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Waterfalls of Tenaya Canyon and the Giant Stairway

View of the iconic Half Dome watching over Tenaya Canyon from Glacier Point



Both Tenaya Canyon and the Giant Stairway sit at the head of
Yosemite Valley. While you can appreciate this section of the park from the great panorama at Glacier Point, an up close look by foot is the way to go to see its enormous waterfalls.

The Giant Stairway is the name describing the giant steps over which two giant waterfalls tumble: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The rugged Tenaya Canyon boasts waterfalls unfamiliar to most Yosemite visitors such as the elusive Snow Creek Falls and the Pywiack Cascade. Illilouette Fall is a major waterfall that escapes the attention of most visitors due to its somewhat hidden location.

In addition to these waterfalls, this area is perhaps most famous for Half Dome. Easily the most recognizable landmark in Yosemite (and perhaps the United States for that matter), many visitors attempt the very strenuous 16-mile return hike to its summit. Beneath the shadows of the face of Half Dome is the serene and beautiful Mirror Lake. As you walk amongst these quintessential Yosemite landmarks and the excellent waterfalls, you'll be richly rewarded with unforgettable scenery and experiences.



WATERFALLS

Click on one of the waterfalls below to read more about it.

Vernal Fall viewed from the Lady Franklin Rock

Vernal Fall
Looking up the Merced River towards Nevada Fall with rainbow

Nevada Fall
Illilouette Fall viewed from a cliff edge along the Panorama Trail

Illilouette Fall
Snow Creek Falls viewed from the summit of Half Dome

Snow Creek Falls
Pywiack Cascade viewed from the high country near the Snow Creek Trail

Pywiack Cascade
An unnamed waterfall viewed from just beyond Mirror Lake

"Mirror Lake Falls"





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