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Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.8 (343)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Yosemite National Park
  5. Yosemite Valley
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“A splendid loop past two of Yosemite's most powerful cascades. ”

Brian Smith
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Map Key

6.2

Miles

10.0

KM

Loop

6,022' 1,835 m

High

4,048' 1,234 m

Low

1,999' 609 m

Up

1,998' 609 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

54%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Variations of this hike could be very fun for an active family to enjoy. Consider shorter out and backs to just Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall rather than the whole loop.

Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited. Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).

Overview

Climb along nature's "giant staircase," where you are rewarded with close-up views of two waterfalls and numerous geologic features (depending on how far you choose to hike). Powerful and turbulent, these two waterfalls will soak you in spring and entice you year-round.

Need to Know

Unlike many other trails in the park, several restrooms are available along your hike. Restrooms are located at the shuttle stop near the trailhead (stop #16). Additionally, restrooms are located at the Vernal Fall footbridge, approximately 1 mile up the trail (May to October). Vault toilets are available beyond the top of Vernal Fall (along the Mist Trail) and at the top of Nevada Fall (along the Mist Trail).

Drinking water is available at the shuttle stop near the trailhead (stop #16) and also at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (May to October). This is the only drinking water available along the trail, so carry plenty of water for your hike.

Description

This very popular route originates near Happy Isles in eastern Yosemite Valley (shuttle stop #16). The John Muir and Mist Trail offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. This first paved mile of trail is busiest and accesses the Vernal Fall Footbridge. Almost entirely uphill, you can appreciate views along the way, and during spring, when the water levels are at their peak, you can also glimpse Illillouette Fall from this first section of trail.

You'll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge at 0.8 miles (1.3 km). About 0.2 miles (0.3 km) beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!). You'll delight in views of Vernal Fall all along this stretch of trail and may even be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the fall. At the top of Vernal Fall, you can experience jaw-dropping views straight down the length of the 317-foot waterfall (please don't cross the railings and use extreme caution while you're near any flowing water or wet rock in this area).

From this point, you can: choose to turn around and head back the way you came; continue up to the next junction (about 0.2 miles / 0.3 km) and take the longer route back via the John Muir Trail; or continue uphill on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. If you choose to continue on the Mist Trail, shortly beyond Vernal Fall, you'll pass by Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Both of these look may look inviting on a hot summers day, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here due to the extremely hazardous current.

Continuing along the Mist Trail, youll experience another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of steep, rocky switchbacks in order to reach Nevada Fall. Crashing down 594 feet, this thunderous waterfall is fullest in spring and early summer, and you'll find terrific photographic opportunities along this stretch of trail. At the top of the climb, head right to reach the footbridge that crosses the Merced River above the fall, allowing you a closer view of it. Use extreme caution while you're near any flowing water or wet rock in this area.

From here, you can either return down the Mist Trail, or continue over the bridge to the John Muir Trail for an alternate route back to Yosemite Valley. If you choose the John Muir Trail, you'll enjoy different scenery, with great views of Liberty Cap and different views of Nevada Fall. The John Muir Trail is longerapproximately 4 miles one-way compared to the Mist Trail 2.5 miles (4 km)so plan accordingly.

Some hikers may be continuing from the top of Nevada Fall to hike to Half Dome or elsewhere in Yosemites wilderness.

Seasonality:
You can hike to both waterfalls all year. However, in winter, there is a specific route that remains open while some sections of trail are closed. The lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock. The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy conditions. Keep in mind that the sections of trail that remain open in the winter may be very icy and/or snowy. View current conditions for trail closures and view historical opening and closing dates for this trail.

Flora & Fauna

While at Yosemite, look all around you and, perhaps, you’ll find something looking back at you. Chance encounters are likely because Yosemite National Park supports more than 400 species of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This particular hike leads you through mixed coniferous and deciduous forest with riparian ecosystems throughout.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Brian Smith
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Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 343 votes

#2

in Yosemite Valley

#23

Overall
  4.8 from 343 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
12%
3 Star
1%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Yosemite Valley

#2

in California

#23

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21,339 Since May 7, 2015
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Photos

Vernal Fall mistin' the rainbow
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
The top of Nevada Falls is the best place on earth.
Mar 31, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park.
Aug 11, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Looking back down the Mist Trail, you can see it ascends this phenomenal valley.
Mar 31, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
John Muir Trail Vista, Yosemite National Park
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Mist Trail
Feb 12, 2018 near Yosemit…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 50 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 13, 2024
Anonymous
Oct 12, 2024
Seb The Fraustralian
Half the loop — 16h 00m
Aug 31, 2024
Manfred A
Aug 19, 2024
Elisa Delgado
Jun 24, 2024
Jaime Munoz
8mi — 3h 13m
Jun 17, 2024
Stacey I
Jun 15, 2024
Ranee Jones
Jun 14, 2024
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