Even though Yosemite Falls flows from November to July, the best time to see the thundering water is from April to June when snowmelt accounts for the greatest volume of water flowing. These cookies do not store any personal information. So tragic: Hiker may have been the last person to see Alice Yu Xie alive in Yosemite, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Scream publicity stunt floods Bay Area dispatch with 911 calls, The best fried chicken is at a San Francisco strip club, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, Rain reenters Bay Area forecast: Have an umbrella near you, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, Arrest in killing of woman seen running through Tahoe campground, photo on the National Park Services Instagram account, discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall on Jan. 16, Michael Ghiglieri, co-author of "Off the Wall: Death in Yosemite,". In 1967, a snow storm roared across Mount McKinley and killed seven of 12 students attempting to summit Denali, the highest peak in North America. The waterfalls at Yosemite are extremely strong this summer because of heavy snow pack. The Upper Yosemite Falls hike is one of the most popular in the park, which is surprising as it's also one of the most unforgiving and tiring! "People became unglued on this guy. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. Trailhead Coordinates: 37.7331223,-119.5538239. I am pretty sure I was the last person to interact with her, Horn says. Enjoy uncut GoPro Head Strap footage of the SCARY part for me of Yosemite Falls Trail, the six-minute descent to the Upper Fall Overlook (starts at 02:00). A word of caution: do not stray off the marked path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. These cliffs are a popular rock climbing area known as the Five Open Books . Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? Then when I was about to leave at the top, I saw her come up. Xie was found dead at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall the same day. The trail to Upper Yosemite Falls is one of the park's oldest, having been built between 1873 and 1877. Each summer there are numerous first aid response calls to this trail related to dehydration. November 24, 2012. My own opinion is, a lot of people are not living in the reality of how dangerous it is when they go up the mountain.. "I was shocked, to see people fall from that high," said witness Christopher Latorre. Do not stray off of the maintained path, as you will find steep drops adjacent to the trail. Fellow hikers would see me strolling proudly up the switchbacks, perhaps distracted by my obnoxious green trail runners. If you keep an even pace, the hiking goes by quick. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The latest death was that of a 13-year-old boy, who suffered terrible burns when he fell into a nearby hot pool in the Norris Geyser Basin. Surfing is not recommended in the Golden Gate area. Established: 1972 Visitors: 11.3 million annually He had become disoriented, while hiking toward Powell Lake and was found sunburn and dehydrated. Hiking down from Glacier Point on the Panorama Trail in Yosemite. They love their daughter very much.. They want to get a little closer to that river. You can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. (03/04/2023) An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that a guide falling off Exum Mountain. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite PointThis hike is one of the most popular in the Yosemite Valley, but many people underestimate how hard it . In May, a man died on Half Dome after he slipped and fell. Most viewpoints in the valley miss them entirely. Though the Grand Canyon is familiar, it's still not the walk in the park it seems. The familys bodies were found on the Savage-Lundy Trail, which is popular in the spring because of its colorful wildflower blooms. Several vantage points for the cascades are found along the Yosemite Falls trail. Deaths: 150. Personally, I wouldnt do that unless I was harnessed in. You can combine a series of hikes that include a short hike to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, followed by the Mist Trail, and beyond to Nevada Fall. Instead, a convenient hiking trail has been carved up the cliff side. A 21-year-old man died after he slipped and fell from the base of a waterfall in the California park, National Park Service officials told CNN on Monday. We literally watched them get swept over the edge of Vernal Falls," he said. Xie traveled to Yosemite from Mariposa on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System bus Jan. 14. Hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls trail is a full value experience. You can access this route on any day that isn't exceptionally snowy, and Lower Yosemite Falls is almost always open and even occsionally the Upper Yosemite Falls is open. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism. Getting to the spire requires scrambling beyond the trail, so please be careful if you do choose to take a peek. There are plenty more to check out, including Bridalveil Fall, another of the most famous falls in Yosemite Mariposa County. During their investigation of Xies death, investigators reached out to Horn a second time to ask whether she noticed the woman carrying a cellphone. A cause of death has not been released. The area has signs posted listing it as a danger area. In summer, conditions are hot and dry, and the loose decomposed granite along the trail can be slippery. Sometimes, you get rewarded with a full frontal, uncensored view of the Upper Falls. Thats second only to the Grand Canyon. