Upper Yosemite Falls Trail Hike, Stop

Im 14 and i decided to go on the hike by myself. It was really fun see all different types of people and scenery along the way. It took about 4 hour to reach to summit but only 1hour and 15 mins. to get down. I left at 11 with plenty of time to even go rafting down the river at the lodge. At the top there is a great swimming hole if the fall is very low. you are able to jump off rocks in to the water.

My wife and I decided to hike to Upper Yosemite Falls from the Valley Floor as part of our honeymoon in Califormia. The climb up is strenuous and took us circa 4 hours. We were somewnat naive and ran out of water about 2/3rds the way up. I'd echo what other posters have said about bringing as much water as you can carry. Thankfully, the falls were virtually running at a trickle and we were able to fully rehydrate from the pools at the summit. About 300m from the summit we met a beautiful black bear (blue tag, #34). He was clearing the berries on a bush just off the switchback ahead of us. We watched the bear from 20m away for a good 10 minutes with nobody else interrupting our encounter. It was a magical moment we'll never forget. The views from the falls are outstanding. It was a beautiful, warm September day and we were able to walk in the riverbed leading to the edge of the falls. I'd highly recommend this hike to anyone but you need to have a decent level of fitness before attempting.

My wife and I hiked to Upper Yosemite Falls on June 12, 2010. We have been training for this hike for months and doing alot of research. We took 4 liters of water each along with Cliff Bars, apples, nuts, PB&J etc. I am 62 and my wife is 47. I drank 2 liters on the way up aong with 2 cliff bars and some nuts and raisns. I rested several times on the way up and finally, after much effort, made it to the top. We had lunch and then it happened. I started getting dizzy, nauseous and getting leg cramps in my inner thigh. I was in major pain with the cramps and could not stand up. I could not make it down in this condition. As chance would have it, there were 3 REI guides with a group there and they were trained as First Responders in medical emergencys. I was dehydrated. After about an hour the symptoms went away and I was able to hike down to the valley floor. It took us 4 hours and 45 minutes to get to the top and 4 hours to get down. WARNING !! I drank 2 liters of water going up and still got dehydrated. The REI Guides refilled my Camelback on top and I used it all on the way down. If you plan on making this hike take MORE water than you think you'll need. All the water you can carry unless you carry a filter or water purifiying tablets. If the guides hadn't filled my Camelback I would have gotten dehydrated on the way down. Other than that, it's a wonderfull, very strenious hike. Be prepaired.

It was mid April when we hiked it. By the time we got to the top, it was snowing on us. We were cold and exhausted, but the views were absolutely incredible! Worth all the switchbacks, just take it easy and you will make it!

I have hiked to the top of Yosemite Falls twice, my most recent trip being yesterday. It is a challenging hike - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There are too many switchbacks to count and you need to be prepared with more water than you think you'll need. Mosquito repellent will also help you to enjoy the views. There are three sections of switchbacks along the trail. A shaded set of switchbacks at the start (my book said there were 60!) followed by a short straight stretch where your legs get a brief respite. Too soon come the sandy switchbacks and then a surprising descent around a giant piece of granite. Enjoy the downhill while you have it because after that the climb up is unforgiving. You will not have shade for the last killer set of switchbacks. It is steep and the rocks are unforgiving (especially on the way down!). But if you've gotten this far you really can't turn back. Even if you stop and rest at the end of each switchback (my favorite method), by pressing on you will be rewarded by the spectacularly beautiful, shaded top of a mountain and a treachorous and scary once-in-a-lifetime view from the Yosemite Falls overlook. (Where I think they could use a few more railings!) Most visitors to Yosemite never experience this view so soak it up, rest your feet and hydrate before you start your way down.

Half way to the top there was a small trail lead to the edge of mountain. From there you will see the whole length of Yosemite Fall. It was breath taking view. Although it was very tiring, you will appreciate the view and experience. Take hiking stick, water and a good camera. This is a place you will not forget after your visit.