls
| name = Yosemite Falls
| photo = Yosemite falls winter 2010.JPG
| photo = Yosemite falls winter 2010.JPG
| photo_caption = Yosemite Falls from Yosemite Valley
| photo_caption = Upper and lower cascades of Yosemite Falls, as seen from [[Yosemite Valley]].
| photo_width = 200
| photo_width =
| location = [[Yosemite Valley]], [[Yosemite National Park]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| location = [[Yosemite Valley]], [[Yosemite National Park]], [[California]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| coords = {{Coord|37.756845|-119.596785|region:US|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords = {{Coord|37.756845|-119.596785|region:US|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
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| height = {{Convert|2425|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{Convert|2425|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
| height_longest = {{Convert|1430|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
| height_longest = {{Convert|1430|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
| number_drops = 3
| number_drops = 6
| average_flow =
| average_flow =
| watercourse = [[Yosemite Creek]]
}}
}}
'''Yosemite Falls''' is the highest [[waterfall]] in [[Yosemite National Park]], dropping a total of {{convert|2425|ft|m}} from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.<ref name=galen>{{cite web | url=http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm | title=Yosemite National Park Waterfalls | publisher=U.S. National Park Service | date=8 December 2008 | access-date=2008-12-21}}</ref> Located in the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] of [[California]], it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late [[spring (season)|spring]] when the water flow is at its peak.
'''Yosemite Falls''' is the highest [[waterfall]] in [[Yosemite National Park]], dropping a total of {{convert|2425|ft|m}} from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.<ref name=galen>{{cite web | url=http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm | title=Yosemite National Park Waterfalls | publisher=U.S. National Park Service | date=8 December 2008 | access-date=2008-12-21}}</ref> Located in the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] of [[California]], it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late [[spring (season)|spring]] when the water flow is at its peak.


== Triple fall ==
== Sections ==
[[File:Yosemite Falls 20220523 172355 2 copy.jpg|thumb|Yosemite Falls in May, 2022. All three drops are visible from about one mile away]]
[[File:Yosemite Falls (Upper & Lower) (25069347367).jpg|thumb|All three falls]]
The falls consist of three drops (sections):
The falls consist of three sections comprising six total drops:

[[File:Yosemite Falls from trail, Yosemite NP, CA, US - Diliff.jpg|thumb|Upper Yosemite Fall as viewed from the trail leading to the top]]
=== Upper Yosemite Fall ===
=== Upper Yosemite Fall ===
[[File:Yosemite Upper Falls high flow Yosemite CA 2023-07-13 14-42-17 1.webm|thumb|Yosemite Upper Falls]]
⚫
The {{convert|1430|ft|m|adj=on}} plunge comprises over half the total drop. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall.

⚫
The {{convert|1430|ft|m|adj=on}} plunge comprises over half the total drop. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall.


The upper fall is formed by the swift waters of [[Yosemite Creek]], which, after meandering through [[Eagle Creek Meadow]], drop over the edge of a hanging valley in a spectacular and deafening show of force.
The upper fall is formed by the swift waters of [[Yosemite Creek]], which, after meandering through [[Eagle Creek Meadow]], drop over the edge of a hanging valley in a spectacular and deafening show of force.

[[File:Yosemite - Middle Falls from Trail.jpg|thumb|upright|The Middle Cascades, other than the last drop, are not visible from the Valley]]
=== Middle Cascades ===
=== Middle Cascades ===
Between the two obvious main plunges there are a series of four smaller plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. Taken together these account for a total drop of {{convert|675|ft|m}}, more than twice the height of the Lower Fall.
[[File:Yosemite - Middle Falls from Trail.jpg|thumb|upright|The Middle Cascades, other than the last drop, are not visible from the valley floor]]
Between the two obvious main plunges there are a series of four smaller plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. Taken together these account for a total drop of {{convert|675|ft|m}}, more than twice the height of the Lower Fall.


Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive [[Mountain rescue|helicopter rescue]] due to steep and slippery terrain and features.
Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive [[Mountain rescue|helicopter rescue]] due to steep and slippery terrain and features.

