Upper Yosemite Fall Trail
Dozens of switchbacks rise from oak and pine to Columbia Rock, exposed upper slopes, and granite near the fall’s brink.
Artwork inspired by Wayne Thiebaud
Dozens of switchbacks rise from oak and pine to Columbia Rock, exposed upper slopes, and granite near the fall’s brink. Water volume changes dramatically, making spring thunder and late-summer dryness almost different trails. Upper Yosemite Fall Trail becomes easier to read when distance (7.2 miles round trip), gain (2,700 feet), and season (Best water in spring) are held together rather than treated as disconnected labels.
Treat Columbia Rock as a valid destination, then continue only with enough water, shade strategy, and reserve for the long descent. Heat, ice, loose granite, cliff exposure, and an unguarded river above the fall demand strict turnaround and barrier discipline.
- Distance
- 7.2 miles round trip
- Gain
- 2,700 feet
- Season
- Best water in spring
Quick guide
- Start with
- Treat Columbia Rock as a valid destination, then continue only with enough water, shade strategy, and reserve for the long descent.
- Look closely at
- Compare Columbia Rock with Upper Fall view, then use waterfall brink to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Treat Columbia Rock as a valid destination, then continue only with enough water, shade strategy, and reserve for the long descent.
- Look closely at
- Compare Columbia Rock with Upper Fall view, then test that reading against waterfall brink.
- Place in context
- Distance: 7.2 miles round trip; Gain: 2,700 feet; Season: Best water in spring
- Plan the arrival
- For Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, navigate to Upper Yosemite Fall Trailhead, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, the reviewed public trailhead. Before hiking Upper Yosemite Fall Trail, recheck permits.
Good to know
Heat, ice, loose granite, cliff exposure, and an unguarded river above the fall demand strict turnaround and barrier discipline.
Notice these
- Columbia Rock
- Upper Fall view
- waterfall brink