Within the boundaries of Yosemite flow the headwaters and significant stream reaches of the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers, both of which are tributaries of the San Joaquin River basin. Both of these rivers are also designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
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Within the boundaries of Yosemite flow the headwaters and significant stream reaches of the Tuolumne and Merced Rivers, both of which are tributaries of the San Joaquin River basin.
Is your water safe to drink? Our water is perfectly safe to drink, bath and swim in, but we recommend that you bring bottled water for drinking, due to the fact that our water has a high mineral content.
The Merced and Tuolumne Rivers begin as drops of water in Yosemite's high country, then flow into lakes, tributary streams, and eventually the main river channels. Moving water leaves its signature throughout Yosemite.
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.
Yosemite Falls is ten times taller than Niagara Falls. It is nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building. If it were a building it would have 200 stories.
Precipitation falls on Yosemite as rain or snow, some of which immediately runs into lakes and rivers, flowing over Yosemite's spectacular and through magnificent river canyons. Some is stored in snowpack or groundwater, used by plants and trees, or evaporates back into the atmosphere only to fall elsewhere.
The Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet (436 metres) and the Lower 320 feet (98 metres), with a series of cascades between; the total drop is 2,425 feet (740 metres), creating one of the world's highest cataracts, the highest in North America.
Yosemite National Park offers a range of swimming opportunities—from rivers and lakes to our family-friendly pools, which are the only swimming places in Yosemite with lifeguards. River and lake swimming is at-your-own-risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended—especially for children.
Yosemite Falls, the world's fifth tallest waterfall, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall at 1,430 feet, the middle cascades at 675 feet, and Lower Yosemite Fall at 320 feet.
Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August. Storms in late fall rejuvenate some of the waterfalls and all of them accumulate frost along their edges many nights during the winter.
Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park.
The moraine diverted the Yosemite Creek from its path down the steep gully and forced it directly off the cliff. This unique geological accident created one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and one of the most iconic features in Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls, the highest waterfall in North America (2,450 feet) and 5th highest in the world - Picture of Yosemite National Park, California - Tripadvisor.
Be aware that mountain water is extremely cold, despite hot air temperatures. Strong swimmers may quickly become too weak from hypothermia to swim. Even professional swiftwater rescuers wearing layers of insulation sometimes struggle to stay warm!
Horsetail Fall is a small, ephemeral waterfall that flows over the eastern edge of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. For two weeks in February, the setting sun striking the waterfall creates a deep orange glow.
Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation variability. Since Yosemite varies in elevation from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet, the lower foothills of the park can be experiencing the rebirth of spring while the higher elevations remain in the grip of winter.