Waterfall · Mariposa County, California

Little Nellie Falls

Waterfall about 11 miles west of Yosemite Valley, CA.

Photo of Foresta Falls, a waterfall 2.3 miles from Little Nellie Falls
Pictured: nearby Foresta Falls (2.3 mi)

About Little Nellie Falls

Little Nellie Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 11 miles west of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the El Portal 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′13″ N, 119°47′04″ W (37.72020, -119.78434). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Foresta Falls, 2.3 miles to the southeast.

Weather at Little Nellie Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Little Nellie Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Sunset
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Golden hour
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Little Nellie Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.72020, -119.78434. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Little Nellie Falls

Photo of Foresta Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Foresta Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 2.3 mi southeast
5.0 (6)
Photo of Wildcat Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Wildcat Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 3.7 mi east
4.9 (28)
Photo of Wildcat Falls, a waterfall 0.3 miles from The Cascades
Pictured: nearby Wildcat Falls (0.3 mi)

The Cascades

Yosemite Valley, CA · 3.9 mi east
Photo of Ribbon Fall near Yosemite Valley, CA

Ribbon Fall

Yosemite Valley, CA · 7.5 mi east
4.5 (12)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Nellie Falls located?

Little Nellie Falls is in Mariposa County, California, about 11 miles west of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72020, -119.78434 (37°43′13″ N, 119°47′04″ W).

What town is closest to Little Nellie Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Little Nellie Falls?

The closest is Foresta Falls (2.3 mi southeast). Others within reach include Wildcat Falls (3.7 mi), The Cascades (3.9 mi), and Chinquapin Falls (4.0 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Little Nellie Falls?

Little Nellie Falls appears on the USGS El Portal 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.