Trail: Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Distance: 7-miles roundtrip Elevation: 3,254 ft. Location: Yosemite National Park, CA Permits: Not required for day hiking. Trip Date: March 2024
I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Yosemite, yet I always find myself hiking the same trails. This solo trip to the national park would be different. Searching for new valley views and Upper Yosemite Falls trail provided exactly that.
It’s mid-March, and after arriving to the national park via YARTS public transportation, I was a little worried my exploring options would be limited. I opted to check out Curry Village for the duration of my stay in the national park. Thankfully, the park offers free shuttle transportation throughout the valley and the park (given you hop on the right bus) and there are many shuttle stops located throughout the park. I hop on the Purple Line from Curry Village to Camp 4 where the trailhead for Upper Yosemite Falls begins.
There is no snow in the valley, yet for some reason, I am layered up for a winter storm. As I begin the 3,200 ft. climb to the falls, I quickly underestimate the elevation. The climb never seemed to end.
Within just the first mile, views of the valley appeared. Incredible new valley views. Exactly the reason I chose this hike! Epic views of Half Dome in the far distance soon to be paired with Yosemite Falls.
About 2-miles in, the trail started to get a little icy. Stopping to throw on some microspikes for the remainder of the way. The spikes really helped, but the climb was still very tough. The last push to the top, for me, was the most difficult. The trail flatens out and heads towards Upper Yosemite Falls overlook at the junction. As I was made my way to the top, a group of hikers heading down mentioned the last part to the falls was really icy, and dangerous.
After snapping a few photos at the overlook, I wanted to see what the trail looked like to the top of the falls. And sure enough, it was a little too icy for my enjoyment- even with microspikes. I did, however, enjoy a nice lunch at the overlook before making my way back down.
