About Rancheria Falls
Rancheria Falls is a named waterfall in Tuolumne County, California, located about 16 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°57′18″ N, 119°42′38″ W (37.95492, -119.71045). Historical sources also record the name Five-Finger Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Le Conte Point (summit, 0.6 mi), Rancheria Creek (stream, 1.0 mi), and Tiltill Creek (stream, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wapama Falls, 3.1 miles to the west.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, on Rancheria Creek 1.6 km (1 mi) east of its mouth with the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and 0.96 km (0.6 mi) north of Le Conte Point. (US-T121)
More Photos
77 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Rancheria Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Rancheria Falls
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 Rancheria Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Rancheria Falls holds a 4.9 average from 18 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Rancheria Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Le Conte Point — summit, 0.6 mi
- Rancheria Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Tiltill Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Tiltill Valley — valley, 1.2 mi
- Little Hetch Hetchy Valley — valley, 1.3 mi
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir — reservoir, 1.6 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 37.95492, -119.71045. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Rancheria Falls
- California Falls, CA15 mi east
- Yosemite Falls, CA15 mi southeast
- Upper Yosemite Falls, CA15 mi southeast
- Lehamite Falls, CA15 mi southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rancheria Falls located?
Rancheria Falls is in Tuolumne County, California, about 16 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.95492, -119.71045 (37°57′18″ N, 119°42′38″ W).
What town is closest to Rancheria Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 16 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Rancheria Falls?
The closest is Wapama Falls (3.1 mi west). Others within reach include Tueeulala Falls (3.5 mi), Preston Falls (11 mi), and Waterwheel Falls (14 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Rancheria Falls?
Rancheria Falls appears on the USGS Hetch Hetchy Reservoir 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.