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Yosemite National Park (7)
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Waterfalls
There are an amazing number of spectacular waterfalls which drop from the cliffs to the floor of Yosemite Valley. One such waterfall is Ribbon Falls which is 1,612 feet high. It is the highest uninterrupted fall of water in the valley.
Another of the spectacular cascades in Yosemite Valley is California Falls.
Bridalveil Falls, while relatively modest in height at 626 feet, is still the height of a 62 story building! The water flows through Bridalveil Canyon over the cliff into the valley. The falls was called "Pohano" by the Indians, meaning "puffing wind." It was renamed Bridalveil Falls by James Mason Hutchings, sometimes considered the valley's "first tourist", and acclaimed artist William Ayres, whose drawings such as 1855's "The Yo-Hamite Falls" brought so much notoriety to the area.
One interesting fact of which many visitors are unaware is that, by mid-August, most of these falls which drop into the valley are dry, and non-existent. The best time to see the falls is in May and June.
Another view of Bridalveil Falls, though the trees and wit the sun shining through the mist, can be seen below.
The Merced River flows into the Yosemite Valley over a series of "steps" or waterfalls, the main ones being Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. Nevada Falls can be seen below.
The next step is less spectacular, Vernal Falls. Vernal Falls is 80 feet wide and flows over a rocky precipice.
Another view of Vernal Falls is shown below. The combination of Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls is sometimes referred to as "Grant's Stairway." Because the Merced River flows year around, these falls are never dry and are fun to see at any time of year.
Other Falls There are many other waterfalls in the park outside of Yosemite Valley. While they may be less spectacular than the towering falls discussed above, they are nevertheless beautiful and memorable. One such waterfall is Tuolumne Creek Falls, seen below.
Cascade Creek is flows through a rocky canyon.
The creek flows over Cascade Creek Falls.
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