Vernal Fall

A must do hike for anyone visiting Yosemite ! A genuinely beautiful falls and with a lonely hike trails up to it. We are 66 and 63 years of age, reasonably fit , and managed to do the hike relatively comfortably. We did see much younger people struggle and breathless on the often challenging steps / trials up to the falls. The trail up to the falls is well laid out, with a couple of places to stop for restrooms and water. They could do with installing more such facilities across the park, given the number of visitors and ability groups - especially those who are going up much further and up to the half Dome. The level of water at the falls was much lower in early October 2025, but still an excellent spectacle. The mist from the falls was also a lot less this time of the year, so we did not get soaked on the final steps to the falls. The view , once up there, was gorgeous. Lots of places to sit and rest near the Emerald something (pond?) . A nice gentle walk further up to the next footbridge also. A very enjoyable trek and a great part of our 3 day visit to Yosemite. ps: the national park staff at the gates are so good with visitors - happy, joyful and informative !

Vernal Falls may not have had much water during our visit, but it was still amazing. The scenery was beautiful, and the hike offered stunning views along the way. Definitely worth the effort!

Still worth it—even with the Mist Trail closure Vernal Fall and the Silver Apron are always stunning, but keep in mind: water flow is lighter this time of year (compared to peak flow in May or early June). Still beautiful—just a bit less dramatic. Trail update: The Mist Trail is currently closed for maintenance, so you won’t be able to get those classic views from the front or along the stairs. You’ll mostly be seeing the falls from above, which is still a great view, just different. You’ll pass the Silver Apron on the way up—always a cool spot to take a breather. But keep in mind: swimming is not allowed (and pretty dangerous), even if it looks tempting. If you’re doing just the Vernal Fall hike, it’s a solid workout and totally doable for most people with decent fitness. If you’re continuing on to Nevada Fall, see my other review for options depending on how much challenge you want.

100% worth it. Is it challenging, yes but the view from the top is worth it. Bring good shoes, comfortable clothing and a refillable waterbottle. Halfway they have a filling station and restrooms so please do bring something with you!!!! It’s a lot of walking so be prepared and take plenty of breaks.

This Mist trail to the Vernal fall is beautiful. One of the must do when you are in Yosemite np. We will definitely be back here soon. Spreading the live from Texas

Easy start always Next to the Merced River and later on it gets a bit steep, few hundred stairs to climb and be prepared to get soaking wet ( depending on the season). Spring you will be completely wet so pack a raincoat if you wanna avoid it, and as longer the year goes as smaller the fall gets. it takes for an average hiker around 3- 5 hours I would say. it’s on its was to Nevada falls, half dome and the peaceful way thru half dome in Yosemite wilderness.

This trail was a bit more challenging than anticipated but the views were definitely worth it. The trail itself is quite steep in places, but the effort is rewarded with nice vistas of the waterfall. Although it wasn't at its peak flow, the waterfall was still a sight to behold. Unfortunately, due to the Mist Trail being closed during the week, we had to turn around on the same path, making the hike a bit more strenuous. Overall, I would highly recommend this trail to anyone looking for a rewarding hike with beautiful natural features. Just be prepared for a bit of a crowd and be aware of potential trail closures.

Vernal Falls is a hidden treasure tucked along the legendary Mist Trail — and what an adventure it is! The hike up is no joke, with steep steps and a constant spray of mist keeping you cool (and soaked), but every step is worth it. As you climb higher, the sound of the crashing water grows louder until you’re face-to-face with the powerful fall. But don’t stop there — reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with a whole new kind of beauty: a calm, serene flow that feels worlds away from the wild energy below. It’s the perfect mix of thrill and tranquility — a must-do for any Yosemite explorer.

Like Nevada Fall, Vernal is a gorgeous waterfall but it was a little small when I visited due to the lack of rain. Nevertheless, an amazing site and experience. Please come and create your own adventure.

The journey it took me to get here was crazy and I almost gave up twice, but that VIEW? All of the nature and smell of the trees was breathtaking. The water was insanely cold, but felt really ~ refreshing ~ to jump in. Added years on my life and made me think about life. Great 5/6 mile hike, but expect lots of elevation and prep with the stair master! Bring your bathing suit and shoes that can get wet because it gets misty and rainy up there... I'd come back again! Parking is a bit rough, but just keep circling around because people are constantly leaving and arriving. Bathrooms are available right before the trail and halfway through the hardest part of the hike.

