Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

If you are planning a trip to the popular Yosemite National Park, chances are you have heard of the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail. This hike is a must-do for most travelers visiting the park unless, of course, you are taking on the Half Dome Cable Hike. Which requires not only a permit but also a brave soul.

The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is a bit easier and can be done by most hikers. In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know before you lace up your boots and hit the trail!

How To Get to Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

The drive into Yosemite National Park is drop-dead gorgeous. You will make your way around windy turns surrounded by lush greenery.

You will eventually make your way into the forest, which leads you to the Yosemite National Park Sign.

Pick up your map of Yosemite at the entrance in case you get lost. Then, take the drive to the Upper Yosemite Falls parking area, which is easy. Just park anywhere near Yosemite Lodge or Yosemite Village. I recommend getting there early, and the spots fill up quickly. 

If you aren’t able to get a spot there, you can park just about anywhere in eastern Yosemite Valley and catch a free shuttle to the trailhead.

The shuttle normally runs during summer when the park has this capacity.

You can get off the shuttle at the #7 stop, then cross the road and walk a short 5-minute distance to the trailhead.

Hiking The Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Now, let’s talk about the hike! I will start by saying it is not easy, especially on those hot California summer days.

But every step and every incline made the summit worth it! You will be hiking 6.6 miles with an elevation gain of 3,254 ft.

Section One: Columbia Rock

As the hike starts, the first section of the trail will have a lot of switchbacks. They are steep, and this will get your heart pumping! It is pretty shaded here, so you do not have to worry about the sun beating down on you too hard.

As you make your way up, you will be able to enjoy views of the thrilling Half Dome and stunning Awahnee Meadow. Depending on your speed, this section will take you about an hour, and you will find yourself at Columbia Rock. This is where many take a break and fuel up on some much-earned snacks.

Section Two: Lower Gate

As you leave Columbia Rock, you will hike up into the landslide area above it.

Be careful here; the sand can make this part slippery. Just go slow and take your time.

You will climb for about 10 minutes until you reach the lower gate of Upper Yosemite Fall Trail.

After passing the lower gate, the trail will become flat before it goes up again. This is where you will get the most amazing views of the Yosemite Falls.

Stop here, take pictures, and enjoy the cool mist on your face. You will need it because the next part of the hike is the hardest. But you can do it!

You will be hiking upwards along switchbacks and steep sections. There is no shade here.

So, make sure to put on your hat and sunscreen to avoid overheating. Take plenty of water breaks, too, especially during those hot summer days.

This section can take around 2 hours to complete, but once you reach the top of the switchbacks, you will be a short distance away from the summit.

Section Three: The Summit

At this point, you will arrive at the upper gate, and the climb is finally over. You will notice a small stream near the upper gate. Cross this stream on the right and then follow signs for Yosemite Fall Overlook. Walk for 10 minutes until you see the signpost for the overlook near the edge of the rim.

Make a left turn at the signpost, and you’ll go down a small staircase to a small platform near the mouth of Yosemite Falls. There is only a guardrail keeping you from falling, so be careful and do not get too close.

Sit down at the overlook and soak in all the views! You will be able to see the mouth of Yosemite Falls, and it is wonderful to admire. Enjoy your lunch from the top while taking in all of Yosemite National Park’s beauty around you.

I would recommend downloading the trail on All Trails before heading out. That way, you can see where you are on the trail and how much time you have left per section.

Your Hiking Checklist

This hike is strenuous, and many take all day to enjoy it. I recommend packing lots of snacks and stopping off at the various viewpoints.

You can also pack a lunch and eat it at the summit while enjoying the amazing views around you. We spent all day exploring the area!

Hiking Must Haves

• Hiking Backpack: While it may seem obvious, do not forget your hiking backpack! Backpacks make it easy to store all of your items, including snacks, water, and a camera.

• Headlamp: A Headlamp is always a good to have in your pack. Sometimes, you may spend too much time at the summit enjoying the views, which may quickly turn into Sunset. A headlamp will be a lifesaver if you end up hiking back in the dark.

• Water, Water & More Water: I am not joking; you need to bring lots of water with you for this hike. There is no place to fill up along the trail. So, pack a gallon of water in a bladder or multiple water bottles. Collpablse water bottles work great for hikes like these since you can easily fold them up when you are done drinking them.

• High Protein Snacks: Filling your backpack with protein bars and snacks is necessary. Your body is going to burn a lot of calories during this hike. So it’s important to refuel as much as possible so your energy stays up.

• Emergency Kit: I always bring a small emergency kit with me. Not only are they little, but they can save your life during a hike. Whether you cut yourself, get stung, or your hiking shoe breaks, this little kit can save the day!

• Rain Jacket: California is known for being sunny, but rain showers can happen anytime, especially in the mountains. Rain jackets will keep you warm when visiting windy black sand beaches and misty waterfalls.

I hope you are so excited to take on the Upper Yosemite Falls hike during your next visit to Yosemite National Park!

Explore More National Parks

Read all of my National Park Travel Guides!

From here, we went to Napa to visit Castello di Amorosa: A Castle Winery in Napa Valley

If you are visiting Washington, consider exploring the Tree of Life in Olympic National Park: How to Visit!

Or go to Thunder Knob Trail: Hiking In The North Cascades.