The best waterfalls in Yosemite Valley

I was completely blown away by Yosemite! I can’t believe I actually witnessed the legendary “limited edition” rainbow at Bridalveil Fall!

About an hour and a half before sunset (19:05, March 15, 2026), around 17:30, the sunlight angle was absolutely perfect. In that golden light, the massive waterfall mist was refracted into a shifting rainbow of colors. The entire waterfall looked like it was wrapped in a flowing, glowing ribbon of light—pure natural romance.

And what made it even more incredible was that there was also a huge full rainbow appearing right beside it at the same time! Two natural wonders overlapping together—honestly, what kind of luck was that?

This season is perfect for hiking in Yosemite. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, and the waterfalls are flowing at full force. There are plenty of trails in Yosemite Valley, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Yosemite Falls Trail is one of the oldest hiking routes in Yosemite National Park, dating back to around 1880.

The round-trip distance is about 7.2 miles, with roughly 2,700 feet of elevation gain, making it a strenuous hike. Definitely know your limits and hike at your own pace.

There are three main turnaround points along the trail:

Yosemite | Vernal Falls beginner hiking experience

For hikers with limited exercise and little trekking experience, this is a simple sharing from a beginner’s perspective.

Note: In summer, part of the Mist Trail is under maintenance. Before 3:30pm, hikers must take a detour via the John Muir Trail. I chose to start after 3:30pm and did a round trip on the Mist Trail, covering about 4.5 km.

Hiking to the Top of Nevada Fall | Yosemite

We took the Mist Trail for both the ascent and descent. The round trip is about 5.4 miles with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

After passing Vernal Fall, there is a steep climb of around 600 stone steps. The waterfall spray is very strong, and the rocks on the steps are extremely slippery. Proper clothing and sturdy shoes make the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

Most years, in the last two weeks of February, thousands of people drive into Yosemite National Park to watch a waterfall that isn't actually on fire.

It's called Horsetail Fall, a seasonal cascade on the east side of El Capitan — and for a few minutes at sunset, under the right conditions, it turns the color of molten lava. Photographers and park visitors call the phenomenon the Yosemite Firefall. I went to see it myself, and the experience taught me something the photos never do: this is one of the most weather-dependent "sure things" in American travel.

Quick Facts About Horsetail Fall Location: East side of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California Height: About 2,130 feet (650 m) Water source: Snowmelt only — it runs dry by summer "Firefall" viewing window: Roughly February 10–26 each year (exact dates shift with weather and snowpack) Best viewing time: The 15–20 minutes before sunset Nearest parking: Yosemite Falls parking area Walk to viewpoint: About 1.5 miles (one way) to the area near El Capitan Picnic Area It's Not Fire — It's Light