Verbal Falls has a great top area for picnicking with all the squirrels after the long staircase up. It's so pleasant on a sunny day to get out of the mist and break open to the top. Emerald pool at the top is gorgeous. The Mist trail is a great choice for a hike if you have 1-2 days in the valley. The first day we walked around the valley floor and around mirror lake. The second day we did the most trail up to vernal falls and took the John Muir trail back down to the valley. The mist trail was steep and ALL STEPS. There wasn't much water in the falls but it was misty-rainy on our late September day which created the misty atmosphere anyways! I always take the John Muir trail back so you don't have to fight the pit of breath hikers coming up and avoid slipping on the big steps down. The John Muir trail gives great views of the valley walls when it's not cloudy out and is a fun alternative route back.

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.

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!

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!

Vernal Falls was a short hike with great ROI. We took our time and made it up and down in about two hours. The Mist Trail is a bit dangerous and slippery, so I recommend wearing shoes with plenty of grip. The view from the top is fantastic. It's not every day that we can look off the edge of a waterfall. Definitely try this hike out.

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.

I believe this is part of the journey to Half Dome so we decided to stop at the footbridge because hiking to Half Dome is on my bucketlist so want to save the rest for then! From the trailhead to the bridge is a steady incline but mostly paved roads so it's not as strenuous on your feet. From the first bridge it's an incredible view of the Falls! I went during April 2024 and the water for flowingggg. Crowds were also not too bad (on a Tuesday afternoon).

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I have a love hate relationship with this hike. Our overall hike was taking the Mist Trail past Vernal Falls, to the top of Nevada Falls, and then taking the John Muir Trail on the way back down. It's about 6.7 miles round trip this way. The beginning of the hike is the worst part in my opinion. It starts with a relentlessly steep climb to get to Vernal Falls. Then, you stop to enjoy the falls. But don't get excited because there's about a million steps to get to the top of Vernal Falls. I was happy to not have to go down all of the stairs since we took the John Muir Trail back. Once you get to the top of Vernal Falls, it gets significantly easier in my opinion. There's a flat portion and then more stairs to get to the top of Nevada Falls, but not as many. Now for the views. Vernal Falls was beautiful. The best views are closer to the end of the stairs where you can see the pool at the bottom. The views of Nevada Falls were ok from the Mist Trail, but not great. It's kind of an awkward angle. There's great views of the surrounding area at the top of Nevada Falls. Probably my favorite view was of the back side of Nevada Falls with the domes next to it from the John Muir Trail on the way back down. It's a popular trail so it was kind of crowded. It seems like a lot of people only do the Vernal Falls portion because the beginning of it is definitely more crowded. The hike is pretty long and definitely challenging, but totally worth it. We were there in October when there wasn't as much water flowing and we still loved it.

Oh Vernal, such a beauty you are! Roaring, ferocious, and beautiful! The hike up the Mist Trail to the top is definitely a workout! Those stairs and that "mist" are no joke! However, the rewarding views of Vernal Falls are totally worth it! To get to the top of Vernal Falls, you will need to take the Mist Trail. The Mist Trail is located near shuttle 16 by the Happy Isles Nature Center. The hike up to Vernal is about a mile and a half and it's all uphill. The first half is paved with a gradual incline, and the second half consists of a ton of stairs, some of them wet from the falls. You will get wet land the way and the stairs can get slippery, so I advise you to dress accordingly. The stairs are narrow and this is a very popular trail, so be patient because you will have to wait behind he crowd as you make your way up. When you reach the top, the views will be endless! There are many spots to stop off and take pictures and plenty of flowing water all around. there are three different areas where restrooms are located (the beginning, at the halfway point near the bridge, and at the top of Vernal Falls). There's also a water fountain at the halfway mark, but it's very busy so you'll have to wait your turn. This is a great waterfall there is relatively doable for kids and older adults with the proper attire and rest breaks in between. If you want to see a beautiful waterfall up close and personal, I would recommend the short but heart pumping hike up to Vernal Falls!

the best thing youll ever do must i say more??? why are u still reading this go see for yourself

Always one of my favorite trails. I hike this every time I come to Yosemite. Today we took our daughter on her first trip to Yosemite. It was kind of a crazy day weather-wise - from sunny and warm to rainy to actual snow flurries - in late May! But, we brought layers, picnic lunch and plenty of water, so we were fine. So beautiful with the rivers, waterfalls, granite walls and steps (600 of them), wildflowers and mist. It is definitely a bit strenuous, definitely more so now than when I did it when I was younger, but always an incredible hike.

