Yosemite Waterfalls: The Best Time to Visit and What to See in the Off-Season

The waterfalls in Yosemite National Park are some of the most majestic in the entire country. The sheer walls of towering granite and spectacular cliffs that can be found throughout the park offer awe inspiring backdrops almost everywhere you look. Continue below to learn when the best time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite is and which ones are some of the most popular.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite waterfalls?

Spring! While Yosemite is incredible year-round, if you want to see its beautiful waterfalls at their finest, spring is by far the best time of year to go. In May and June, the waterfalls are at their peak, the wildflowers are blooming, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived (although it does still get quite crowded). In spring, melting snow fills the streams, and in unusually wet years, Yosemite Falls alone can fill the entire valley with its roar!

The Top 5 Yosemite Waterfalls to Visit in Spring

Yosemite Falls

Height: 2,425 ft Flow: Approximately November through July, with peak flow in May Yosemite Falls holds the undisputed title of the tallest waterfall in North America. It’s a challenging hike to the top, but the view from the base is impressive itself and is an easy and scenic 1-mile/1.6-km loop that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). You can see Yosemite Falls from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge). Check out the Yosemite Falls webcam for a current view of the waterfall!

Bridalveil Fall

Height: 620 feet Flow: All year, with peak flow in May This is likely the first waterfall you’ll see when entering Yosemite Valley. In spring, it thunders; during the rest of the year, look for its characteristic light, swaying flow. You can see Bridalveil Fall from near the tunnels on the Wawona Road (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) and from a signed parking lot on your way into Yosemite Valley. You can also walk to the base via a short but steep (up to 24% slope) trail in just a few minutes.

Experience Yosemite in a Camper Van

Ready to go see some waterfalls? A camper van will allow you to experience Yosmite in all of it’s glory while still having comfort and security (read our Yosemite camper van rental guide for more info). Simply fly into San Francisco, pick your van up from our San Francisco camper van rental site, and follow our San Francisco to Yosemite road trip guide. You can also fly into Los Angeles and pick up your camper van from our Los Angeles depot, just 5 or so hours away from Yosemite.  Feel free to check out our blog for more Yosemite tips and guides like how to find camping in Yosemite without a reservation and six must-do Yosemite hikes.