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The awe-inspiring panorama of Yosemite National Park features sky-scraping granite walls and domes with heart stopping 3,000-foot plunging cliffs making some of the world's largest and most majestic waterfalls. Waterfalls in Yosemite animate and enliven the park's massive stage. How many waterfalls are in Yosemite? The answer depends on seasonal rainfall & snowfall and when you visit. Yosemite's largest waterfalls flow from October or November through July, but tend to peak in April and May and into June, with some falls (including the park's signature Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer. Here's a quick tour of world-class waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Falls • Height: 2,425 feet • Location: Yosemite Valley • Flow: November to July, peak in May/June Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. The twin cascades – upper and lower – are together nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building and visible from many points around Yosemite Valley. There is a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (year-round and wheelchair accessible). The full Yosemite Falls Trail is strenuous, but for strong hikers well worth the trek. In spring as the rains continue and high-country snow begins to melt, the most iconic fall in Yosemite Valley bursts with water into a torrent that plunges to the Valley Floor. As the year creeps on, the falls slow into a trickle and eventually into nothing when Yosemite Falls turns into "Yosemite Walls". Then the cycle resets each fall with the first rains of the new wet season. Bridalveil Fall • Height: 620 feet • Location: Yosemite Valley • Flow: Year-round, peaks in May The first waterfall most Yosemite National Park visitors see is stunning Bridalveil Fall which greets visitors as they enter Yosemite Valley from Highway 140 or Highway 41. Truly a head-turner, Bridalveil is that waterfall – the one that graces the right foreground of Yosemite's iconic Tunnel View panorama. It varies from a thunderous spring flow to a gently swaying wisp by season's end. Bridalveil's beauty is surpassed only by its ease of access. Thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy's multi- year Bridalveil Fall Restoration project, the newly-renovated, paved trail to the base of the fall is wider, wheelchair accessible, and pet-friendly. New restrooms and expanded viewing areas are just the frosting on the cake that is a multi-year project set to be completed this spring. Vernal Fall • Height: 317 feet • Location: Yosemite Valley • Flow: Year-round, peaks late May. Vernal Fall – and Nevada Fall directly above – are the stars of perhaps Yosemite's most famous hike: The Mist Trail. Looking like something straight out of Lord of the Rings, The Mist Trail climbs up hundreds of steps carved directly into the side of a mountain past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall (more on Nevada Fall in a second) which flow year-round. Wear grippy shoes or boots and a waterproof shell for the Mist Trail's snowmelt spritz! Nevada Fall • Height: 594 feet • Location: Yosemite Valley • Flow: Year-round, peaks late May The operatic Mist Trail continues steeply for 1.5 additional miles with 2,000 ft. elevation gain to the top of its second aquatic act, Nevada Fall. Nevada Fall thunders in late spring and summer as the roaring Merced River tumbles down toward Yosemite Valley. The view from the top is spectacular, especially where a footbridge crosses above the Merced. Consider taking the John Muir Trail back down to the Valley floor for a different perspective and slightly less strenuous descent. Chilnualna Falls • Height: 2,200 feet • Location: Wawona • Flow: Year-Round, peaks in May Chilnualna Falls, located in Wawona, is one of the least-visited big waterfalls in Yosemite. Part of the reason: it can't be seen from the road. The strenuous, switch backed 8-mile trail to the top begins at an elevation of 4,200 feet and plays peek-a-boo with a series of falls, cascades, and cataracts. Discover the trailhead just off the Chilnualna Falls parking area, two miles up from Chilnualna Falls Road. If being near water is comforting, then catching some sleep close by is next level. There's something special about fluffing a pillow creekside after a day of hiking, or grabbing a cup of morning coffee and watching twigs float down river as you ponder the world-class waterfalls you visited the day before. Fortunately for us, H2O beauty sleep is not only possible but encouraged in these parts. Here is our lineup of lodging near water in Yosemite Mariposa County. Lodging Near the Merced River Just outside the Arch Rock Highway 140 entrance to the park in the steep-walled Merced River Canyon, the Yosemite View Lodge is as close as it gets to the river's edge. Located in El Portal, this H2O gem boasts large comfortable rooms with fireplaces and kitchenettes and balcony views where guests are serenaded by the sound of the Merced flowing past, as well as enjoying on-site dining and outdoor activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting in the spring. Yosemite View Lodge also has multiple outdoor pools and an indoor pool to keep your H2O interaction flowing. A short distance west along All-Season Highway 140, Yosemite Cedar Lodge is a family-style hotel with direct access to the Merced River. Affordable with all-star amenities including kitchenettes in every room, the Yosemite Cedar Lodge has on-site dining as well as a river walk to gazebos near a private, sandy beach with tables and seating where guests can spread out a signature Yosemite Mariposa County picnic. In keeping with river whimsy, kids can search for carved bears on the premises using the Kids' Guide to The Cedar Lodge map available at the front desk. The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is a magical realm where families, backpackers and international travelers can rest peacefully in a grove of black oaks perched above Bear Creek. The Bug is home to the popular June Bug Cafe as well as the Yosemite Health Spa, and accommodations range from tent cabins to private rooms, and dormitory-style bunks to vacation rentals. There is a lush seasonal creek with swimming hole just a short walk from the property, or, just a few miles down the hill at the historic Briceburg Suspension Bridge, guests can explore the Merced River Recreation Area where rafting, swimming, and hiking provide one-stop outdoor fun. Lodging Near Big Creek in Fish Camp Just 2 miles from the South Gate of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41 and located right next to Big Creek, the Tenaya at Yosemite Resort, Cottages and Explorer Cabins offer a full service resort, upscale triplex cottages and "cabineering" experience with ample privacy yet all of the perks of Tenaya at Yosemite's full-service resort. Set on 27 forested acres, each cabin features two bedrooms, flat- screen TV, wet bar with Keurig coffee maker, microwave, and fridge. It's just a 10 minute walk (or 30 second drive) to the main lodge, or take the short Tenaya Loop Trail to Big Creek right from your door and sip your morning joe while beavers build their dams. They may be busy, but you're on vacation. Also located onsite is Tenaya at Yosemite's main lodge offering hotel rooms and spacious modern suites that keep you close to services and amenities like restaurants, pools, and other activities such as the full-service Ascent Spa. There are great amenities for kids too such as the Kid's Game Room, and indoor pool and two outdoor pools, one of which is adults only. Nestled into the fragrant evergreen forest, Tenaya at Yosemite's Cottage Rooms and Suites offer a serene retreat with a fireplace and a private balcony or patio with every room. Of course, Cottage guests enjoy all main lodge resort amenities including room service, WiFi, and air conditioning. The Cottages are just a short walk from the main lodge, but there is also 24-hour valet transportation to and from the Cottages. Spring is the Best Time for Yosemite WAterfalls H2O Hotels: Lodging Near Water in Yosemite Mariposa County Vernal Fall flows year-round. Bridalveil Fall is near the entrance to Yosemite Valley. Visit Nevada Fall (above) and Vernal Fall via the Mist Trail. Chilnualna Falls is a series of falls accessible from Wawona. Yosemite View Lodge features balconies overlooking the Merced River. Tenaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabins, located near Big Creek. Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort offer lodging near Bear Creek. S2 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Advertising Section SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023