The most challenging thing I've faced from this whole hiking experience: the aftermath when struggling to go down one flight of stairs at home the very next day after the hike, LOL. #thesorenessisreal I don't have to tell you that Vernal Fall is a must-see natural treasure; just look at all of the photos and videos uploaded here. Definitely 5 stars. Hiked from shuttle stop #16 to the top of the waterfall via Mist Trail. Just wanted to drop this post mainly to list some info and tips about the hike (because I want you to experience the hike as well with good preparation! :) ). --------------- Recommended equipment: Please please please wear shoes that have good traction; if you're planning to go all the way up to the top of the waterfall via Mist Trail, your worn-out running shoes will definitely not do! Also if you're planning on going on the Mist Trail, wear a jacket that is moderately thick and has great waterproof material (or bring one of those plastic waterproof ponchos that you can slip on once you get closer to the waterfall). Recommended time to go: I went on a weekday in the beginning of May; fantastic weather. Omg I can't recommend enough on going right at the start of your day. I started my hike at around 8 am and there were only a few people on the trail.....saw maybe 5 hikers pass me (I'm a relatively slow hiker haha). I reached the top of the waterfall in about an hour or so, had a light meal at the top, and when I hiked back down, at around 10 am, I saw hundreds of people hiking up the trail. I mean this hike is popular for good reason, but not gonna lie it's kind of a buzzkill seeing so many hikers; tranquility is pretty much totally lost at this point. Go early!! --------------- The easiest way for me to describe the hiking route that I took is by summarizing it in 3 consecutive phases, and you can decide after reading if you're up for the challenge on hiking all the way to the tippy top or heading back down earlier! Phase 1: The Dry Ascent The steady incline begins a bit after the shuttle #16 drop-off. The trail is pretty dry during this phase, but the inclines do get pretty steep lol but not so steep that you feel that you might slide down the trail. Don't be ashamed on taking breaks; I had to take some just to catch my breath! There's a bit of a scenic view at some parts of this phase so hopefully that can help keep you distracted from feeling your calves burning, haha. This phase ends when you reach the trail footbridge; this is pretty much the halfway point if you decide to head up to the top of the waterfall. Seems like most people reach this point and then head back down (and after reading the later phases, you'll know why lol). Phase 2: Mist Trail Running-Water Stairs This is the perfect time to wear your waterproof poncho, if you brought one, and ensure that everything you have that could get water-damaged is stashed well inside your backpack. After enduring a few more steep inclines (as if you haven't had enough lol) you'll eventually reach the infamous trial of stairs. The stairs become wetter as you progress and eventually become fully drenched with running water (this is why you need good shoes!!!); I didn't slip when heading up but heading back down I had to be more cautious. The trail here is a bit more narrow than it was during Phase 1 (and so it can be a bit of a nuisance dealing with a bunch of hikers at this point.....that's why go early!). So, this trail is called Mist Trail for a reason and no, it's not the kind of mist that's refreshing and is the epitome of spring-shower paradise; this mist pretty much hates you LOL. Partnered with the wind, the freezing-cold mist feels like as if you're being attacked by microscopic ice-water bullets lol I didn't wear the right waterproof parka for this (material was too thin) and my arms were drenched and felt very numb. On top of all of that, your vision gets very blurry from all of the water being sprayed at you. Fun times. This phase ends with a well-deserved magnificent side-view close-up of Vernal Fall. Phase 3: Giant's Stairs I could've called the previous phase Giant's Stairs also because the stairs are pretty steep during that phase as well, but the stairs during this particular phase are even steeper lol. Luckily, at this point you don't have to deal with any angry mist and the trail is dry for the most part; the last part of this phase (the last ascent) has running water on the trail and it's on a narrow cliff side, but there's a guard railing. When heading back down I saw hikers struggling to climb up these stairs. Just stay determined because at this point you're almost at the top! If you completed Phase 3, yay you made it to the top of Vernal Fall! Definitely give yourself time to relax, take a bunch of photos/videos, and enjoy the view! Even if you ended up completing only Phase 1, I still give you props because that part is still one heck of a workout. :)

