Ribbon Fall | World Waterfall Database

CATALOGED
This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

With a sheer drop of 1,612 feet Ribbon Fall is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the United States and among the tallest sheer waterfalls on the planet. Ribbon Creek drains an area of about 4 square miles immediately to the west of El Capitan, the collective waters of which intersect Yosemite Valley 3,000 feet above the valley floor and are pulverized into mist as soon as it leaves level ground.

Ribbon Fall occupies a deep alcove directly to the west of the massive granite monolith El Capitan and because the falls cannot be easily seen from many of the signature views around Yosemite Valley, they are not regarded nearly as highly as Yosemite Falls or - especially - Bridalveil Fall which is situated directly across the valley. But also because Ribbon Creek drains from such a small area, it retains a consistent flow for only about half of the year, peaking in volume around late May and usually running completely dry by mid to late July.

Seasonal Discharge
This waterfall occurs along a stream that is known to vary greatly in volume and as a result may not flow consistently year round or may dry out completely during certain periods.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Lung-yo to-co-ya, Pigeon Creek Fall, Virgins Tears
Ribbon Fall is the Official name of this waterfall

Lafayette Bunnell reports the Native American name for Ribbon Fall to be Lung-yo-to-co-ya, which literally means "Pigeon Basket", likely an homage to bird nests which could be found in the vicinity of the falls. Because of this native title, Bunnell attempted to apply the name Pigeon Creek Fall. Later, the falls were commonly known as Virgin's Tears as a somewhat tasteless comparative to neighboring Bridalveil Fall. At a further later date James Hutchings interpreted the name of the fall to mean along the lines of "the graceful and slender one", and it is said to be this interpretation which inspired the name Ribbon Fall (again using the singular form on the suffix).

Our thoughts

Ribbon Fall isn't even remotely the main attraction in Yosemite Valley - or even one of the main attractions for that matter. But Ribbon Fall is also a very striking waterfall when it's flowing and if its flowing well (as seen in some of the recent years when Yosemite has received well above average snowpack) it can be downright spectacular. If you plan on visiting Yosemite before July, do not pass up the opportunity to seek out this waterfall.

Location and directions

Ribbon Fall is located directly west of El Capitan on the north wall of Yosemite Valley within Yosemite National Park. The best views of the falls are from Southside Drive about 1/5 of a mile east of the junction with the Wawona Road at a large pullout where both Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall can be seen. Ribbon Fall can also be easily seen from Crocker Point, Dewey Point and can partially be seen from Valley View along Northside Drive.

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Ribbon Fall is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Horsetail Falls	1.12 mi / 1.8 km
Eagle Creek Cascade	1.27 mi / 2.04 km
Bridalveil Fall	1.34 mi / 2.14 km
Fireplace Creek Falls	1.99 mi / 3.19 km
Columbia Cascade	2.26 mi / 3.62 km
Widow's Tears	2.32 mi / 3.71 km
Silver Strand Falls	2.48 mi / 3.98 km
Cascade Creek Falls	2.9 mi / 4.64 km
Fissure Falls	3 mi / 4.79 km
Sentinel Fall	3.09 mi / 4.95 km

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Photography tips

Because there is no trail to the base of Ribbon Fall, few people ever see it from below but it is possible to get there with some effort. Actually shooting the falls from below is another story. Because the falls essentially dissolve into a fine mist which drifts its final way to the valley floor and one must look almost straight up to view the falls from its base, the creative applications are limited. The falls face south and will see direct, even sunlight late morning to late afternoon hours. Part of the falls will be sunlit until nearly sunset, but the base of the falls will fall into shade by the late evening.

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Ribbon Fall Mariposa County, California, United States