About Staircase Falls
Staircase Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located in Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Half Dome 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°44′07″ N, 119°34′30″ W (37.73520, -119.57489). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Glacier Point (cliff, 0.3 mi), Moran Point (summit, 0.5 mi), and Tenaya Creek (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Royal Arch Cascade, 1.0 miles to the north.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite Natioinal Park, on an unnamed creek on the south wall of Yosemite Valley between Glacier Point and Moran Point. (US-T121)
More Photos
13 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Staircase 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 Staircase 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 Staircase 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
Staircase Falls holds a 4.0 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Staircase Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Glacier Point — cliff, 0.3 mi
- Moran Point — summit, 0.5 mi
- Tenaya Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Royal Arch Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Union Point — summit, 0.7 mi
- Indian Canyon Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- Royal Arches — pillar, 0.9 mi
- Tenaya Canyon — valley, 0.9 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 37.73520, -119.57489. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Staircase Falls
- Lehamite Falls, CA1.9 mi north
- Yosemite Falls, CA1.9 mi northwest
- Silver Apron, CA2.0 mi east
- Nevada Fall, CA2.4 mi east
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Staircase Falls located?
Staircase Falls is in Mariposa County, California, in Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.73520, -119.57489 (37°44′07″ N, 119°34′30″ W).
What town is closest to Staircase Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 0.4 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Staircase Falls?
The closest is Royal Arch Cascade (1.0 mi north). Others within reach include Sentinel Fall (1.4 mi), Lower Yosemite Fall (1.6 mi), and Vernal Fall (1.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Staircase Falls?
Staircase Falls 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.