Yosemite Vernal Falls

Yosemite Vernal Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the world. It is also one of the trails that people hit when they want to see one of the best Yosemite waterfalls. You must hike to the bridge or drive to the top of Glacier Point to see this waterfall. It is not seen from the main valley floor. Always carry your camera with you when hiking. Hiking photos make for great memories. You'll see rainbows at this fall in the afternoons.

This waterfall is 317 feet tall! During the spring run off this fall is 80 feet wide! Take the free valley shuttle bus to Happy Isles. From there you walk a well marked John Muir Trail to the top of the waterfall. The path is sandy and rocky but not difficult to walk. It winds through wooded land just north of the Merced River. On a good portion of the trail you can see fast-flowing, boulder-filled white waters.

From the beginning of the trail at Happy Isles to the top of Yosemite Vernal Falls is 1.5 miles. You climb 1,000 feet while hiking. Less than half way up you will come to The Bridge. Once you get to the bridge, you get your first view of the Vernal Falls. There is a drinking fountain and restrooms near the bridge.

When you are ready to start hiking again you start walking on trails known as switchbacks. You walk about .5 mile to the Mist Trail. You will see the falls on your left as you continue up the mountain. You will get quite wet by the spray fo the falls and the rocks are covered with moss and other water-loving plants. Parts of the trail are quite slippery, so please be careful. This part of the trail has steps to walk on and handrails to help you stay safe. When the sun shines, beautiful rainbows are very visible.

By age 5 all three of our children were able to make this hike without us carrying them! Many put their little ones in a backpack and head up to the top!

Once you are at the top, there is a railing right on the edge of of this Emerald Pool and the the Silver Apron. It is safe to swim in Emerald Pool. Emerald Pool is a deep tranquil swimming hole and it is far enough back from the edge of the falls that you don't go over. Silver Apron is a cascading rock slide that dumps into Emerald Pool. Know that this water runs fast and cold and if you don't obey the posted signs you run the risk of getting hurt or going over the edge. Every few years you hear of someone going over the edge.

On a holiday weekend or a hot summer day, this trail will have thousands of people each day hiking to the top of this Yosemite National Park waterfall!

If you want to keep hiking and not go down the trail...continue your hike to Nevada Falls!

Take Some Trail Mix With You To Keep Your Energy Levels Up...Get The Recipe Here!

Yosemite National Park has beautiful waterfalls. I love to know about other waterfalls and found the Victoria Falls. Check out my friends there. Victoria Falls Travel Guide. This site has every bit of conceivable information you willneed when traveling to Victoria Falls.