If you want to see Yosemite Valley’s famous waterfalls at their peak during this fourth year of drought you need to do so this month.
Typically most waterfalls peak in May but the dismal Sierra snowpack is leaving watersheds without the runoff needed to keep nature’s spigots flowing strong. The runoff on the Tuolumne and Merced river watersheds is expected to be less than a fifth of normal this year.
The one silver lining is the park is much less crowded in April than in May when the heavy tourist season starts.
Yosemite Falls (2,425 ft)
Flows: Approximately November through July, with peak flow normally in May.
Look for the ice cone at the base of the upper fall during winter and for roaring runoff April through June. Yosemite Falls, one of the world’s tallest, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet).
You can see Yosemite Falls from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (the eastern side of the loop, from the shuttle stop to the base of the waterfall, is wheelchair accessible).
It’s also possible to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls as a strenuous, all-day hike
Sentinel Falls (about 2,000 feet)
Flows: Approximately March through June, with peak flow normally in May.
This waterfall is located on the south side of Yosemite Valley, just west of Sentinel Rock. It is comprised of multiple cascades, which range in height from 50 to500 feet.
You can see this waterfall from areas along Southside Drive near the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, and near the Four Mile Trailhead. Alternatively, you can view it from across Yosemite Valley near Leidig Meadow, or while hiking the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail.
Ribbon Fall (1,612 feet)
Flows: Approximately March through June, with peak flow normally in May.
You can see Ribbon Fall from the road as you drive into Yosemite Valley, just beyond the turn for Bridalveil Fall (parking is available in turnouts).
Horsetail Fall (1,000 feet)
Flows: approximately December through April.
Horsetail Fall is famous for appearing to be on fire when it reflects the orange glow of sunset in mid- to late-February. It falls off of the east side of El Capitan and is best seen from just east of El Capitan.
To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan picnic area (on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Lodge) or in turnouts just east of the picnic area. You can see the waterfall from the road.
Bridalveil Fall (620 feet)
Flows: All year, with peak flow normally in May.
This is often the first waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow.
You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes.
Nevada Fall (594 feet)
Flows: All year, with peak flow normally in late May.
You can see Nevada Fall (from a distance) at Glacier Point. The road to Glacier Point is open approximately late May through sometime in November. A wheelchair-accessible trail is available to the viewpoint when the road is open.
You can also hike beyond Vernal Fall to Nevada Fall on a steep trail
Vernal Fall (317 feet)
Flows: All year, though by mid to late summer, it narrows and separates into one, two, or three falls as water flows decrease; peaks normally in late May.
You can see Vernal Fall (from a distance) at Glacier Point. The road to Glacier Point is open approximately late May through sometime in November. A wheelchair-accessible trail is available to the viewpoint when the road is open.
You can also hike to Vernal Fall on a steep trail.
Illilouette Fall (370 feet)
Flows: All year, with peak flow normally in late May.
While many hikers notice this waterfall as they’re hiking toward Vernal Fall, the best place to see it is on the Panorama Trail, a few miles from Glacier Point. This waterfall is not visible from any road; it’s only visible by hiking on steep trails.
