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    Vernal Fall

    4.9 (180 reviews)

    Vernal Fall Photos

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    The Vernal Fall Footbridge is a short hike, with bathrooms and a water station before continuing on the trail.
    Elizabeth S.

    We visited the week of Labor Day and didn't get to do the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall due to repairs, although if you plan it right, you can still access the trail Saturday through Monday and every other day after 3:30 p.m., until October 30th. I was initially disappointed that I wasn't able to do the Mist Trail, but I went on to do the trail via the detour on the John Muir Trail and I loved it. It added some miles, but it was absolutely beautiful.

    Gabriela M.

    The Mist trail will lead you to beautiful Vernal Falls. It's a 1.3-mile hike, one of the shortest and most popular hikes in Yosemite. The views, the feeling, and the vibration are unmatched when you are basking in its beauty. The hike is steep for most of the way, and slippery when you reach the stairs that are parallel to the waterfall. This is typical during the springtime, so prepare to get wet. We wore ponchos to protect our cameras but you don't necessarily need one. You can either stop here and turn back but I highly recommend that you continue up the steep stairs that lead you to the top of the waterfall and emerald pools. Many hikers, make a stop here to enjoy their snacks/drinks. I suggest you bring some snacks/"lunch so that you can sit and enjoy the views. If you continue hiking up to Nevada Falls, which is the waterfall at the top of the trail- you will realize how worthy that hike was. I have never experienced such a beautiful waterfall like this before. Also - try to park closest to the mist trail because you will have to do more walking. My watch reported that the round trip up to Nevada Falls was 6 miles. The views are spectacular!

    Julie E.

    I've done this twice, the first time I only made it to the footbridge and then this last time I went to the bottom of the falls, maybe the 3rd time I'll do the entire thing! I've had two back surgeries and very bad knees but it was a gorgeous and wonderful experience. If you're able I recommend it! In my opinion it's a tough hike, you're mainly going up a steel hill but I saw people running and pushing strollers. Don't forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a snack, and at the time of my review the bathrooms near the footbridge are closed so make sure to go before heading on this trail. Once you pass the footbridge to the second part it's more uphill. Right before you get to the bottom of the waterfall you'll have to go up some steep, wet, and very slippery stairs so be very cautious and go at your own pace. During this hike, don't feel pressured - go at your own speed. Take all the breaks you need and enjoy the views!

    Looking over Vernal Falls May 9th, 2025
    Ben A.

    I hiked Vernal Falls with my 3 kids (6, 7, & 10 years old & myself) in just about 3 hours with lots of breaks (from parking lot to the top of the falls & back to the parking lot.) What a fun hike. We parked in the Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking Lot that was just 1/2 mile from the Mist Trail Trailhead. We started our hike from the parking lot at 3:30pm. To be honest my kids were getting tired & hot about 1/2 way to the Vernal Falls Footbridge & I was thinking we wouldn't make it but they decided to push on (there were some steep inclines & switch backs & the first part of the hike was boring for my kids.) Once we got to the Vernal Falls Footbridge we were able to refill our water bottles (kids said the Yosemite water was gross lol.) There was also a restroom near the Footbridge. At this point I thought my kids would want to turn back but we met some ladies at the water refill station that showed my kids their close up pictures of the falls & how wet they got & my kids were pumped to get wet by a huge water fall so we pushed forward. Hiking along the Merced River in the mist was refreshing. Hiking this alone with 3 kids was a bit sketchy with how slippery the over 600 (larger than normal) granite steps to the top of the falls are. Going up wasn't too bad but coming back down those stairs I had to hold the hands of my 6 & 7 year olds tightly (they slipped a couple times & I was able to catch them) & my 10 year old daughter walked right behind us. My kids got tons of compliments from other adult hikers on the hike up to & down the falls about how tough they were (we only saw a handful of other kids near the top of Mist Trail.) My kids thought the mist was the best part (we got completely soaked head to toe) & they said it was like they were in a hurricane (the water was pumping this time of year.) At the top the views were beautiful & totally worth it. We finished our descent down at like 6:30pm ish) & just an FYI about hiking this in the evening is that there are a billion mosquitoes from the Vernal Falls Footbridge to the bottom of the hike. Even with keeping a decent pace they will follow you so make sure to bring mosquito repellent. I would definitely do this hike again in the future.

    View is worth it
    Clara C.