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."-John Muir. I've hiked Vernal Falls two times. The first time was when I was younger and in better shape. The second time was 11 years later this Saturday and a little chunkier. It seemed like the hike was easier ages ago. I forgot how strenous and tumultuous this hike can be. First of all, it's at an incline all the way to the bridge so be ready for a workout and please invest in hiking shoes.Then when you get to the sign that says 0.3 miles to Vernal Falls, don't be fooled because the next 0.3 miles are all stairs made out of the granite rocks of Yosemite. Then, you'll get to see Vernal Falls in all it's glory running down into the emerald pool. The emerald pool is gorgeous. It has a rainbow that never goes away. It's called the mist trail for a reason, bring a light jacket so you won't get drenched. Just when you think you're done, there are small caves and very steep and wet steps you have to walk through. I was holding onto rocks the whole way. To get up to Vernal Falls (3327 ft elevation) you have to scale the sides of a mountain which has a rail, but is so narrow, you have to be patient, let a group come down and you go up when it is clear. Once you get to the top, it is worth it. Absolutely beautiful and serene. If you do not like crowds, it might not be for you. I live only 2.5 hours away and can come anytime, but this hike does not discriminate. You see people from different countries. You see people of different ages, race, creed and color. It is definitely not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. Going up was difficult, we definitely took lots of rest breaks so it took us 2 hours. Coming down was easy except for the top of the stairs near Vernal. This hike definitely pushes my limits, but I felt so accomplished each time I reached the top. Also, the bathrooms are not working. I had to pee twice. I had to improvise both times, once in the river and another time in the woods so make sure you bring toilet paper and a changet of underwear! The views are spectacular and a must see!

Make sure you plan accordingly when you come do this hike. There is such thing as waterfall season, so I do suggest you follow that. No bs, just the truth. I thought Yosemite is beautiful year round, which is true, but to drive 4 hours and hike vernal falls in November, not a good idea. I remember my first time in April 2015, Vernal falls was fully flowing and memorizing. I decided to take friends just a few weeks ago, before the snow, and the experience was just not like coming in the spring/summer. All the waterfalls were dried out, so not much to see. The leaves all around were beautiful though. Vernal falls in general. It is a quick hike, but boy is it intense. You are going up up up and away the whole time. It's literally like doing the stair master. Don't think this hike is easy, because it surely isn't. The reward? stunning views. If you're up for it, continue hiking to Nevada falls!

I love this hike. Definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you really really want to have a true nature immersion, then you can start with this route. But here's my route before we go further: misty trail,Nevada falls, vernal falls, John Muir trail back to misty trail (to complete the loop) and then walk to Yosemite village = 13 miles approx 6 hours to complete. I love this trail. Why? First off, it takes you to the edge of the park and in the middle of nature, where honestly, I love to have the fresh air and waterfall sounds all around me. Second, the waterfalls weed out people. Misty fall weeds out the day trippers, Nevada falls, the picture takers, and vernal falls with the view and sense of accomplishment of making it to the top offers peace. Peace of mind and clarity. To take in the views and appreciate how truly small one is in the grand scheme of things. Jk. It's peaceful and nice and for the most part quiet. Great spot to have a little picnic if you haven't scarfed down your lunch at Nevada falls. Also, for Nevada falls, don't be a dick and swim in the basin. Don't pollute the waters with your selfishness and let others appreciate the calm and tranquility. Going on, I love to stay up at vernal falls for awhile to take in the views, maybe run my hat in the cool water and relish in the fresh coolness of the water there, and yeah. You get the picture. I like how open this place is meaning, there's so many spots where people can sit and enjoy. Also the viewing platform of the waterfall is like the best in Yosemite. Like you can see pretty much off the edge and you are perfectly safe. You can truly appreciate the full scale of the rush of water. Truly amazing. If you are one to truly test out your significant other, this is a great test. I'm weird, but if I ever had a girlfriend, I'd test her with this hike to see how resilient she is. Ladies you can do the same to your boyfriends if you are up to it too. But this hike to me tests resolve, patience, inner and mental strength and commitment lol. I know I'm weird. But hey, it's nice to know right? And if not, then you got an awesome workout. By the way, on my iwatch fitness app, I burned 1054 calories....so who needs a gym where you can go to natures mountains in front of you!

