Lower Yosemite Falls Hike

If you’re not so active, but want to say you at least got out of your car during your Yosemite visit, the Lower Yosemite Falls hike is for you. Although it can be extremely crowded during peak summer months (and parking is tough), this is still one of the most popular “walks” in the park. Here are more photos…

Tourists & dog hiking the wooden plank trail - Lower Yosemite Falls Hike Photos
Tourists hiking the trail with dog on leash

Being one of the most famous and well traveled trails in the entire park, much (if not all) of the route has a manmade walkway. The section shown with tourists above consists of wooden planks.

Lower Falls From First Viewpoint - Spring Flow
Lower Falls From First Viewpoint

You have two options for viewing the lower fall. The first is quick side trip to the left as you’re hiking up the main trail. I believe it’s labeled “Lower Yosemite Fall Viewpoint”, or something to that effect. There are a few stone benches where you can sit, removed from the throngs of tourists near the base of the falls.

Below is a photo I took among the crowds at the aforementioned base. However, of course I zoomed and cropped the tourists out.

Long Exposure Waterfall Closeup, Near Base
Long Exposure Waterfall Closeup

Without a doubt, the best time to experience the Lower Yosemite Falls hike is in spring. If you really want to do it right, come during the week. The weather is great, the crowds / waiting is minimal, and the falls are flowing mightily at that time.

More related photos can be found in my Lower Yosemite Falls gallery. Also check out the main Yosemite Trails album.

Looking for lodging? Check out my Yosemite Hotels page.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

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– Nathan Allen

About Me

Photographer Nathan Allen

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.