    This is the sight to see on Mist Trail! You get different views depending on where you are on the trail. Once you're at the top though, it doesn't look too great. Take your photos when you are on the rock steps. There was so much water in May 2023. I was here the first weekend of May. We got soaked by the time we reached the top. The steps are wet, slippery, and muddy. There are puddles that you either walk through or navigate around. Having hiking poles was helpful.

    Ed T.

    This review is for the Vernal And Nevada Falls Via Mist Trail was a ~8.75 mile round trip (starting from Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking) that took ~4.5 hours to complete. Extremely crowded and popular hike. Mist Trail was closed between 7am - 3:30pm from Mondays - Thursdays. Poncho highly recommended when attempting the Mist Trail! Beautiful views throughout the hike! Steep inclines especially at Nevada Falls. Limited parking that fills up fast in the morning. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://youtu.be/fmsgeGWhebk

    Approaching Vernal Falls
    Michael B.

    Vernal Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that demands a visit. You'll first see it from a bridge crossing the Merced river. Once you're up close you'll find yourself in the misty spray of the huge waterfall in your face. Keep in mind the trail to get here is extremely steep for just over a mile, and then you'll have to ascend over 700 stairs to reach the top. It's a tough tough hike but absolutely worth it. You'll also have a restroom and water fountain along the way if you get tired. The summer sun will create rainbows at this waterfall in the evening.

    Dani S.

    Absolutely stunning water fall in Yosemite Valley. Must see! Took the hike to this water fall on my recent trip to Yosemite. The hike was intermediate level, with some incline. The weather was super hot, so the hike was more strenuous than normal. Make sure to carry plenty of water, or bring a cup and drink from the river. The trail is crowded, so do be careful. Towards the end of the path getting up to the waterfall, the trail is rocky and very wet, misty and slippery. All the work is worth the view at the top, very beautiful. If you continue for another 2-3 hours, you will get to Nevada Falls. Definitely recommend doing this hike!

    Chethana R.

    Vernal fall is one of the ineffable Beauty in Yosemite valley. Best months to visit to experience peak Flows: May to Early July To spot this view Hike 'Mist Trail' about 2.4 Mile Round trip with elevation gain 1000ft. It takes around 3 hrs. If you wanted to take a look at Nevada falls but couldn't afford to hike further from mist trail? then return back via Clarke point. This route will give you scenic views of Nevada falls. Try parking your vehicle near 'Trail head parking' or 'Curry Village' to let your knees thaank you. Tip: Make sure you carry waterproof hiking shoes as this trail is slippery.

    About 0.3 mi into the hike
    Rachel S.

    A gorgeous hike that is of moderate difficulty and has beautiful views along the way (good opportunities for breaks if needed). It culminates in first the vernal fall bridge (0.8mi hike with some steep areas) and then almost right next to vernal falls itself (another 0.7mi, some slick rocky steps that can be a bit slippery going down). I visited in early June in the afternoon, so there was quite the crowd factor. There are also connections to other trails and sites such as Nevada falls for a longer trek, but I only spent part of the afternoon (about 2hrs) hiking from the trailhead up to vernal falls and back, with time for a snack break.

    Friendly squirrels everywhere
    Joyce Y.

    Let's be honest, if you are a beginner like me this is tough. I took a lot of break before I could get there but then again maybe it's just me since I have to really work on my cardio. I was lucky though that it was a little cloudy during my hike and I don't have to feel the heat of the sun. There will be a stop at the mist trail for a restroom and drinking fountain. I break I took I see friendly squirrels around, but please don't feed them. Clean up after eating. It's dangerous for them to eat human food.

    At the top of Vernal Falls
    Mylesha D.

    Getting there: Located on the Mist Trail, if you follow the signs for Curry Village you'll come to a stop sign where you can either go straight towards the trailhead or turn left and cross the bridge towards Yosemite Falls. Follow the trailhead and park in the parking lot (if there's room). From there follow the blocked off road to the trail. Experience: Vernal Falls is a must see if it's your first visit to the park. I've taken this trail each time I've hiked Half Dome, and it's beautiful at any time of the year. The water flows more in the summer due to all the melted snow, but I must say seeing the pools completely frozen over in the winter was pretty awesome. Hiking up the falls gets a little sketch, especially in the winter time. It's super icy and can be very dangerous if you do not have proper shoes, and I would even say spikes on your shoes. We had both and climbing up was still a bit slippery for us, but way easier than those we saw that didn't have spikes or even hiking shoes. However, if you are fully equipped definitely take caution but take advantage. Yosemite in the winter is gorgeous! If you can, try to make it to Nevada Falls and the bridge. Very nice photo spot!