Located in Yosemite Valley, about a 1 hour drive from the south entrance. Follow signs to Happy Isles and park in the large parking lot. The trail to Vernal Falls begins at the Yosemite Valley floor. The trail is paved and has a steady incline all the way up. The distance from the floor the bottom of the falls is a little over 1.5 miles. There are gorgeous views and water fountains here. You can also see trail signs to split off and go on other trails. The climb up to Vernal Falls is about a half mile and a lot of vertical steps. To get close to the falls you will have to step off the trails and climb up and down rocks. The Vernal Falls were beautiful and still gushing in September. I braved the climb to the waterfall pool and went in about knee deep. It was freezing! Fun intermediate hike.

1. 318' Vernal Falls is much like the Road to Hana -it's not the destination, so much as the journey to the destination, this time by way of the famous Mist Trail! 2. The Happy Isles bathrooms at the start of the trail are the only flush toilets around, and in winter time, the only open bathrooms on the trail. 3. Fill up your water containers here, as the other bathrooms on the trail do not have drinkable water, and have pit toilets -you don't want to drop anything in there! 4. Sign at the start of the trail says no pets, no bicycles and no firearms. They don't want your dog chasing wildlife. No bikes, because of the danger of hitting someone coming down the 5 foot wide trail! 5. The first mile of the trail from Happy Isles to the bridge is asphalt paved and uphill -suitable for baby strollers, although I wouldn't call it wheelchair accessible, as the incline is pretty steep in places. The road is in excellent condition, devoid of cracks and potholes, as maintenance carts drive here on occasion. 6. At one outlook on this part of the trail you can see Upper Yosemite falls in a distance, with snow capped mountains looming over the adjacent river.. 7. This part of the trail is steep 3/4 mile hike with a 400 foot elevation gain, but it is wide with tall stone guardrails to prevent people from falling into the Merced rapids way below. Plenty of forest treetops to keep the sun off. 8. At the 1 mile mark the trail dips, with a bridge running over the Merced river. You can see Vernal Falls in the background. The bathrooms here are closed for the winter. 9. The trail crosses the Merced river, with a very moderate uphill incline for about a quarter of a mile. The trail becomes a mixture of dirt and sand, running parallel to the river, under the trees. 10. The closed crossing gate sign warns of danger: closed due to falling rocks! The crossing gate opened in 2014 and 2015 in mid March. The gate was open the first week in November 2015, but closed a few weeks later, to be open in May 2016. 11. Another sign, shows a hiker being carried on a stretcher by a rescue crew, one of the 200 people who are injured in falls on this trail annually. 12. In the winter time, the trail can be icy in the morning shade, and hazardous to walk on. 13. Do not venture off the trail onto the rocks next to the river, as the rocks are slippery, and the rapids dangerous at all times of the year. 14. It takes 1 hour to travel the 1.2 miles to this point. A sign says 0.3 miles to the top of Vernal Falls. It takes another hour to go 0.3 miles and 600 feet elevation gain -not for people with bad knees like my wife! 15. The first set of stairs are small dirt stairs on a very broad trail, overlooking the rapids of the river. 16. The stairs become stone stairs, and the trail narrows. People on the left side of the trail are on the outside of the path. One misstep and it's Hasta La Vista Baby - a slide down the rocky slope into the river! 17. During the El Nino years the trail next to the river is wet with mist from the roaring falls. 18. In November 2015, the path is flooded with water caught in the basins of the rocky staircase. 19. We reach a photographer's spot at the base of the falls, where I take pictures of the falls plunging into the rapids. 20. The entire trail is in the shade at this time of year, so if you want to take pictures of friends in front of the falls, you will need a camera with a flash to see their faces -an Iphone won't do. 21. Guardrails are on parts of the trail here, as the trail narrows to single formation, on wet stone steps from the nearby falls. You need hiking boots with good rubber soles on the bottom, to prevent slipping. 22. Once you get to the base of the 318' falls, the trail veers to the right to the side of the falls. This is the steepest part of the trail, seeming going straight up, with stairs up to 18" high carved into the side of the mountain. Kids climbing the rocks on all fours. 23. I'm huffing and puffing my way up, breathing hard like Darth Vader, using my hiking poles for leverage in getting up over the tall stone steps. 24. The trail eventually levels out on the side of a cliff, with guardrails on the side. It is so narrow, that only one person can move up at a time, with people going down moving over to the inside. 25. At the top of the cliff, you can look down a ways to reach the top of the falls. There are guardrails preventing people from reaching out and touching the water at the top of the falls. 26. Classic photographer's spot here, with hikers posing in the sunshine against the guardrails, next to the falling water. 27. People go over the guardrail to touch the water, or get a more daring selfie picture of them next to the waterfalls. One wrong step and over the edge you go -another Kodak moment -make that an Hasta La Vista moment!

