Top 10 Waterfalls in Yosemite Valley: Best Spring Waterfall Hikes & Views
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this spring, you’re in for a real treat — it’s waterfall season! Thanks to snowmelt from the high Sierra, Yosemite’s waterfalls come roaring to life, transforming the park into a wonderland of mist, rainbows, and thunderous cascades. From iconic year-round falls to ephemeral seasonal waterfalls that only appear in the spring, here are the top 10 waterfalls to see in and around Yosemite Valley — each offering its own unique beauty, history, and photo-worthy views.
Lower Yosemite Falls roaring in Yosemite National Park
1. Yosemite Falls – North America’s Tallest Waterfall
Towering at an incredible 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is not only the tallest waterfall in Yosemite National Park — it’s the tallest in North America. This three-tiered waterfall includes Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall, creating an awe-inspiring sight that dominates the Yosemite Valley landscape.
You can catch views of Yosemite Falls from countless spots throughout the valley, including Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge. For a closer look, take the easy 1-mile Lower Yosemite Fall Loop Trail, which leads to the base of the falls — prepare to get misted in the spring! For those craving a challenge, the Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the most strenuous day hikes in the park, climbing over 2,700 feet in just 7.2 miles round trip — but the panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth it.
Ribbon Fall flowing in Spring in Yosemite Valley
2. Ribbon Fall – Yosemite’s Hidden Gem with the Longest Single Drop
Flowing off the west shoulder of El Capitan, Ribbon Fall is a true hidden gem — often overlooked because it runs completely dry for much of the year. But when the snowpack melts in early-to-late spring, this ephemeral waterfall comes roaring to life with a dramatic 1,612-foot free fall, giving it the title of North America’s longest single-drop waterfall.
Best viewing spot? Check out the area near the Teddy Roosevelt & John Muir historical marker, where you can see this stunning fall framed by towering granite cliffs. You can also get a great glimpses of Ribbon Fall through the trees from the Bridalveil Fall trailhead along Southside Drive.
Firefall phenomenon seen on Horsetail Fall in February
3. Horsetail Fall & the Firefall Phenomenon
While Horsetail Fall flows in the spring like many of Yosemite’s seasonal waterfalls, it’s most famous for its February Firefall phenomenon. For just a few weeks each winter, the setting sun hits Horsetail Fall at just the right angle, illuminating it in fiery hues of red and gold, making the granite appear as though it’s on fire.
Photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to Yosemite Valley every year to witness this rare natural event, but even outside of February, Horsetail Fall is worth a look when spring runoff is at its peak.
Yosemite’s Bridalveil Fall roaring in Spring
Bridalveil Fall seen from Tunnel View above a flooded Merced River
4. Bridalveil Fall – The Gateway to Yosemite Valley
As one of the first waterfalls you’ll see when entering Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Fall is one of the park’s most iconic features. With a graceful 620-foot drop, Bridalveil flows year-round, though it peaks in late spring. You can spot Bridalveil Fall from the legendary Tunnel View and Valley View, where it perfectly complements views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
For an up-close experience, take the newly renovated ¼-mile trail to a scenic viewing platform at the base of the falls, but be prepared for mist during the spring!
Silver Strand Falls seen from Yosemite’s Tunnel View
5. Silver Strand Falls – Tunnel View’s Secret Waterfall
Most visitors at Tunnel View are so focused on Half Dome, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall, they miss Silver Strand Falls, a seasonal waterfall tumbling 574 feet just above the overlook. Next time you stop at Tunnel View, look up and to the right — this gorgeous waterfall is worth the extra glance, especially in peak spring runoff.
Sentinel Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
6. Sentinel Falls – Multi-Tiered Beauty Near Sentinel Rock
Located on the south side of Yosemite Valley, Sentinel Falls is a cascading waterfall made up of several drops ranging from 50 to 500 feet. It flows from March to June, with May offering peak flows. You’ll get some of the best views of Sentinel Falls from the Swinging Bridge picnic area, various spots along Southside Drive, and the start of the Four Mile Trail.
Royal Arch Cascade seen near The Ahwahnee Hotel
7. Royal Arch Cascade – Hidden Gem Near the Ahwahnee
Flowing down the granite wall beside Royal Arches, this ephemeral waterfall is at its best during late spring snowmelt. It’s visible from several spots on the east side of Yosemite Valley, especially Stoneman Meadow.
For a close-up view, take a short walk along the Valley Loop Trail near The Ahwahnee Hotel.
Staircase Falls seen from the Curry Village Ice Rink in Yosemite Valley
8. Staircase Falls – Steps of Water Near Curry Village
Named for the way it tumbles down a series of granite steps, Staircase Falls drops roughly 1,300 feet near Curry Village. This seasonal waterfall appears only during spring when the snowpack is melting.
For the best views, head to the Curry Village Ice Rink and gaze up at the cliffs above.
Vernal Fall along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
9. Vernal Fall – A Mist Trail Classic
Crashing down over 300 feet, Vernal Fall is one of Yosemite’s most powerful waterfalls, especially in late spring. Although not seen from the Yosemite Valley, visitors can head out on the Mist Trail from Happy Isles near Curry Village, which offers incredible, up-close views — just be prepared to get wet!
The 600+ granite stairs leading to the top are challenging, but the payoff is worth it: epic views of the Merced River plunging into a mist-filled canyon, often with rainbows dancing in the spray.
The brink of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park
10. Nevada Fall – Thundering Power Above the Mist Trail
Continuing along past Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall is a thundering spectacle in the spring as it crashes down 594 feet. Reaching the top is the final reward along the Mist Trail, after a steep and scenic climb of around 7-8 miles round trip.
You can enjoy breathtaking views of Nevada Fall from the granite platform near its base, the Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail, and best of all — the brink of the waterfall, where the water roars beneath your feet and the views stretch across to Glacier Point.
Nevada Fall seen along the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
What to Know
Wildlife Awareness: This is black bear country. Never feed or approach wildlife, and store food securely. Bear canisters and trash facilities are available at the Wawona Road parking lot.
Weather and Trail Conditions: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially during spring. Rock falls and slippery granite are hazards to watch out for.
Leave No Trace: Protect Yosemite’s natural beauty by packing out all trash and following Leave No Trace principles.
Park Updates: Visit the official Yosemite National Park website before your trip for the latest information on conditions, closures, and safety updates
Reservations: Keep in mind that advanced reservations are typically required during peak seasons, which can be obtained at Reservation.gov. Check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information prior to your visit.
Upper Yosemite Falls above a flooded Merced River & the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
Plan Your Spring Yosemite Waterfall Adventure
With spring snowmelt at its peak, Yosemite Valley transforms into a waterfall lover’s paradise. Whether you’re chasing iconic cascades like Yosemite Falls or discovering hidden seasonal gems like Silver Strand Falls, there’s no better time to explore Yosemite’s world-famous waterfalls than spring.
We can help you plan the perfect waterfall trip to Yosemite National Park this spring or summer. Download a Yosemite Wins pre-made itinerary or let us customize an hour-by-hour schedule for you, tailored specifically to your party’s interests.