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In fact, reaching the Upper Falls requires taking a 7.2 mile round trip, with 2700ft elevation gain. They were an amazingly loving and doting family, said Jeffe, describing the couple as beloved with a very large groups of friends. Get your ass back over here," Bibee said. Award-winning Hiking Tours: Upper Yosemite Falls Day Hike Tour! Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchys publications, including the Sacramento Bee. Strenuous. At least eight people have died in the park this year and many have been linked to the spectacular runoff and dangerous conditions. The thrill of trying to reach the top of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park turned fatal on Thursday for a hiker who fell 500 feet from the famed rock face as she was scaling the steepest part. At the top of the Yosemite Falls Trail, you can extend your hike east to Yosemite Point (follow signs for North Dome; adds 1.6 miles roundtrip (2.6 km) to this hike) or west to Eagle Peak (follow signs to El Capitan, adds 5.8 miles roundtrip (9.3 km) to this hike). Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on this trail. Deaths: 93. "He is a great guy. No matter how often you stop to rest, keep hiking. Drink plenty and drink often; pace yourself; rest in the shade; eat salty snacks. The number one overall cause of death is drowning, followed by motor vehicle crashes and slips or falls, according to Jeffrey Olson, public affairs officer at the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. Visitors: 5.969 million annually It is a welcome, shady stop that will ready you for a final summit push. In late August, a 72-year-old Utah hiker was rescued by helicopter after six days of wandering the barren land. In fact, only two of the 56 deaths recorded over the past decade were not related to non-motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle incidents. Anna Horn who hiked up to Yosemite Falls alone says she passed Xie on the trail and the two exchanged hellos. Drinking water is not available along the trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Xie is described as a Chinese national living in the United States. "People were praying. To learn more about this Yosemite icon, view a 10-minute podcast episode about Yosemite Falls. Many photographers like to duck through a gap in the rail, and find a steady stance to snap a picture. But on Jan. 16, Horn says her roommate hiked up Yosemite Falls and saw search-and-rescue flags along the side of the falls that Horn believes were likely evidence markers. The gully also sports the best photo opportunities. Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, Best coffee city in the world? A 2014 report by the U.S. Geological Survey noted that rockfalls pose substantial hazard and risk to the approximately 4 million annual visitors to Yosemite National Park.. What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? Only the Grand Canyon had more. A religious group is strangling access to Calif.'s most beautiful waterfalls. Only in Yosemite National Park can you find a hike that is so trying, visceral, and beautiful. It goes on to explain the deaths are not because of the waterfall or the steep cliffs, but instead the current. An accomplished runner and mountain climber was found dead in Yosemite National Park days after he went missing, officials said. This trail was built in the 1870s and is today 7.7 kilometers long. They are rocky, slick, and full of tripping hazards. In the winter, access is limited in these parks due to snow. South of the Glacier Point. . National Park Service. You have entered an incorrect email address! [2] Located in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak. Great Smoky draws more visitors than any other Park Service unit, boasting 800 miles of hiking trails and unmatched forests in its Appalachian setting. Established: 1934 Such was the case in August, when a heroic, 35-year-old Colorado woman drowned while rescuing her 2-year-old son who fell out of their houseboat and into the lake. She kind of waved at me and I said hi again., The woman was all smiles, Horn says, and she felt a camaraderie with her, a moment of connection. Yosemite's granite walls and alpine ridges have long attracted outdoor enthusiasts of every breed, and the common causes of death bear that out: people there most often die from falls or. It is switchback after switchback, and the climbing rarely relents. But the ride through Eden can be dangerous. They gave no reason for the delay, according to the Fresno Bee. A necropsy is being conducted on Oksi, the family dog, Mitchell said, adding that there were no other animals found deceased in the immediate area. It was June 1st, 2019 that I was given another chance to hike the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Of course, this should present no real challenge to you, the expert adventurer. But the land on either side of the bridge is within the park and law enforcement caution people visiting the urban metro area of 7 million from standing on edges of unstable cliffs and driving fast on the many narrow and windy roads. Description. There are a few flat sections that allow for a bit of rest, but this trail may still prove challenging. Yosemite Falls is the biggest, baddest waterfall in North America. Deaths: 59. I guess to experience that rush, that energy of the water going from a placid little stream to a raging, freefalling torrent, hydrologist Jim Roche says in a video about the falls, according to SF Gate. They explode when they hit. Escape to Long Beach, Washington before the summer crowds, results of a Freedom of Information Act submitted by Outforia, He had one of Yosemite's most unusual jobs. All Rights Reserved. Of the tens of thousands of visitors this year, seven people died: four were killed in motor vehicle accidents, two drowned, and one woman perished after falling eight feet off a rock wall. Make the climb