In short, my favorite hike, and the final destination would be the ideal place to scatter my ashes, though it would be strenuous to impossible to have people come visit my memorial. The hike can be divided into a first half (to the base of Vernal Falls) and a second half (the top). The first half is wide and paved, so that anybody who can handle the workout gets the treat of both ups and downs, both sunlight and shade, and poops both dog and horse. Part of my family stops at the base and returns back. The second half is Mist Trail. I've done the Mist Trail about seven or eight times from the 90s to May 13, 2011. I've done it bone dry. I've done it misty, full of rainbows. I've done it soaked back when it used to rain in California. And I even passed the warning sign and tried to do it in the snow, but smartly stopped after a few dozen steps. The reason I've stopped at May 13 2011 is because my wife and I were among the first half dozen people to see the body of an esteemed professor lodged in the rocks of the raging river. While allowing passage to others, he had slipped on some wet grass, fell to the rocks where he suffered blunt trauma, and fell into the river. Understandably, my wife hasn't wanted to return since. A friend of mine who I've known from high school also slipped from the same trail in the early 90s and had to be airlifted out. So, though I wouldn't consider the hike to be dangerous, I think it's important to know that the Mist Trail can be risky, no matter how careful you are. The top has a railing (one of the few in the park) but you can get awfully close to the drop off. Unfortunately, in the super dry seasons, the pool of water upstream appears to be serene and still, and I've seen a swimmer ignore the signs and get a bit panicked as they try to get out. Others are foolish enough to go past the barricade. More people die on the Mist Trail than anywhere else in the valley, not because of the waterfall or cliffs but the strong current and the slippery granite. In the last ten years, 17 people have made the 317 foot fall, and none survived. I say it's worth it. It's kinda like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Just be sure to be a Charlie. PS. Another secret danger is feeding squirrels. It is bad for many reasons, and risky, but I usually bring peanuts for the squirrels at the top who beg from the people enjoying a snack or lunch. You will notice the more forward and bossy squirrels are super fat, obviously because they've gotten more food. And, I swear, when the camera comes out, they strike a pose.

Vernal Falls is beautiful but it gets pretty crowded on the trail. Expect to see entire families hiking to get there.

Date of hike: 5.31.2011 So after our disappointment at the Four Mile Trail (http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-mile-trail-yosemite-national-park#hrid:IRRTDlgFGdaSU1qZg9WEog/src:self) we came here for an "easier" trail that had less mileage. We were kind of avoiding this trail because this is the start of the Half Dome trail and we didn't want to just be teased of the thought of Half Dome. However I'm glad we had a little taste of the difficulty of the Half Dome trail. To get to the bridge is about 0.8mi, this is where we initially said we were going to stop. Just getting to the bridge is nothing but incline again, I saw more than a dozen people stopping to the side huffing and puffing. By this time I was exhausted from the hike the day before AND the hike in the morning but I pushed myself and got to the bridge. Some of my friends and I decided to go to the top of Vernal Fall, just a "measly" 0.7mi more. Just a warning, you will get wet! Make sure you bring a light waterproof jacket or poncho unless you don't mind getting wet. Also be very careful because the steps are pretty slippery and there could be lots of traffic. My friend and I ended up turning back just right beside the falls, maybe only 0.4 mi left. We were both super tired and there was just too many people around. This is a MUST place to visit when you're in Yosemite. If you're a beginner hiker, it's ok to stop at the bridge or at the bottom of the falls before the steps. No one will judge you.

Awesome quick and easy hike in Yosemite. It was our first time here and most of the falls and lakes were dry so we were super stoked to have the chance to experience Vernal Falls. We like to keep a good pace while hiking and seemed to make it to the top in no time. The granite stairs weren't wet at all and no mist was felt on Mist Trail which probably made this small trek a bit easier than other times of the year. I can't wait to return, my son did seem to tucker out at the top due to the speed he was climbing which then lead him to not want to go up further to Nevada Falls which was a total bummer. He later regretted that. I'd definitely recommend arriving early - before 8A, when we were headed down shuttles full of hikers were arriving and it seemed like quite a different experience than being up here with the peace and solitude of fewer bodies. Tons of great areas to stop and snap a few photos. Can't wait to return!

