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Why do we enjoy traveling into the mountains? Is it for the scenery? Adventure? Solitude? There are so many reasons to visit, but we feel a major one overlaps all of them: Freedom. The ability to let go and enjoy the moment. With waterfall season upon us, it’s the perfect time to step away from the daily doldrums and truly let go of stresses by experiencing the power of water in all its glory. Here are just a few of the infinite number of High Sierra waterfall options that cascade down the rocky summits of the Sierra Nevada.

Tokopah Falls

Granite Amphitheater Roar

Learn more about other hikes & waterfalls in the Visalia region

Tokopah Falls High Sierra Waterfalls
Tokopah Falls | Photo by: Leah Launey – Appears Courtesy: Visit Visalia

Like Yosemite Valley, Tokopah Valley was shaped by a glacier. Here you’ll find a quintessential Sierra canyon trail. Featuring immense granite walls, alpine meadows and a thundering river, the trail culminates at the famous Tokopah Falls. The nearly 1,200 foot tall waterfall fills a granite amphitheater with a hearty roar that will leave you speechless with its beauty and sound.

Eagle Falls

Emerald Bay Backdrop

To learn more about waterfalls in South Lake Tahoe

Eagle Falls Emerald Bay South Lake Tahoe High Sierra Waterfalls
Eagle Falls, Lake Tahoe | Photo by David Yu – Appears Courtesy: Tahoe South

This gorgeous waterfall is set against the backdrop of iconic Emerald Bay. There are the lower or upper falls – both equally beautiful. Lower Eagle Falls is about a mile walk downhill with drops in two large cascades of 60 and 90 feet. It’s an easy to moderate hike and takes about 20-30 minutes. Pack your water bottles and lunch for a quick bite at the picnic area. From there, continue a quarter of a mile up to see the Upper Eagle Falls.

Yosemite Falls

Historic Trail & America’s Tallest Waterfall

Learn more about the legendary Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls High Sierra Waterfalls
Image taken by: Steve Montalto – Appears Courtesy: Visit Yosemite | Madera County

While the big rocks; Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock… get center stage in Yosemite, there is no denying the power and beauty of Yosemite Falls. Seeing them in full force or feeling their cooling mist is truly inspiring. Yosemite Falls, which drops a total of 2,425 feet, is actually made up of three segments: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet) and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). For those looking for an easy relaxing hike but still want to see them in their full splendor we suggest checking out the Lower Yosemite Fall. And if you’re up to a challenge the trail to the upper falls, built between 1873 and 1877, is the oldest historic trail in the park. It packs a little bit of danger, a lot of elevation climb and America’s tallest waterfall into one spectacular hike. And don’t skimp out without seeing out the other large assortments of falls in the park. With the “liquid rush” of spring happening now there’s so many falls to see in person.

Lundy Canyon Waterfalls

Highest Concentration of Falls on a Hike

Learn more about the Lundy Canyon Trail & its waterfalls

Image appears courtesy: Visit Mono County

Looking to see not just one waterfall but many? Then Lundy Canyon is where it’s at. The high concentration of waterfalls and overall quality of the hike is unlike anywhere else you’ll experience. Besides a lot of waterfall “action”, you’ll be exposed to reflective ponds and an array of blooming wildflowers of all different colors. Overall, this might be the most compelling waterfalling experience you can have anywhere and well worth the travel.

From historic to iconic, the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range can arguably be considered the best place for viewing waterfalls in the world. This is just a drop in the bucket of the vast assortment of High Sierra waterfall beauty you can check out. What is your favorite on the list?   

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex Silgalis is an outdoors travel writer who enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, or having a cold one from a local mountain brewery. See more of Alex’s work at https://localfreshies.com

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For those who like to play as hard as they work, the High Sierra offers plenty of opportunity. From late nights and live music in South Lake Tahoe to backcountry adventures in Yosemite National Park the adventure doesn’t stop until you throw in the towel.

Outdoor Excursions in the Southern Sierra

Giant sequoias, raging waterfalls and Yosemite Valley vistas are just a few of the adventures to enjoy in the Southern Sierra. Families, couples and explorers of all ages will find plenty to discover during this weeklong adventure.

A High Sierra Playground

An adventure for families and the young at heart, this trip explores California’s rich history while taking explorers from the Tahoe Basin to the Central Valley. Discover local cuisine and outdoor recreation in all seasons with the whole family. The Reno-Tahoe airport is the gateway to the region and offers daily shuttle services to Truckee, North and South Lake Tahoe.

A Cultural Tour of the High Sierra

Explore the culinary adventures, art and history in California’s High Sierra with this 6-day trip.

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Need more reasons to visit the Sierra Nevada High Country?

Get a glimpse of the stunning scenery to see and activities to do in the Sierra Nevada.

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