About Snow Creek Falls
Snow Creek Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 2.9 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Yosemite Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°45′56″ N, 119°32′06″ W (37.76548, -119.53489). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Snow Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Watkins Pinnacles (pillar, 0.6 mi), and Basket Dome (summit, 0.9 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Royal Arch Cascade, 2.2 miles to the southwest.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of the mouth of Snow Creek at Tenaya Creek on the north wall of Tenaya Canyon. (US-T121)
More Photos
73 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Snow Creek 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 Snow Creek 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 Snow Creek 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
Snow Creek Falls holds a 5.0 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Snow Creek Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Snow Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Watkins Pinnacles — pillar, 0.6 mi
- Basket Dome — summit, 0.9 mi
- Ahwiyah Point — summit, 1.0 mi
- Mirror Lake — lake, 1.4 mi
- Half Dome — summit, 1.5 mi
- Indian Ridge — ridge, 1.5 mi
- Indian Rock — summit, 1.5 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 37.76548, -119.53489. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Snow Creek Falls
- Staircase Falls, CA3.0 mi southwest
- Yosemite Falls, CA3.3 mi west
- Upper Yosemite Falls, CA3.4 mi west
- Lower Yosemite Fall, CA3.5 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Snow Creek Falls located?
Snow Creek Falls is in Mariposa County, California, about 2.9 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.76548, -119.53489 (37°45′56″ N, 119°32′06″ W).
What town is closest to Snow Creek Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 2.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Snow Creek Falls?
The closest is Royal Arch Cascade (2.2 mi southwest). Others within reach include Lehamite Falls (2.4 mi), Vernal Fall (2.6 mi), and Silver Apron (2.7 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Snow Creek Falls?
Snow Creek Falls appears on the USGS Yosemite Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.