Royal Arch Cascade

Royal Arch Cascade flows down the granite north wall of Yosemite Valley, creating multiple water threads that descend alongside the large rock formations.

The waterfall received its name from the adjacent Royal Arches formation, which was identified by members of the Mariposa Battalion during their exploration of Yosemite Valley.

Native Americans named this waterfall Sho-ko-ya, meaning basket fall, connecting it to the nearby North Dome which they called To-ko-ya or Basket Dome.

Visitors can access the waterfall viewing area through a five-minute walk from the Ahwahnee Hotel parking lot between November and April for optimal water flow.

The waterfall drains from a basin of less than one square mile of solid granite bedrock, resulting in a short-lived flow that typically ends by early summer.

GPS coordinates: 37.74960,-119.57104

Latest update: March 7, 2025 09:35