Wednesday 21 June 2023

Yosemite's waterfalls, California, USA

Yosemite Falls Trail
Yosemite Mariposa County covers more than 1,460 square miles of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada.

It takes in the edge of California’s Central Valley and goes through golden foothills and up to the alpine heights of Yosemite National Park and the High Sierra. 

There is Glacier Point, one of the most spectacular vistas of any national park. Promoting itself as Home of Yosemite' the 16-mile-long Glacier Point Road overlooks Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and a number of majestic waterfalls including Yosemite Falls Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. 

The twin cascades are together nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building and visible from many points around Yosemite Valley. 

There is a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (year-round and wheelchair accessible). 

The full Yosemite Falls Trail is strenuous, but for strong hikers well worth the trek. 

Bridalveil Fall The first waterfall most Yosemite National Park visitors see as they enter Yosemite Valley from Highway 140 or Highway 41 is Bridalveil Fall. 

It varies from a thunderous spring flow to a gently swaying wisp by season’s end. 

The Yosemite Conservancy’s multi-year Bridalveil Fall Restoration project has made the newly-renovated, paved trail to the base of the fall wider, wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly

Nevada Fall The Mist Trail goes to Nevada Fall passing through the Vernal and Nevada falls. 

Nevada Fall thunders in late spring and summer as the Merced River tumbles down toward Yosemite Valley. 

Horsetail Fall A good snowpack is required for Horsetail Fall to flow and this year and is where the annual phenomenon of Yosemite Firefall takes place during the month of February. 

When conditions allow Horsetail Fall appears as a plummeting cataract of flames. Chilnualna Falls Chilnualna Falls (“Chil-noo-all-na”), which gets far fewer visitors than the falls falls in Yosemite Valley, weaves through forested sections offering views of Wawona Dome above and the village of Wawona below.

It appeals to those looking to get off the beaten path. 

Foresta Falls Located just six miles from Yosemite Valley, Foresta is reached by a 1.8 mile out and back trail, which is a decommissioned dirt road with views of several tumbling cascades. 

Yosemite’s largest waterfalls peak in April, May and into June, with some falls (including the park’s signature, Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer. 

Yosemite Falls is expected to continue flowing until July 2023 as a result of this year’s heavy snowfall throughout the winter season. 

www.yosemite.com *Source: Imogen Frew at imogen@blackdiamond.co.uk

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