Yosemite National Park Waterfalls

The most beautiful mountains in the world are located in Yosemite National Park. Swiss Alps and the Colorado Rocky Mountains both are incomparable in their unique experiences, but nothing quite compares with Yosemite's Half Dome, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

One of the most spectacular times to see these glorious mountains is in the spring from March to June when the waterfalls gush like a blushing bride. It is not unusual to see brides & grooms standing in front of the Bridalveil Fall posing for a wedding day photograph. At 620 feet in height, the wind often blows sideways, fanning the misty spray to the shape of a bride's veil, thus the name. The native American tribe of Ahwahneechee Indians called it the spirit of the puffing wind or Pohono. Most everyone passes this fall as they drive through the valley.

Ribbon Fall in Yosemite National Park is the tallest waterfall in North America, cascading 1,612 feet or more than 1/3 mile from its highest point to the valley floor. It is so tall, it almost feels and looks dream-like as you watch the water descend.

A favorite s is Yosemite Falls which measures 1,430 feet in its upper portion; 675 feet in the middle, and 320 feet as it hits the rocks and ground running. The spray from the fall spreads out and will get your camera, hair and clothes wet. Its total drop of the three combined segments is 2,425 feet, and it ranks as one of the tallest waterfalls in North America and fifth highest in the world.

Other falls to see within the park to make up the 7 major falls you can watch include: Illilouette Fall visible from below on the John Muir Trail. From Washburn Point, just before you get to Glacier Point; Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall are both visible from the Mist Trail, which truly provides a misty cooling experience on hot summer days in Yosemite Valley. Horsetail Fall is around 1000 feet in height and flows from the eastern cliffs of El Capitan. Some time around the last two weeks in February the sun creates backlighting that makes the fall glow orange and appear to be on fire.

Outside Yosemite National Park are other waterfalls to visit, see, experience and photograph. They include Chilnualna Falls, a 300 foot cascading waterfall with a large drop seen from Wawona, in Southern Yosemite. Downriver from Tuolumne Meadows is Waterwheel Falls. This falls has an effect that looks like a spinning waterwheel. Two of the tallest falls outside the park are Tueeulala Fall at 1,000 feet and Wapama Falls at a whopping 1700 feet. Both can be found in Hetch Hetchy.

What's best about this season is that the weather is excellent, there are no real crowds to speak of just yet, and hotel availability in spots such as Yosemite View Lodge, Tenaya Lodge, Ahwahnee and Wawona allows for discounts.

If you're looking for adventure, the falls provide that. If you're seeking a romantic place, visit the waterfalls. If you just want some time to yourself, be sure to make a visit to Yosemite National Park part of your regimen to getting yourself in balance with nature. These waterfalls will fill your senses and help you make it through whatever life deals you.

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