Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park is among the world’s tallest waterfalls, cascading down 2,245 feet. Visible in multiple locations throughout Yosemite Valley, the falls tend to flow from November through July, peaking in May. But Yosemite Falls isn’t actually one big waterfall.
Instead, it’s made up of three separate falls. Upper Yosemite Fall is the largest portion, stretching 1,430 feet. The middle cascades reach 675 feet and Lower Yosemite Fall reaches 320 feet. Together those three make up Yosemite Falls. Both Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls can be spotted from many spots in the park, while the middle cascades are best viewed from the Lower Yosemite Fall loop trail on warm days when the water is flowing.
When multiple cascades connect to create one large waterfall, the name is plural (Yosemite Falls). When it’s just one fall the name is singular, like with Yosemite’s Ribbon Fall that stretches 1,612 feet.
Yosemite National Park is home to countless waterfalls, best viewed in the spring when most of the snowmelt occurs. The peak runoff usually occurs in May and June, with some completely drying up by August. In late fall, storms rejuvenate the flows before the winter rolls in. A live webcam of Yosemite Falls is available here.
