About Sentinel Fall
Sentinel Fall is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 1.5 miles southwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Half Dome 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′30″ N, 119°35′48″ W (37.72493, -119.59655). Historical sources also record the name Sentinel Cascades. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Sentinel Rock (pillar, 0.3 mi), Sentinel Dome (summit, 0.7 mi), and Union Point (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Staircase Falls, 1.4 miles to the northeast.
USGS gazetteer description: On the south wall of northern Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park , on Sentinel Creek and the southwest slope of Sentinel Rock, 1.1 km (0.7 mi) west of Sentinel Dome. (US-T121)
More Photos
14 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Sentinel Fall
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 Sentinel 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 Sentinel 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
Sentinel Fall holds a 5.0 average from 8 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Sentinel Fall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Sentinel Rock — pillar, 0.3 mi
- Sentinel Dome — summit, 0.7 mi
- Union Point — summit, 0.8 mi
- Sentinel Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Eagle Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Profile Cliff — cliff, 0.9 mi
- The Fissures — cliff, 0.9 mi
- Taft Point — summit, 1.0 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 37.72493, -119.59655. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Sentinel Fall
- Yosemite Falls, CA2.3 mi north
- Vernal Fall, CA2.8 mi east
- Lehamite Falls, CA2.8 mi north
- Bridalveil Fall, CA2.8 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sentinel Fall located?
Sentinel Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 1.5 miles southwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72493, -119.59655 (37°43′30″ N, 119°35′48″ W).
What town is closest to Sentinel Fall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 1.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Sentinel Fall?
The closest is Staircase Falls (1.4 mi northeast). Others within reach include Horsetail Fall (1.8 mi), Lower Yosemite Fall (1.8 mi), and Illilouette Falls (2.0 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Sentinel Fall?
Sentinel 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.