Are dogs allowed on Yosemite Falls Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Yosemite Falls Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Yosemite Falls Trail?

No, Yosemite Falls Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Yosemite Falls Trail?

Yosemite Falls Trail is rated difficult. It is 7.2 miles long with 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Yosemite Falls Trail?

Yosemite Falls Trail is best hiked in spring and summer. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

1 / 5

DifficultOut and Back

Yosemite National Park/California

Yosemite Falls Trail

Yosemite Valley, California

7.2 mi

Distance

2,700 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 45m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Strenuous climb to the top of North America's tallest waterfall (2,425 ft total drop). Dramatic views from Columbia Point and the Upper Falls overlook.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherFlash flood dangerCold waterSlippery rocksSteep sectionsLimited water

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:209-372-0200
Address:9039 Village Drive · Yosemite, CA · 95389

Best Seasons

Spring Summer

Highlights

Upper Yosemite FallColumbia PointValley viewsYosemite Point option

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CA Unit D6· D

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Yosemite Falls Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Yosemite Point

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail to Panorama Trail to Mist Trail

Four Mile Trail

Nevada Falls

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Other trails in Yosemite National Park

Half Dome

Mirror Lake Loop

Four Mile Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir Loop

Campgrounds near this trail

Camp 4

Housekeeping Camp

Curry Village

Glacier Point Ski Hut

Yosemite Valley Backpacker's Campground

Lower Pines Campground

Similar trails in California

Mirror Lake Loop

Four Mile Trail

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Iron Mountain Trail

Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area