SA Report: church

Trip Date: 12/8/2014

Location: Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Valley

Permit/Pass: By private car, van, pickup truck, or RV - $20 per car. Valid for unlimited entries to Yosemite for seven days. 

Trails: NPS Valley Map, NPS Hiking Map

Directions: (See here for directions to the park.) After entering the valley follow the signs to the Yosemite Lodge area. At the stop sign on Northside Dr. a left (south) turn takes you into the Yosemite Lodge parking area. On the other side of the street is the beginning of the Lower Yosemite Falls trail.

Synopsis: This is an easy stroll to the base of one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. No more need be said.

Trail sequence: Lower Yosemite Falls trail

Type: Loop

Distance: 1 mile

Elevation: Min. - ', Max. - '

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: crowds in high season)

Trail Notes: If visiting in winter, when the falls often dry up, try timing your hike for just after a good storm.

Lower Yosemite Falls - Yosemite NP

Turn by Turn:

  -- After crossing the street follow the signs and interpretive exhibits that lead to the falls (unless it's winter and Yosemite Creek is dry there should be no problem knowing the correct direction).

  -- Upon finishing admiring the falls you can either return the way you came, or continue on the loop over the bridge.

  -- Follow the path as it leads past some exhibits and then turns back to the south through the forest. Along the way signs offer side trips to viewpoints, shuttle stops and the restrooms.

  -- Complete the loop by following the trail back to the stop sign on Northside Dr. 

Photo Gallery: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls and Merced

Video: Youtube