Yosemite is famous for its majestic waterfalls, most notably Bridal Veil, Vernal, and Yosemite Falls. The best time to see them is in late spring, when winter snows melt into surging runoff and a raging plunge of mist and rainbows. Bridal Veil is a quick, 1/2-mile, 20-minute jaunt up from the heart of the Yosemite Valley. It's an easy hike, and from the top there are great views of Cathedral Rock and El Capitan as well. Yosemite Falls is also an easy hike, and about the same distance. At the top, you will be able to see both Lower and Upper Yosemite Falls. Vernal Falls is much more difficult to get to, but the spectacular views — rivaling only those at Cloud's Rest — are well worth it. It's a steep, six-mile hike, but much of it is paved. Make sure to take a poncho, as the spray is tremendous and you will definitely get wet. Once you get to the bridge marking the end of the pavement, you can keep going and loop around Nevada Falls, too, using either the John Muir Trail or the Mist Trail.