Why is there so much water in Yosemite?

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.



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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. Both of these rivers are also designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

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Viruses aren't common in Yosemite's waters, but we recommend that you treat water to kill them.

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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.

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Be careful of sharp underwater objects or slippery rocks (aqua shoes are helpful), and of course, never swim above or directly below waterfalls. Mountain water is often very cold, so avoid prolonged exposure causing hypothermia and always use extreme caution when swimming in Yosemite with children.

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As large and as significant as Yosemite Falls is, it's a seasonal waterfall. By late summer in all but the wettest of years, the granite lined watershed that feeds Yosemite Creek and Yosemite Falls has shed all of the snowpack from the winter and the falls dwindle to nothing but a trickle.

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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.

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Showers are available at the Curry Village pool showerhouse for a fee. Showers are not available elsewhere in the park. Dump stations are available at Upper Pines Campground (all year), near Wawona Campground (summer only), and near Tuolumne Meadows Campground (summer only).

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Yosemite National Park is famous for its spectacular glacially carved landscape. Although glaciers have come and gone many times in the past, there are still two active glaciers near Yosemite's highest peaks.

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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!

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Each year, Yosemite National Park welcomes over four million visitors. If you're visiting Yosemite—particularly Yosemite Valley—during spring or fall, expect extremely high visitor concentrations, resulting in extended traffic delays, extremely limited parking, busy trails, and no lodging or campground availability.

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There are long lines (1-3 hours) on weekend mornings, and parking in the valley will fill up and be detoured sometime between 8-10am. These issues are much less during the week.

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The Rainbow Pool is a cool and refreshing spot on a hot day. Located outside of Yosemite Park you can enjoy the pleasure of free access to a cool soak or swim without using one of your reserved days in the park.

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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.

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