Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

This is an easy and spectacular hike to the base of the tallest waterfall in North America. The lower falls is about 400 feet. This is one of the easiest and prettiest hikes in Yosemite Valley. This comes at the cost of also being one of the busiest. You get to see the final 320 foot plunge of the tallest waterfall in North America. Along the way you go through gorgeous forest and get a nice view of the top of the falls as well. The trailhead is located at one of the shuttle stops making it nice and short from there. You can also hike straight from your car at Yosemite Village which adds 1 mile to the trip. This trail is incredibly busy. We were getting pouring hard rain on us the entire way. With a huge umbrella I was able to get a few photos and the entire fall even peeked out for just a couple minutes. This trail is more or less flat and passes through gorgeous forest. You get some great views of the falls along the way. Photos do no justice to this 2400 foot tall monster. The end of the trail is an overlook at the base of the last section that is a small portion of the entire fall but is still a massive 320 feet with tons of water during spring. For perspective this is about the same height as the famous Lower Falls in Yellowstone. You can return the way you came or continue on the trail which will go back to the road further from Yosemite Village. This was our very last thing we did in Yosemite after several days of terrible weather and gorgeous scenery. It was a great farewell and something everyone should see when there. The waterfall was spectacular and powerful and the hike was easy enough for our very sore legs.