Lower Yosemite Fall: A Paved Loop with a Seasonal Waterfall

Lower Yosemite Fall is a short valley walk with a dramatic seasonal difference. Spring and early summer can bring spray at the footbridge; by autumn, the water may be gone. On the park’s October 16, 2026 conditions update, Yosemite Falls is dry. Choose the outing for its cliffs, creek corridor and views of the falls’ course rather than expecting a flowing cascade today.

A small circuit below a very tall wall

The official loop is 1.6 km (1 mi), with about 15 m (50 ft) of gain and a nominal 30-minute estimate. That is the circuit itself. Time walking from your parking place, waiting for a bus and stopping at exhibits comes on top.

The west approach gives views of the falls early in the walk. For wheelchair access, the park identifies the eastern portion, when clear of ice and snow. Do not assume the whole circuit has the same conditions: winter ice is particularly relevant on the short western climb toward the bridge. The difficulty guide helps compare surface and conditions with a simple easy label.

Stay on the paved path at the creek. Rocks above the bridge remain slippery even when dry, and the park warns against scrambling there.

Reach the trail without looking for a trailhead lot

There is no parking at the trailhead. Use Yosemite Village or Yosemite Falls parking, then follow the pedestrian approach. Alternatively, take the Valleywide shuttle to stop 6, walk the loop and return to that stop for your parking area. The transport page publishes Valleywide service from 7 am to 10 pm; check stop notices that day.

Yosemite has no timed entrance reservation requirement in 2026, but that does not reserve a parking space. Check current road and trail conditions before driving: the valley has weekday construction delays. For a winter visit, let the ice assessment decide whether you complete the circuit or use only a confirmed clear approach and retrace it.