[[File:Yosemite - Lower Falls from Trail.jpg|thumb|Lower Fall as viewed from trail]]
=== Lower Yosemite Fall ===
=== Lower Yosemite Fall ===


The final {{convert|320|ft|m|adj=on}} drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the [[Merced River]] nearby. Like many areas of Yosemite the plunge pool at the base of the Lower Fall is surrounded by dangerous jumbles of [[scree|talus]] made even more treacherous by the high humidity and resulting slippery surfaces.
The final {{convert|320|ft|m|adj=on}} drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the [[Merced River]] nearby. Like many areas of Yosemite the plunge pool at the base of the Lower Fall is surrounded by dangerous jumbles of [[scree|talus]] made even more treacherous by the high humidity and resulting slippery surfaces.


== Flow ==
In all but the wettest years, the falls cease flowing altogether in late summer or fall. A very small number of [[rock climbing|rock climbers]] have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon [[thunderstorm]] could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face.
In all but the wettest years, the falls cease flowing altogether in late summer or fall. A very small number of [[rock climbing|rock climbers]] have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon [[thunderstorm]] could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face.


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The main village of the native people of Yosemite Valley, the [[Ahwahneechee]], was located at the base of the falls.
The main village of the native people of Yosemite Valley, the [[Ahwahneechee]], was located at the base of the falls.


The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the [[plunge pool]] at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti.<ref>{{cite book | last=Clark | first=Galen | chapter=Chapter One: Early History | title=Indians of the Yosemite Valley and Vicinity Their History, Customs and Traditions | location=Yosemite Valley, CA | publisher=G. Clark | year=1904 | oclc=1635187 | chapter-url=http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/indians_of_the_yosemite/chapter_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Kroeber | first=by A. L | editor=Ansel Franklin Hall | chapter=Indians of Yosemite | title=Handbook of Yosemite National Park | location=London | publisher=G. P. Putnam's sons | year=1921 | oclc=70337415 |url=http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/handbook_of_yosemite_national_park/indians.html}}</ref> An Ahwaneechee folktale describes a woman going to fetch a pail of water from the pool, and drawing it out full of snakes. Later that night, after the woman had trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it.
The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the [[plunge pool]] at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti.<ref>{{cite book | last=Clark | first=Galen |author-link=Galen Clark | chapter=Chapter One: Early History | title=Indians of the Yosemite Valley and Vicinity: Their History, Customs and Traditions | location=Yosemite Valley, CA | publisher=G. Clark | year=1904 | oclc=1635187 | chapter-url=http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/indians_of_the_yosemite/chapter_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Kroeber | first=Alfred L.|author-link=Alfred Kroeber| editor=Ansel Franklin Hall |editor-link=Ansel Franklin Hall| chapter=Indians of Yosemite | title=Handbook of Yosemite National Park | location=London | publisher=G. P. Putnam's sons | year=1921 | oclc=70337415 |url=http://www.yosemite.ca.us/library/handbook_of_yosemite_national_park/indians.html}}</ref> An Ahwaneechee folktale describes a woman going to fetch a pail of water from the pool, and drawing it out full of snakes. Later that night, after the woman had trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it.

== Hiking ==
== Hiking ==
⚫
Several trails are available to hikers. The most challenging hiking trail leading to the top is about 3.6 miles long and takes about two to four hours to climb, depending on a person's experience and preparedness. The most popular and easily accessible trail begins at the bridge near the bottom of the lower fall.
[[File:Lower Yosemite Fall as viewed from the bridge 20220523 170443 HDR.jpg|thumb|Hikers near the Lower Yosemite Fall in May of 2022]]
⚫
Several trails are available to hikers. The most challenging hiking trail leading to the top is about 6 miles long and takes about two to four hours to climb, depending on a person's experience and preparedness. The most popular and easily accessible trail begins at the bridge near the bottom of the lower fall.


Park rangers treat visitors to complementary lectures about the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite falls including descriptions of various hiking trails. Park rangers also provide assistance to visitors and give explanations about safety measures and regulations.
Park naturalists treat visitors to complementary lectures about the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite falls including descriptions of various hiking trails. Park naturalists also provide assistance to visitors and give explanations about safety measures and regulations.