    Happy Peanut guy 2021
    Franklin M.

    If you're in the area and can hike uphill without any health issues then you must visit these falls. I saw children and seniors hiking up the mountain on this very popular trail with splendid views. There's a big natural water slide right above the falls which you are not supposed to go in, but some visitors will be too tempted and ignore the no swimming sign. If you need to use the restroom there are more than enough trees to hide behind, please don't leave your tissue behind.

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    Ask the Community - Vernal Fall

    Review Highlights - Vernal Fall

    The Mist Trail is a bit dangerous and slippery, so I recommend wearing shoes with plenty of grip.

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    Yosemite National Park - A fiery red Checkerspot butterfly (I think it's a Variable Checkerspot) along the Swinging Bridge Trail!

    Yosemite National Park

    4.6(1.4k reviews)
    13.7 km

    Visited Yosemite Falls on May 1st, and it felt just right…read more No crowds, perfect weather -- not too hot, not too cold. The waterfall was powerful, full of life, rushing down like it had something to say. Yosemite National Park felt wild and peaceful at the same time -- clean, untouched, and deeply beautiful. Grateful for everyone who takes care of this place

    Visited Yosemite National Park for the first time in a while on Easter weekend! Definitely…read morerecommend coming on a weekday/non-holiday time or arriving early as the park gets pretty crowded - we waited about 30 minutes to get through the entrance on Saturday. Park is well maintained and very prompt on trail closures. There's something for everyone here from straightforward and short paved walks to more intense ones like Half Dome. We hiked the Vernal Falls & Nevada Falls trail on Friday, and part of the John Muir trail was closed due to snow so we had to do it out and back instead of a loop. Views were stunning and there was a lot of water in the falls this time of year! Took us a little over 4 hours to complete. Only downside was that this is a very popular trail so we were having to move slowly and wait behind people on some narrow portions. We stopped by Lower Yosemite Falls on Saturday and it is a simple, easy stroll with a great view, but super super packed. We weren't able to find parking so one person had to keep circling the lot until. Gift shops were nice and I picked up a couple of magnets as souvenirs. Overall, I would definitely return, and will plan my next visit around the crowds. Pro tip: find accommodation inside the park if possible. The roads leading into the park are very windy and going back and forth made me a bit car sick. All the lodges were already completely booked, so next time I will plan well in advance.

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    ***AMAZING PLACE***

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    Our Half Dome hike started at 4:45 AM

    Yosemite National Park South Side - :)

    Yosemite National Park South Side

    4.7(28 reviews)
    0.0 km

    We bought the Senior Park Pass for $20 and now have free access for a year to any National Park…read more So we got into Yosemite on our second day of vacation for free! A favorite of ours is Bridle Vail Falls. It's a rest stop with plenty of bathrooms, but also there's a really nice easy walking trail and Bridle Vail Falls is up close so you don't have to hike a mile or more to see it. A great place to refresh and stretch your legs. There was some road construction so naturally with a two lane road there are delays. Not too long of a wait. The previous fire damage is obvious as is the new growth. Once inside Yosemite Village things are back to normal (thankfully) and the glory that is Yosemite reigns supreme. Expect a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive into and out of the park. Take maps because cell service can be tricky. Go!

    Reservation is required to drive into or through the park on some dates/times through Oct 27. Check…read morethe website for more information. You can enter the park without a reservation before 5 am or after 4 pm. Reservations are required at any time in between. The YNP South Side is amazing! Breath breathtaking views, beautiful waterfalls (Vernal & Nevada Falls), and much to explore. It takes about 45mins-1hr to get from the South Entrance to Yosemite Valley. We stayed about 25 minutes from the South Side Entrance and arrived at YNP around 4:30 am. We did not have to pay entrance fees and could experience the beautiful sunrise. If you can do that, please don't hesitate; it's so worth it. Plus, if you start early, you avoid the crowds and see more of YNP!

    Photos
    Yosemite National Park South Side - Top of Vernal Falls

    Top of Vernal Falls

    Yosemite National Park South Side - Bridal Veil Falls in September

    Bridal Veil Falls in September

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    Emerald Pools

    Vernal Fall - parks - Updated May 2026

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