This is a second-level fall, in more ways than one. It's outside Yo Valley, so you can't drive up and see it, and therefore it's not on the immediate radar of casual Valley visitors. It's also the second big waterfall on the Merced River. But it's not second-rate, nosiree. This is a major waterfall, and if you can visit it, you should. It does take some planning to get there, though. Step one: Go to Happy Isles, and you can't drive there, you must either hike or take the bus. Step two: Hike to the Vernal Falls bridge, 3/4 miles from Happy Isles. Step three: take the Mist Trail to the top of the falls, another 3/4 miles. Step four: break out the lunch and eat. If you go only to step two, it's still worth it. You can see and hear the falls easily from here, and it is awe-inspiring. The more adventurous will take the Mist Trail, and this is what gives the falls its Yelp 5-star rating. When the falls are at roar stage, late March-late May, the trail and you get *drenched*. The spray is very thick, and puddles form on the granite stairway. If you'd rather not go through this because it'll mess up your makeup and get your hair straight, then what are you doing in Yosemite anyway? :-) The kids will love it. The staircase is hairy, even if dry. Some steps are over two feet tall. And at roar stage, they get slippery, which is worse when you come back down. There are guardrails at spots, thank God. At one point, the trail goes past the falls and up the side of the cliff, with ferns all around, very pretty. The top is a wide slab of rock where you get a typical gorgeous Yosemite view, and it's a great place for lunch. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF GOING SWIMMING HERE. All caps is intentional. A lot of people have been swept over the falls and died. Just recently, a hiker didn't swim, he just stood on a rock in the Merced River; slipped off, went over the falls. Don't do it, please. If you don't go further to Nevada Fall, you've still done a hike to remember. If your kids have the stamina and they know to stay on the trail, they'll love it too; if not, they could get seriously hurt on this trail. It's an investment of 2 hours that must be done if you're up to it.

I'd say it's the most popular hike in Yosemite and rightfully so! Definitely worth a visit, the hike itself can be a bit strenuous due to the elevation and steps you have to take to make it up the trail. It's stop 1 on the way to, I believe the Mist Trail. Worth every moment because the falls are amazing once you reach it. Plenty of photo ops. Spring time gets the falls at its best. Crowded? You bet, but it's worth it. Bring water and snacks to hike and you'll be just fine. Plenty of rest spots. Do yourself a favor and hike it already!

I went there hiking with group of friends at end of April 2014. Which is good time to go there. Weather was prefect and a lot of water on falls from melted snow / ice. We did 6.5 miles big loop - The Mist Trail (Vernal Falls / Nevada Falls / John Muir Trail) - Hiking shoe / walking poles are recommended. Bring snack, lunch and a lot of water. Water fountain on 1st bridge Park on Trailhead parking a lot between shuttle stop # 15 & 16 on end of South Drive which only Shuttle bus access only. Parking will be on right after Curry Village #15. Parking a lot is dirt road.. No guideline for parking. As long you could park and without blocking other cars you are okay Start Walk about 5 to 10 mins to Happy Isles Trial #16 (1st bathroom) The Mist Trail start at end of Happy Isles Bridge on right side. Start easy flat - moderate - strenuous on steps - moderate down hills - easy Stroll along the river, the trial get pretty steep until you reach the 1st bridge. Which offers the first glimpse of Vernal Fall in the distance. Water-fountain (only 1 on this whole trail) and 2nd restrooms (flush toilet and sink) Continue up to Vernal Fall - Wet steep steps and you will get wet from waterfall. Steps get narrow and narrow until gets on the top of fall 3rd restrooms on right (last bathroom) - No sink and pit toilet Past Emerald Pool (2nd bridge) and alongside Nevada Fall until you reach the high-point for this hike. Half way is best view of Nevada Fall. The hike get steep with steps when get closer to top. Rest of trail is open with no shade. Great view on top of the fall and windy. Then take the alternate route down along the John Muir Trail to see views of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap in the distance before meeting back up with the Mist Trail near the footbridge. The route back is slightly longer & faster, but offers a change of scenery and is easier on the knees

This waterfall is certainly impressive.. this hike although usually crowded is certainly something to see... it's awesome to say the least. I went in the spring when the water is flowing and the summer crowd hasn't slowed up yet. This is definitely the time to go! The waterfall is most impressive in the spring and is much less so in the late summer and fall. I would highly recommend this hike... The hike continues to Nevada falls if you are up for it. its not easy but doable and I would give it a moderate to difficult rating. Lots of stairs...again totally worth it. The view from the top of nevada is amazing.