up Yosemite Falls, and leave the park as a conqueror with sculpted legs. All Rights Reserved. Regardless, Yosemite Falls is yet one more feature that adds to Yosemite's milieu. Top of Yosemite Falls. Danielle Burnett, 29, of Lake. There was no indication whether the communication was related to the delay in updating the search status. The tallest is on top, the spectacular 1,430-foot Upper Fall. Since the Parks Service doesnt offer updated aggregated records on the official number of fatalities, we pulled records from January 2006 to September 2016 on where, how, and why park visitors are dying. An experienced hiker a friend called a "bad ass rock climber" fell to his death in Yosemite National Park, just hours after proposing to his girlfriend during an earlier climb. The iconic Rainbow Bridge in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. If you make the one-mile, 1,000-foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock. Actually, that honor might go to Half Dome, or maybe El Capitan. A very small number of rock climbers have taken the opportunity to climb the normally inaccessible rock face beneath the falls, although this is an extraordinarily dangerous undertaking; a single afternoon thunderstorm could restart the falls, sweeping the climbers off the face. Yosemite Falls had started trickling again due to the recent snowfall, so it was the perfect time to go. The missing-persons post states that Xie, a 41-year-old Chinese national living in the United States is believed to have gone on a day hike to the Upper Yosemite Fall overlook on Jan. 14 or the morning of Jan. 15, 2021 She traveled to Yosemite from Mariposa on the YARTS bus on Jan. 14. The post instructed anyone who had taken the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls on Jan. 14 or 15 to call the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center. Theres nothing romantic about it.. Meet Todd Gloria the first AAPI Mayor for San Diego, Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda in a public feud with other band members, Taiwanese cheerleaders aim to distract Jeremy Lin, Michelle Yeoh wins SAG Award for best actress. FRESNO (AP) -- A woman who was declared missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park was found dead the same day, without a public update from the National Park Service. They were amazing people, very generous, Jeffe told CNN. The familys nanny found no one home when she arrived Monday morning, and after Gerrish failed to show for work, alarm bells went off, Jeffe said. The only explanations that have been ruled out are causes like gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma, Mitchell said, due to lack of any physical indications. Trails from the valley floor and down from other park areas outside the valley lead to both the top and base of Upper Yosemite Fall. The Upper Falls trail is the big sister to the. Regardless, Yosemite Falls is yet one more feature that adds to Yosemites milieu. California, USA. Please enter valid email address to continue. Bibee said one man was posing near the waterfall with a screaming young girl in his arms while a teenage girl snapped photographs. Depending on the season, you may even feel the mist from the fall, which may be welcome respite after the tough climb. more information on current conditions view a 10-minute podcast episode about Yosemite Falls, Keep your food within arm's reach at all times. Witnesses said two of the victims were holding on to each other in a bear-like hug as they went over the edge. Lake Powell, a reservoir on the Colorado River in Glen Canyon, is home to outdoor activities such as boating and water-skiing, but park officials are quick to point out that at least 150 people not wearing life jackets have drowned here in the past decades. As the only other woman alone up there, I feel like she focused on me and I focused on her., Two days later, Horn saw the womans face again, in a photo on the National Park Services Instagram account. The most challenging hiking trail leading to the top is about 6 miles long and takes about two to four hours to climb, depending on a person's experience and preparedness. Yosemite Fallsis actually the collective name for three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). This is the story of my successful ascent of the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. It is at least a conversation starter. Computers and mobile devices around the world were roaring with the beauty of waterfalls this week as officials at Yosemite National Park announced a new webcam at the park, giving users a view of the spectacular Upper Yosemite Falls the tallest waterfall in North America, rising 2,425 feet from the valley floor.The webcam updates every 30 seconds with live images of the falls, which are . Theres something so disconcerting about what happened, said Jeffe. This article is about a specific waterfall known as "Yosemite Falls". While most people only make the short trip to visit lower falls, upper falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the opportunity to see this amazing waterfall up close. If you make the one-mile, 1,000 foot climb (via dozens of switchbacks) to Columbia Rock, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. Whether it was environmental or man made, it was obviously something they encountered, Jeffe added, speculating about what may have led to their deaths. #7 at Yosemite Lodge. In the initial conversation, authorities asked Horn about Xies appearance, clothing and location. Now he's retiring, Why the Pacific Ocean turned pink off an area of the Calif. coast, A trip down the most mysterious road in California, A woman was found dead in Yosemite. The final 320-foot (98m) drop adjacent to an accessible viewing area, provides the most-used viewing point for the waterfalls. Reviews Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead; 9.4 miles (15 km) including Yosemite Point Elevation at trailhead: 3,967 feet (1,347 meters) Elevation at top of Yosemite Falls: 6,526 feet (1,989 meters) Time: 6-8 hours. Size: 747,956 acres As soon as I heard that, I knew they found her body, Horn says. After spending literal months of my life, hiking, camping, and climbing all over Yosemite, I know what gear I always need to have with me, and what I can leave at home. Getting to the spire requires scrambling beyond the trail, so please be careful if you do choose to take a peek. 1. A woman was found dead in Yosemite. