Yosemite Point offers direct views of Half Dome that rival those found on the North Dome trail, gives you an opportunity to see Lost Arrow Spire up close, and provides panoramic views of many other peaks. Use extreme caution when near the creek and remember you are directly above a waterfall.Īt the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail, you can extend your hike east to Yosemite Point (follow signs for North Dome adds 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) to this hike) or west to Eagle Peak (follow signs to El Capitan, adds 5.8 miles roundtrip (9.3 km) to this hike). Here you may be surprised by the small size of Yosemite Creek, which feeds this massive waterfall.

The upper half of the trail is steep and rocky, but the arduous climb is well worth the amazing views you will be rewarded with at the top.

Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be welcome respite after the tough climb. From there, it is worth the time and energy to hike another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) (some of which is actually downhill!) to get a stunning view of Upper Yosemite Fall. If you make the one-mile, 1,000 foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. Do not stray off of the maintained path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. You will begin to climb above some trees and into exposed plateaus that offer you a glimpse of what's to come: great views of Yosemite Valley and its many iconic landforms. This trail starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak woodland. One of Yosemite's oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of North America’s tallest waterfall, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor.

View of Upper Yosemite Fall and Half Dome from trail Trail Overview Columbia RockĮlevation: 1,000 ft (328 m) elevation gainīegin at: Camp 4 area (near shuttle stop #7) Top of Yosemite FallsĮlevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain

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