The highest single drop waterfall in the United States is Ribbon Fall, located in Yosemite National Park, California. This magnificent waterfall plunges an impressive 1,612 feet (491 meters) in one continuous sheet of water off a cliff on the west side of El Capitan.
Ribbon Fall: A Yosemite Gem
Ribbon Fall is renowned for its remarkable single-drop height, making it the longest single-drop waterfall in North America. Unlike multi-tiered waterfalls, Ribbon Fall's water descends in one uninterrupted plunge from its source to its base.
Key characteristics of Ribbon Fall:
- Location: Flows off a notch on the west side of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California.
- Height: 1,612 feet (491 meters).
- Flow: Primarily seasonal, peaking in spring and early summer as snowmelt from the surrounding cliffs feeds its flow. By late summer or fall, it often reduces to a trickle or dries up completely.
Differentiating Single-Drop vs. Multi-Drop Waterfalls
It's important to distinguish between single-drop and multi-drop waterfalls when discussing height records. While Ribbon Fall holds the title for the highest single drop, other waterfalls, like the iconic Yosemite Falls, are taller overall but consist of multiple distinct sections.
| Waterfall Name | Type | Total Height (Approx.) | Single Drop? | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon Fall | Single-drop | 1,612 feet (491 m) | Yes | Yosemite National Park |
| Yosemite Falls | Multi-drop | 2,425 feet (739 m) | No | Yosemite National Park |
| Bridalveil Fall | Single-drop | 620 feet (189 m) | Yes | Yosemite National Park |
Yosemite Falls, for instance, is a composite of three sections—Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall—which combine to form the longest multi-drop waterfall on the North American continent. Although its total height surpasses Ribbon Fall's, no single drop within Yosemite Falls reaches the 1,612-foot freefall of Ribbon Fall.
Experiencing Ribbon Fall
While Ribbon Fall is not as easily visible or accessible as some of Yosemite's other major waterfalls, its grandeur can be appreciated from various viewpoints within Yosemite Valley, particularly from the area near El Capitan Meadow. Its ephemeral nature makes it a special sight, often seen by visitors during the peak snowmelt season.
For more information on the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, you can visit the National Park Service website.