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Los Gatos Mom Accused of Hosting Alcohol-Fueled Teen Parties Attacked in Jail, Hospitalized, Actor Tom Sizemore, of Saving Private Ryan,' Dies at 61, Viral Kids' Star Ms. Rachel Is Taking a Break From Social Media After Backlash Over Co-Star Who Uses They/Them Pronouns. My theory is she crossed over to Yosemite Point to get away from the crowd, says Horn, who remained at the top of the waterfall with about 10 other hikers. Climbing and highlining in this area is subject to seasonal closures. Next comes the Middle Cascades, a frothy stretch that drops another 675 feet. Eight people died in the park this year, most due to cardiac arrests and falls off hiking points. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Sign up here. In the summer, when temperatures are already high, however, a careful plan for dealing with the heat is essential. Later that night, after the woman had trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her newborn baby with it. 2. It's a double waterfall that descends the cliff face in sections: Upper Yosemite Fall (1,430 feet), the middle cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320 feet). The striking Teton Range is one of the nations deadliest due to its steep forests and foothills. Before your set out on the trails, make sure youve got the right gear to keep you safe, happy, and most importantly-looking good. People tend to want to get as close as they can to the edges of waterfalls. Elevation: 1,000 ft (328 m) elevation gain Visitors to Yosemite commonly refer to it as the crown jewel of all national parks. Yosemite officials released details of the Chinese national's disappearance by website and social media Jan. 16. Despite its name, the Gold Gate Bridge is not part of the park; it is managed by a bridge district and so the rising number of youth suicides here are not reflect in park data. The group was seen entering the water above Vernal Fall, approximately 25 feet from the precipice, according to Yosemite. These cliffs are a popular rock climbing area known as the. She said the family was well prepared for a day hike. It is about .8 miles further, but it is totally worth it. Updated appreciated. For other waterfalls in Yosemite, see, Upper and lower cascades of Yosemite Falls, as seen from, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:04, List of waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yosemite_Falls&oldid=1140807515, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:04. Park officials identified the three as Hormiz David, a 22-year-old Modesto man; Ninos Yacoub, a27-year-old Turlock man; and Ramina Badal, a 21-year-old Modesto woman. At 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America* and an iconic destination in California 's Yosemite National Park. : You Betcha-these falls plunge 2,425 feet. At that time, her death was the sixth drowning in the lake. Taken together these account for a total drop of 675 feet (206m), more than twice the height of the Lower Fall. San Francisco Community Speaks Out Against Drag Show Restrictions in Tennessee, Team of Volunteers Escort, Protect Hot Dog Vendor Attacked Outside SAP Center, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. I am pretty sure I was the last person to interact with her, Horn says. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. In a wet year, snowmelt may still be trickling down the trail, creating little waterfalls here and there. I would recommend focusing on sunrise, though, for two different reasons. Tip: Take Lots Of Water, Sunscreen, and a Hat On The Hike. They had been reported missing on Monday night. Established: 1964 FRESNO, Calif. - A woman who was declared missing while hiking in Yosemite National Park was found dead the same day, without a public update from the National Park Service. 800-715-HIKE (4453) (9-4:30 Every Day) . Several hikers climbing down from the trail towards the cascades have required an expensive helicopter rescue due to steep and slippery terrain and features. AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. There is no cell service in the area, so search and rescue crews had to rely on satellite phones for communication. The whole thing really messed with my head.. Also, this trail is a strenuous (yes, really!) The Yosemite Falls Trail is open year-round; conditions vary depending on the season. Elevation: 2,700 ft (823 m) elevation gain Upper Yosemite Falls Hike At a glance: This strenuous hike switchbacks up from the valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, featuring spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Partway up the steep climb to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America, she encountered another solo hiker, a middle-aged Asian woman with a green backpack. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. The Ahwahneechee people called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the fall") and believed that the plunge pool at its base was inhabited by the spirits of several witches, called the Poloti. As you climb nearly 3,000 feet on this three-mile hike, you'll be close enough to feel the mist . