Vernal Fall Day Hike
Yosemite National Park
Vernal Fall thunders from a granite ledge in a broad cascade that plunges 317 feet to rocks and pools below. Clouds of mist billow from its base, spreading down the canyon and soaking every rock, trail, and hiker in its reach. Visitors can hike 1.6 miles to the Vernal Fall Bridge where they have wonderful views of the fall or they can take the challenge and continue on, making the arduous, but exhilarating, trek up the famed Mist Trail to the top of the fall.
Vernal Fall Bridge
Vernal Fall Trailhead
Moderate
1½ or 2½ mi.
400' or 1000'
Yosemite
The Vernal Fall Trailhead is at Happy Isles, which can be reached by walking from Camp Curry or taking the shuttle bus. Visitors find restrooms, water, and interesting exhibits at Happy Isles. Hikers used to take a footbridge across the Merced River from Happy Isles to the trailhead, but after storm damage several years ago it was not replaced. Now hikers cross the Merced on the same bridge the shuttle bus uses and then double back up the north side of the river to the official trailhead.
Since this is the northern terminus of the John Muir Trail and gateway to many excellent wilderness destinations, backpackers often intermingle with day hikers.
Vernal Fall Trail
The Vernal Fall trail begins at an elevation of 4,030 feet at Happy Isles. The old Happy Isles bridge is gone, so hikers cross the Merced River downstream on the same bridge the shuttle buses use. Once across, they turn upstream and soon begin to climb. The trail to the bridge is paved, but many steep sections slow down hikers. This popular route can be very crowded at busy times in the park. An early start is recommended. At the bridge hikers find restrooms.
Trail to Vernal Fall
For those continuing up the trail beyond the bridge a choice soon arrives. You can turn onto the John Muir Trail and the Clark Point cutoff, a slightly longer and much drier route to the top of Vernal Fall or stay on the Mist Trail for another ½ mile. The Mist Trail begins to climb, soon becoming steep granite steps leading up the side of the canyon. In spring and early summer mist is so thick that many hikers don their rain gear. The views of the fall are worth the soaking. More than 600 steps lead to the top with a railing appearing on the last section of trail.
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
The top of Vernal Fall is a magnificent place to enjoy the sights, relax, dry off, and have a well-deserved picnic lunch. A railing protects visitors on the flat, granite viewing area. Do not cross the railing and stay back from the water, even upstream. Too many people have been swept to their deaths off the fall.
Mist Trail to Vernal Fall
Restrooms are located up the trail a short distance. If you choose to return by the John Muir Trail, find a connecting trail 0.2 miles upstream from the top of Vernal Fall.
Things to Know
- Pets, bicycles, and strollers are not permitted on the trail.
- Restrooms are available at Happy Isles, the Vernal Fall Bridge, and a short distance beyond the top of the fall.
- Drinking water is available at Happy Isles. Bring an ample supply of water.
- Swimming and wading are not allowed at Emerald Pool above Vernal Fall.
Half Dome, Vernal Fall, and Nevada Fall
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Bridalveil Fall - short walk to base of beautiful fall
- Lower Yosemite Falls - easy walk to foot of falls
- Mirror Lake Loop - a 1-mile walk out to the lake
- Half Dome - a very strenuous all-day hike, permit required
Other Nearby Trails
The John Muir Trail diverges from the Mist Trail shortly above the Vernal Fall bridge. While the John Muir Trail avoids the steep steps and spray of the Mist Trail, it is longer and climbs higher than the Mist Trail route.
The Nevada Fall trail continues up from the top of Vernal Fall. Another amazing view of the granite peaks and canyons is enjoyed from the top of the fall. Take the John Muir Trail down for even more incredible views.
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