Waterfall · Mariposa County, California

Nevada Fall

Waterfall about 2.6 miles southeast of Yosemite Valley, CA. Also known as Yo-wy-we, Yo-wi-we, and Yo-wai-yi.

4.9 · 120 Google reviews

Photo of Nevada Fall near Yosemite Valley, CA

About Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 2.6 miles southeast of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Half Dome 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′31″ N, 119°32′02″ W (37.72520, -119.53377). Historical sources also record the names Yo-wy-we, Yo-wi-we, and Yo-wai-yi. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Liberty Cap (summit, 0.2 mi), Little Yosemite Valley (valley, 0.3 mi), and Emerald Pool (lake, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Silver Apron, 0.4 miles to the west.

594-ft. waterfall in scenic surrounds, featuring hiking trails to the top & sweeping park vistas.

USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, on the Merced River just west of mile marker 132 in Little Yosemite Valley and at the base of Liberty Cap. (US-T121)

More Photos

5,052 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Nevada Fall

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 Nevada Fall

Sun and Daylight Today

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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 Nevada Fall. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Nevada Fall holds a 4.9 average from 120 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★116
4★3
3★0
2★0
1★1

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Nevada Fall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Liberty Cap — summit, 0.2 mi
  • Little Yosemite Valley — valley, 0.3 mi
  • Emerald Pool — lake, 0.5 mi
  • Mount Broderick — summit, 0.6 mi
  • Clark Point — summit, 0.6 mi
  • Lost Lake — lake, 0.7 mi
  • Grizzly Peak — summit, 1.0 mi
  • Panorama Cliff — cliff, 1.1 mi

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 37.72520, -119.53377. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Nevada Fall

Photo of Vernal Fall, a waterfall 0.3 miles from Silver Apron
Pictured: nearby Vernal Fall (0.3 mi)

Silver Apron

Yosemite Valley, CA · 0.4 mi west
Photo of Vernal Fall near Yosemite Valley, CA

Vernal Fall

Yosemite Valley, CA · 0.7 mi west
4.9 (321)
Photo of Staircase Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Staircase Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 2.4 mi west
4.0 (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nevada Fall located?

Nevada Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 2.6 miles southeast of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72520, -119.53377 (37°43′31″ N, 119°32′02″ W).

What town is closest to Nevada Fall?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 2.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Nevada Fall?

The closest is Silver Apron (0.4 mi west). Others within reach include Vernal Fall (0.7 mi), Illilouette Falls (1.7 mi), and Staircase Falls (2.4 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Nevada Fall?

Nevada Fall appears on the USGS Half Dome 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.