Snow Creek Falls
Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
| Address: | Snow Creek Falls, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°45'55.7"N 119°32'5.6"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 5.00 miles |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Elevation Gain: | 100 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.1 mi |
Restrooms Lakes Waterfalls Streams Trails Rocks National Park Rivers
Backpack and Hike
Snow Creek is one of the more difficult waterfalls to find in the valley, but in the spring and summer months, the elusive waterfall can be seen from the Mirror Lake Trail, a 5 mile loop around Mirror Lake.
The first mile of the Mirror Lake Loop is a flat, straightforward path to Mirror Lake, one of Yosemite's most popular swimming holes. Continuing around the lake, the trail eventually meets the Snow Creek Trail, a separate, strenuous 9 mile hike. It's at this junction that Snow Creek Falls can be spotted.
Snow Creek Falls is 2,140 feet of cascades enveloped in Tenaya Canyon. The entire fall is made up of seven separate drops, the longest being 500 ft. Because of the deep recesses of the rocks it flows over, it is almost tucked away inside the canyon. But if you know where to look, you can find it.
Mirror Lake Loop is the least strenuous way to access the falls, and you can stop for a swim on your way over. However, if you're looking for something more challenging, Snow Creek Falls can also be seen from the "Diving Board," an obscure rock protrusion at the Half Dome summit.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park
- Head northeast on Northside Dr toward Lower Yosemite Fall TrailToll road(0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Sentinel DriveToll road(0.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Southside DrToll road(1.0 mi)
- Continue straight onto Happy Isle Loop RdToll road(0.4 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Happy Isle Loop RdToll road(0.2 mi)
- Turn leftToll road(0.1 mi)
- Turn rightToll road(0.1 mi)
Shuttle stop #17 takes you right to Mirror Lake Trailhead
Trails
Distance ?
2.1 milesElevation Gain ?
164 feetReal Ascent ?
309 feetReal Descent ?
145 feetAvg Grade (1°)
1%Grade (-15° to 14°)
-27% to 25%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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