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Lower Yosemite Falls (Yosemite)

Posted on September 23, 2008 by: Traveler

  • The approach to the bridge viewing area of the lower fall.
  • On this approach, the 1,425 ft. Upper Yosemite Fall commands the skyline through a break in the forest canopy.
  • The half mile trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. The only real incline is right at the end (at the bridge over Yosemite Creek).
  • View of Lower Yosemite Fall from the bridge over Yosemite Creek.
  • A way to get closer to the thundering cascade (be cautious) would be to cross over the bridge and skirt along the treeline until you hop on the large boulders where these hikers are at.
  • From the lower falls viewing area, the upper falls become hidden. Just below the highest point of the ridgeline is the Lost Arrow and the notch farther to the left is where the upper fall begins.
  • Mist of the Lower Yosemite Fall.
  • Yosemite Creek.
  • The Northside Drive hops over Yosemite Creek via a bridge just before the crosswalk at the Yosemite Lodge parking area.
  • Yosemite Creek will be to the right side of the paved trail as you walk to the bridge at the Lower Yosemite Fall. In the background is The Sentinel and Glacier Point.
  • Lower Yosemite Fall in January with a frozen Yosemite Creek.
  • The flow of Yosemite Creek is evident as the calmer water freezes over during the winter.

Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Closest City: Mariposa
State: 7
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: Cross over the Sentinel Bridge (left turn) along Yosemite Valley's loop road. Before the bridge is a one-way road along the Southside Drive and just past the bridge the road remains a one-way road to Housekeeping Camp and Curry Village. The only reason I mention this is because the road becomes a two-way throughfare all the way to Yosemite Village (right turn at the next "T") after crossing over Sentinel Bridge. You are now on the Northside Drive. There is plenty of parking at Yosemite Village and the free shuttles depart on the back side of the store. Simply ask the shuttle driver which shuttles head toward the Lower Yosemite Falls trail and climb aboard. Another option would be to drive to the Yosemite Lodge parking lot (turn left at the "T" intersection just past Sentinel Bridge). After passing the Sunnyside Walk-In Campground (Camp 4), you will see the parking lot ahead and to the left. The parking area is on the south side of the road and the trail begins on the north side.  Cross the Northside Drive at the crosswalk and head straight toward the Falls. There is a newly restored meadow to the right with restrooms on the far right side. NOTE: It is also possible to walk from the village. The grade is level at about 4,000 ft. ,although, I don't know the exact walking distance from the village center.

DESCRIPTION: The half mile paved path to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls seems to have been carved from the forest. It is ,for the most part, a straight shot to the viewing area of the falls which is a bridge spanning over Yosemite Creek. There is a minor incline right at the end to get hikers above the level of Yosemite Creek which you have paralleled to the right. Look for deer in this wooded area.

Standing on the bridge at Yosemite Creek (during periods of full flow) is like standing in a wind tunnel. The water crashing down displaces the air, sending it rushing through a carved out canyon directly toward those viewing it from the bridge below. By crossing over the bridge, it is possible to get closer to the base area of the falls via rock hopping. Just be careful as some rocks are slippery. 

The Lower Yosemite Falls walk is a nice gentle stroll to one of the Valley's icons. The round-trip hike can be completed in approximately 45 minutes. For the more adventurous seeking a bird's-eye view of the valley below, drive back to the Sunnyside Walk-In Campground parking lot and hop on the trail to Upper Yosemite Falls. 

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Tags

Yosemite National Park, Southside drive, Northside Drive, Sentinel Bridge, Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Village, Valley Shuttles, Merced River, Yosemite Creek, Yosemite Falls, Lost Arrow, hiking, Camp 4, Sunyside Walk-In Campground

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