Yosemite’s waterfall season is reaching its peak right now, as melting snow contributes to thunderously full cascades that are a sight to behold. As hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to this gem of the National Park System in California, there are a few things you should know to see the waterfalls at their best and avoid difficulties at the park entrance.
Late spring is one of the best times to visit Yosemite, with sprinkles of wildflowers, mild weather, and of course, epic waterfalls contributing to a promising stay in the park. April, May, and June are usually ideal months to see the falls with peak snowmelt, with May being the best. There’s something especially compelling about seeing the cascades at their fullest, made even more impressive within the park’s verdant spring landscapes.
Yosemite recently announced its 2025 reservation system, which requires visitors to obtain a reservation for their vehicle on certain days. This is meant to mitigate traffic and congestion at the park entrance—more on that below.
Best waterfalls to see in Yosemite
The park’s most impressive cascade is no doubt Yosemite Falls, which, at 2,425 feet, is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth-tallest on the planet. Visitors can get to the base of the lower fall via a wheelchair-accessible one-mile loop trail or via the strenuous Yosemite Falls Trail, which offers views of both the upper and lower falls. By late summer, Yosemite Falls usually slows to a trickle and then disappears entirely as the cold season sets in, only to return in the fall when the first rains hit. Yosemite runs a live webcam of the waterfall so you can see how it’s looking at any given time.
Yosemite is home to dozens of waterfalls worth seeking out as they peak in May. According to the park website, these are some of the best ones:
- Yosemite Falls – Visible from Yosemite Valley, the park’s best waterfall flows from November-July
- Bridalveil Fall – The 620-foot fall greets visitors at the Highway 140/41 entrance and flows year-round
- Vernal Fall – The famous Mist Trail takes you to this year-round fall
- Nevada Fall – Another year-round fall visible via the same Mist Trail
- Sentinel Fall – Have lunch at the Sentinel Falls Picnic Area and watch this series of cascades descending 2,000 feet
- Wapama Fall – Hetch-Hetchy Valley holds this 1,400-foot year-round fall visible via a 5.5-mile hike, which will also grant you a view of Tueelula Falls in the spring
- Chilnualna Falls – To see this impressive 2,200-foot fall, you’ll need to take a strenuous 8-mile hike
By the late summer, most of these falls slow significantly or disappear entirely as the snowmelt dries up.
Tips for visiting Yosemite’s waterfalls
Yosemite recommends visiting the waterfalls in the early morning or late afternoon, which provides the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds. As is the case for most of the park, you’ll find that there are also fewer crowds on weekdays.
It’s essential to dress responsibly when visiting Yosemite’s powerful waterfalls. Trails can be slippery, and the falls often create a chilly mist that feels like a freezing rainstorm. Add the following to your packing list:
- Slip-resistant shoes or boots
- Raincoat or poncho
- Water-resistant sunscreen and hat
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Extra socks
- Extra water and snacks
2025 reservation system
After months of uncertainty, Yosemite finally released details about its 2025 reservation system. Visitors driving into or through the park are required to make reservations during the following peak periods if arriving between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. No reservations are needed outside of these dates and times.
- May 24-26, 2025 (Memorial Day weekend)
- June 15 – Aug. 15, 2025
- Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2025 (Labor Day weekend)
Reservations opened on May 6th, but the park will release additional reservation slots at 8 a.m. seven days before each arrival date. For example, if you want to visit on May 25th, get online to make your reservation at 8 a.m. on May 18th. Visit the NPS website for more information about reservations.
Outside of the above dates, visitors are still likely to experience traffic at the park entrances, which can cause delays lasting more than an hour. You may manage to avoid some traffic by arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially on weekdays. Another option is to leave your car and navigate the park via the free shuttle system or bike.
If you can manage to make the trip to Yosemite this spring, you’re in for a memorable sight as the park’s many waterfalls put on a dazzling show. Consider planning a visit before they dry up for the summer.