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Rattlesnake bites are still being considered, although its likely there would have been evidence on the bodies, according to Mitchell. They offer these tips: Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times breaking news team. Though no less challenging, this is the part of the hike with the best views. Size: 521,621 Copyright 2021 Associated Press. Size: 1.5 million acres 2023 Cable News Network. 1 min read. If youre not too tired from the hike, consider taking the extra leg to the Yosemite Point overlook. "Everyone was screaming," witness Jake Bibee told AP. The cause of death was not immediately released. The mother followed him into the water and held the boy above water until her brother reached them in a runabout boat. The slide occurred between the town of El Portal and the parks Arch Rock Entrance, the Sheriffs Office said. Yosemite closed the Mist Trail at the park following the report. Begin by crossing the road to Camp 4. It takes two to three hours to hike. Upper Yosemite Falls Hike Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km) round trip Elevation: 3,967 feet (1,347m) Difficulty: Strenuous, steep with many switchbacks Time: 6-10 hours Begin at: The trailhead can be accessed near Camp 4 off Northside Drive near Yosemite Valley Lodge. After seeing the post, Horn called right away. Once traveled by Native Americans and settlers, this parkway, which the Park Service maintains and considers a park, offers motorists and bicyclists the scenic views and monuments of the Appalachian foothills and bluffs on the lower Mississippi River. Authorities announced on Jan. 24 that Xies body had been discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall. Begin at: Camp 4 area. Time: 6-8 hours round trip Xie, a Chinese national living in the U.S., traveled to Yosemite from. "That's when the woman started to slip. Wawona Tunnel frames a view of Yosemite National Park. Shhh we're cheating and putting three waterfalls into one so we could include them all on this list. Sunset views like this are what keeps Great Smoky full of visitors. They are rocky, slick, and full of tripping hazards. Katie Hobbs said the state does not intend to proceed with an execution scheduled in April for death row prisoners Aaron Gunches, she announced . Size: 1.2 million acres If you witness a rockfall from the valley floor, quickly move away from the cliff toward the center of the valley. In 1970, a similar thing happened with 19-year-old Nichoals Michael Cordil, and in 1989, it happened to 20-year-old John Eric Ofner. The cause of death was not immediately released. In her free time, she enjoys hikes, skiing and a good Brooklyn bagel. January 24, 2021 / 4:26 PM The first stage is the Upper Fall, which is said to plunge 1,430ft. The Upper Falls trail is the big sister to the Lower Falls trail . On Jan. 14, an unseasonably warm and clear Thursday in Yosemite National Park, Anna Horn went for a solo hike up Yosemite Falls. AsAmNews is a community of users interested in reading, learning and commenting on news, events, people & issues in the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities. Check out this incredible live view via webcam, courtesy of Yosemite Conservancy donors. Spots such as Taft Point, Nevada Fall and Half Dome have all seen deaths over the last few years, often when people were trying to capture the perfect photo without being fully aware of the dangers of their surroundings, the website reported. Bring plenty of water, and adequate sun protection. The other is made for day hikers pining for a tough challenge. Yosemite Point is is very similar to the popular Glacier and Taft Points, except you are awarded with nearly opposite views. Authorities announced the death of 41-year-old "Alice" Yu Xie on Friday. As you descend Panorama Trail, drink in views of Illilouette Fall and Yosemite Valley, including Half Dome and Nevada and Vernal Falls. All were young men. The park also has the highest number of homicides of any Park Service unit over the past decade at six. This gully marks the second half of the hike, and is criss crossed by ever more switchbacks. Its like a family photo, but Half Dome is hogging the camera. This trail starts near Camp 4, along the Valley Loop Trail, and immediately begins its climb, switchback after switchback, through oak . The U.S. Park Police and law enforcement rangers, which serve the park alongside the San Francisco Fire Department, recommend against venturing into the surf here. The Middle Cascades account for a drop of only 675 ft (206m) and are visible only from the top of the Upper falls. In 1920, however, he was reworked and defused. Deaths: 62. "When they fell, I actually saw a head pop out and then go back in.". Regardless, Yosemite Falls is yet one more feature that adds to Yosemites. A drinking fountain is available near the trailhead in Camp 4. If the accident is due to some negligence on the part of the person- like swimming in Emerald Pool on the top of Vernal Falls, then slipping on the wet granite and heading over the falls- then the best the park can do is continue to post warning signs and hope that most people will be self-protective enough to heed them. Although the womans body was discovered at the base of Upper Yosemite Fall on Jan. 16, a week went by before the Park Service announced her death. Time: 2-3 hours round trip Use extreme caution when near the creek and remember you are directly above a waterfall. Nearly five decades later, Alaskas most-visited park had four deaths this year, including that of a 45-year-old Czech mountaineer who fell 1,500 feet, while skiing the Messner Couloir and a 66-year-old Japanese climber who succumbed to a fatal cerebral edema, while climbing the summit and descending the 20,310-foot peaks West Buttress route.