Waterfall · Mariposa County, California

Upper Yosemite Falls

Waterfall about 1.5 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley, CA.

4.7 · 7 Google reviews

Photo of Upper Yosemite Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

About Upper Yosemite Falls

Upper Yosemite Falls is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 1.5 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Yosemite Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°45′23″ N, 119°35′49″ W (37.75631, -119.59683). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lost Arrow (pillar, 0.1 mi), Yosemite Point (cliff, 0.2 mi), and Eagle Tower (pillar, 0.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Yosemite Falls, 0.2 miles to the northeast.

More Photos

42 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Upper Yosemite Falls

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 Upper Yosemite 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 Upper Yosemite 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

Upper Yosemite Falls holds a 4.7 average from 7 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★6
4★0
3★1
2★0
1★0

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

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

  • Lost Arrow — pillar, 0.1 mi
  • Yosemite Point — cliff, 0.2 mi
  • Eagle Tower — pillar, 0.4 mi
  • Arrowhead Spire — pillar, 0.5 mi
  • Castle Cliffs — cliff, 0.5 mi
  • Columbia Rock — pillar, 0.8 mi
  • Lehamite Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
  • Indian Canyon — valley, 0.8 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 37.75631, -119.59683. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Upper Yosemite Falls

Photo of Yosemite Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 0.2 mi northeast
4.8 (140)
Photo of Lehamite Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Lehamite Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 1.1 mi northeast
5.0 (2)
Photo of Staircase Falls near Yosemite Valley, CA

Staircase Falls

Yosemite Valley, CA · 1.9 mi southeast
4.0 (6)
Photo of Sentinel Fall near Yosemite Valley, CA

Sentinel Fall

Yosemite Valley, CA · 2.2 mi south
5.0 (8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Yosemite Falls located?

Upper Yosemite Falls is in Mariposa County, California, about 1.5 miles northwest of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.75631, -119.59683 (37°45′23″ N, 119°35′49″ W).

What town is closest to Upper Yosemite Falls?

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 Upper Yosemite Falls?

The closest is Yosemite Falls (0.2 mi northeast). Others within reach include Lower Yosemite Fall (0.3 mi), Lehamite Falls (1.1 mi), and Royal Arch Cascade (1.5 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Upper Yosemite Falls?

Upper Yosemite 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.