==See also==
==See also==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Commons and category-inline|Yosemite Falls}}
{{Commons and category}}
*[http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/yosemite-yosemite-falls.html World of Waterfalls.com: Yosemite Falls ]
*[http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/yosemite-yosemite-falls.html World of Waterfalls.com: Yosemite Falls ]


Latest revision as of 22:39, 4 May 2024

This article is about a specific waterfall known as "Yosemite Falls". For other waterfalls in Yosemite, see List of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Falls
Upper and lower cascades of Yosemite Falls, as seen from Yosemite Valley.
Map
LocationYosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.
Coordinates37°45′25″N 119°35′48″W / 37.756845°N 119.596785°W / 37.756845; -119.596785[1]
TypeTiered
Total height2,425 ft (739 m)
Number of drops6
Longest drop1,430 ft (436 m)
WatercourseYosemite Creek

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall.[2] Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak.

Sections

[edit]
All three falls

The falls consist of three sections comprising six total drops:

Upper Yosemite Fall

[edit]
Yosemite Upper Falls

The 1,430-foot (440 m) plunge comprises over half the total drop. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall.

The upper fall is formed by the swift waters of Yosemite Creek, which, after meandering through Eagle Creek Meadow, drop over the edge of a hanging valley in a spectacular and deafening show of force.

Middle Cascades

[edit]
The Middle Cascades, other than the last drop, are not visible from the valley floor

Between the two obvious main plunges there are a series of four smaller plunges collectively referred to as the Middle Cascades. Taken together these account for a total drop of 675 feet (206 m), more than twice the height of the Lower Fall.

Because of the narrow, constricted shape of the gorge in which these drops occur and the lack of public access, they are rarely noted. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive helicopter rescue due to steep and slippery terrain and features.

Lower Yosemite Fall

[edit]

The final 320-foot (98 m) drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Yosemite Creek emerges from the base of the Lower Fall and flows into the Merced River nearby. Like many areas of Yosemite the plunge pool at the base of the Lower Fall is surrounded by dangerous jumbles of talus made even more treacherous by the high humidity and resulting slippery surfaces.

Flow

[edit]

In all but the wettest years, the falls cease flowing altogether in late summer or fall. A very small number of rock climbers have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon thunderstorm could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face.

Lower Yosemite Fall is easily accessible near the Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. The top of Upper Yosemite Fall may be reached via a steep, strenuous, and usually crowded 3.5 miles (5.6 km) hike beginning near Camp 4 in Yosemite valley. Upper Yosemite Fall may also be reached via the Yosemite Creek Trail from the Tioga Road to the north.

The Ahwahneechee Legend

[edit]

The main village of the native people of Yosemite Valley, the Ahwahneechee, was located at the base of the falls.

The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the plunge pool at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti.[3][4] An Ahwaneechee folktale describes a woman going to fetch a pail of water from the pool, and drawing it out full of snakes. Later that night, after the woman had trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it.

Hiking

[edit]

Several trails are available to hikers. The most challenging hiking trail leading to the top is about 3.6 miles long and takes about two to four hours to climb, depending on a person's experience and preparedness. The most popular and easily accessible trail begins at the bridge near the bottom of the lower fall.

Park naturalists treat visitors to complementary lectures about the Yosemite Valley and Yosemite falls including descriptions of various hiking trails. Park naturalists also provide assistance to visitors and give explanations about safety measures and regulations.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Yosemite Falls". World Waterfall Database.
  2. ^ "Yosemite National Park Waterfalls". U.S. National Park Service. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-21.
  3. ^ Clark, Galen (1904). "Chapter One: Early History". Indians of the Yosemite Valley and Vicinity: Their History, Customs and Traditions. Yosemite Valley, CA: G. Clark. OCLC 1635187.
  4. ^ Kroeber, Alfred L. (1921). "Indians of Yosemite". In Ansel Franklin Hall (ed.). Handbook of Yosemite National Park. London: G. P. Putnam's sons. OCLC 70337415.
[edit]
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