Staircase Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Staircase Falls |
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 Location in California
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| Location | Yosemite Valley, Yosemite NP, CA, US |
| Coordinates | 37°44′07″N 119°34′30″W / 37.73528°N 119.57500°W |
| Type | Tiered |
| Total height | 1,300 ft (400 m) |
| World height ranking | 228 |
Staircase Falls is a beautiful series of waterfalls located in the amazing Yosemite National Park in California. Imagine a giant natural staircase made of rock; that's how this waterfall looks as its water flows down many steps. The falls drop a total of about 396 meters (1,300 feet) into the famous Yosemite Valley.
This waterfall is quite special because it doesn't flow all year round. It's what we call ephemeral, which means it only appears for a short time. You can usually see Staircase Falls flowing strongly in the spring, especially after the snow melts. However, by the end of June, it often dries up completely until the next year's snowmelt.
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Discovering Staircase Falls
Staircase Falls is found on a stream called Gossamer Creek. It's located right behind an area known as Camp Curry, which is a popular spot for visitors in Yosemite Valley. You can see the falls on the cliffs that are below Glacier Point, another famous viewpoint in the park.
How Tall is Staircase Falls?
Staircase Falls drops a total of 1,300 feet (about 396 meters). While this is a very impressive height, it's spread out over many different steps or tiers, which is why it's called "Staircase Falls." It's not one single, continuous drop like some other waterfalls.
Why Does it Disappear?
Many waterfalls in Yosemite National Park rely on the melting snow from the mountains. When winter snows are heavy, there's a lot of water to feed the creeks and create spectacular falls in spring. As summer arrives and temperatures rise, the snow melts away, and smaller creeks like Gossamer Creek, which feeds Staircase Falls, can dry up. This makes Staircase Falls a seasonal wonder, appearing only when conditions are just right.
Visiting Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is a huge and wonderful place to explore. It's famous for its giant sequoia trees, deep valleys, and many other stunning waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. When you visit, you can enjoy hiking, camping, and seeing amazing wildlife.
What to See Near Staircase Falls
While Staircase Falls itself might be dry in summer, the area around it is still beautiful.
- Curry Village: This is a great place to find food, lodging, and supplies. It's a busy hub for park visitors.
- Glacier Point: If you can, take the time to visit Glacier Point. It offers incredible panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and many of the park's famous waterfalls. You can often see the path of Staircase Falls from a distance, even if the water isn't flowing.
Remember to check the park's conditions before you visit, especially if you want to see specific waterfalls like Staircase Falls that depend on the season.
