Wapama Falls Hike
Waterfall | California
5 mi round trip
Route line not shown. The 5 mi distance for this hike is verified (home.nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Wapama Falls
Wapama Falls is a waterfall in California, on land managed by Yosemite National Park.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Wapama Falls Trail: 5 miles round trip, from O'Shaughnessy Dam (Wapama and Rancheria Falls Trailhead). Distance from home.nps.gov.
Before You Go
- Pets are not allowed on the dam or on hiking trails. (home.nps.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Yosemite National Park for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Wapama Falls?
The Wapama Falls Trail to Wapama Falls is 5 miles round trip.
Where does the Wapama Falls hike start?
It starts from O'Shaughnessy Dam (Wapama and Rancheria Falls Trailhead).
Are dogs allowed on the Wapama Falls trail?
Pets are not allowed on the dam or on hiking trails.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Wapama Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- home.nps.gov
- Distance
- home.nps.gov
- Falls location
- en.wikipedia.org
- Elevation
- ≈ Copernicus GLO-90 elevation model at the falls coordinates (via Open-Meteo)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Wapama Falls.