Through the trees, an open area provides views of the base of Nevada Fall. The trail then winds delightfully through shaded forest, where massive incense cedars, ponderosa pines, and Jeffery pines stand. Nearby is a set of toilets and another footbridge crossing back over the Merced, providing another nice vantage point of this mighty section of the river. However, the undercurrent is deceptively strong and swimming is strictly prohibited. The trail continues upriver past the Silver Apron, a granite shoot resembling a waterslide, and Emerald pool, so named for the beautiful color and seemingly tranquil water. The top of Vernal Falls has an excellent view, and even railings so you can get up close and personal. Have a rain jacket ready and store any valuables in a waterproof bag, because you will definitely be getting wet! This mystical section of the trail is very fun and refreshing on a hot day. Shortly after, the Mist Trail reveals its namesake. After one mile, a footbridge over the Merced provides the first view of lower Vernal Falls upriver. During spring, you may be able to catch a glimpse of Illillouette Falls off in the distance to the right.
The first section of the trail is definitely the busiest and quickly becomes quite steep as it follows the Merced River. Mist TrailĪt the Happy Isles shuttle stop, go over the bridge and take the first right onto the Mist Trail.
The loop is a bit longer, but the descent is much more gradual, and you avoid down-climbing the Mist Trail’s slippery rocks. Or, as I much prefer, you can make a 6.5 loop by going up the Mist Trail and connecting to the John Muir Trail to return to the trailhead. Two waterfalls, two famous trails, and incredible vistas-there’s a reason why this is the most popular day hike in all of Yosemite! The hike comes to 5.4 miles as an out-and-back on the Mist Trail. Oh, and hikers get absolutely spectacular views towards the valley from the trail. The upper Montane summit of Nevada Fall is truly breathtaking, dominated by granite slick rock and massive Jeffery Pines. There are several excellent viewing areas, including a railed ledge hanging right next to the big plunge! The same water then meanders down to feed Vernal Falls. Nevada Fall sits at 5,971 feet in elevation and plunges straight down an impressive 594 feet drop. This vapor hanging in the air creates floating rainbows, the consistent companions of Vernal Fall. However, there is hardly a shortage of appreciation when one approaches Vernal Falls. After a drop of 317 feet, instead of resting, the water suspends in a mist across the trail below! A sloping wedge of granite sticks out at the base of the fall, causing the water to spray out instead of dive straight back into the Merced River.
YOSEMITE WATERFALL HIKES FULL
Before witnessing the full spectacle of the Fall, the footbridge crossing of the Merced River allows hikers to appreciate the power that Vernal generates just a few hundred feet upriver.
Who doesn’t love a two for one!? The first of two magnificent waterfalls visited on this hike is Vernal Falls.
YOSEMITE WATERFALL HIKES HOW TO
Use this guide on your next trip to discover the best waterfall hikes in Yosemite! You will find a description of each waterfall hike including trip notes, how to get there, when to go, what the crowds are like, and what you should bring with you. With so many wonderful waterfall hikes in Yosemite, it is difficult to know where to begin. These mighty forces are why Yosemite is home to so many waterfalls: majestic cascades of water falling high from granite peaks. Glaciers moved through Yosemite Valley, carving and defining the iconic mountainscape we know today. A shift in plate tectonics caused a great tilt, changing what were once meandering streams into fast-flowing rivers. Over millions of years, granite rose from underground to reveal itself as the Sierra Nevada range. Yosemite National Park in California is perhaps the crown jewel of the United States’ Park system.
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