Dropping in a combination of three tiers, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America. An exception plummet, the 2425 foot marvel is very seasonal. Fed by icy alpine waters, the best time to see all the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park is during spring, when peak runoff typically occurs from April through June. By late summer snowmelt is scarce and the falls are reduced to a trickle. A rare snowfall during the autumn season may bring the falls back to life, but nowhere near the volume of a late spring flow.
   You can see Yosemite Falls from many places in Yosemite Valley, especially from Yosemite Village and the Yosemite Lodge. A popular one mile loop trail leads to Lower Yosemite Falls where visitors may walk to the falls and experience its thundering roar. This easy hike is relatively level and when the falls is at its peak, some of the closest viewpoints come with a fair amount of mist. When the sunshine strikes the mist, everyone with a camera hopes to capture the beauty of a falls rainbow. While standing on the footbridge near the base of the lower falls during its peak, you can expect to get soaked. For avid hikers it's possible to climb to the top of Yosemite Falls, but the trek is considered strenuous, taking most of the day. The free Visitor Shuttle Bus operates all year from 7 am to 10 pm, easing traffic congestion in the valley. Yosemite Falls is stop #6 where guests may access both the western and eastern sections of the loop trail.
   The sights at Yosemite National Park, California's natural wonderland, are endless. Along with the spectacular waterfalls, the park's wildlife, giant sequoia trees, canyon views and granite monoliths have impressed visitors for hundreds of years. As you would guess, summer traffic reaches a peak in the valley and patience is a must.

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