2.4 miles round trip to get to Vernal Falls. Seems like a short hike, but it is very steep and lots of wet slippery stairs to get to the waterfall. The waterfall is pretty amazing and we went there was a rainbow in the waterfall, that made it more amazing. The trail was really crowded! The age ranged from babies to elderly people so depending on your skill level for hiking, you can be the judge if this hike is in your skill level.

Steep Hike, Nice Falls, Must See! This is one of my favorite places in Yosemite. Leave early to voice the SUPER SLOW and TIMID hikers traveling at the slowest rate of travel grouped together as if they will magically fall off the stairs and the cliffs. The views are absolutely outstanding and the hike is a good workout for the buns! The hike is pretty steep in spots so forget the stair master at the gym, this is a real workout! Keep going down this trail to other falls and amazing things!

Lots to see and take pics of in Yosemite ... it's just gorgeous. Best to go when kids are in school so not as crowded.

Hiked 4/11/2015 Started at the parking lot across from Upper Pines Campsite. Follow the Happy Isle signs to the trail head. From there, we took the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall. If you just go to Vernal Fall and back it's 3 miles, but if you keep going to Nevada Fall it's about 7 miles round trip. Mist Trail to Vernal Fall: pretty steep with stairs. You definitely get misted with the waterfall great view. There is a water fountain and sink on the Mist Trail you can fill up your bottle. We went on Saturday and the trail was very crowded. Vernal Fall: gorgeous! Once at the top of this fall, there are a ton of people. If you keep going further you will see the more calm section of the Merced River. No swimming signs are up. Keep going on Mist Trail: We kept going to hike up to Nevada Fall. It's pretty steep with a vertical gain of 2600 ft, round trip from Happy Isle to Nevada Fall and back down John Muir Trails is 6.8 miles. There were highliners going when we got up to Nevada Fall (aka slacklining) which was pretty awesome to watch!

The first time I hiked the Mist Trail to get to the top of the Vernal Falls, my son was only 3 years old (I know, I know... I'm a cruel parent). I figured we'd only go as far as he could handle it. Well, guess what? We made it all the way to the top! Yes, I had to carry him in some parts of the path, but he seemed to be really enjoying himself. My older son had such a good time too!! The views were great at every angle. When we reached the top, my kids took off their shoes and soaked their feet in the water while looking at the squirrels running around. We were all tired by the time we got back to the park shuttle, but it was so worth the experience! What an unforgettable day!!!

Going to Yosemite? Don't miss Vernal Fall! It's a fantastic hike that's perfect for everyone. It's strenuous enough that the non-super-fit people like me feel like they got a workout, but easy enough that kids can handle it, it's really fun, and the views are incredible (surprise surprise). Depending on the time of year, prepared to get wet--bring a poncho or rain jacket if you want a chance of not getting completely soaked. You can park at Curry Village and walk, or catch the free shuttle and take it to Happy Isles (stop #16) if you want to cut off about 15 minutes of walking (flat terrain) each way. Once you get to the trailhead, it starts ascending pretty quickly. The first .8 miles of the hike takes you to the Vernal Fall footbridge, which is beautiful, but if you've made it that far, it's totally worth it to keep going. It'll be a lot less crowded and even more stunning. This is your last chance to fill up your water bottles and use a bathroom, so don't miss the opportunity if you need it. The Mist Trail will get pretty steep, and you'll encounter granite steps--over 600 of them--that will take you to the top of the fall. There's a ton of water...they don't call it Mist Trail for nothing. Spring and early summer are the wettest times of the year. Once you make it to the top of the waterfall, you'll be sopping wet and will have gained 1000 feet in elevation, and the views are spectacular! We weren't smart enough to bring lunch to eat at the top, unlike everyone else...don't repeat our mistake. There were tons of kids on the trail, and I hauled my 11-month-old son up those steps in a carrier, so just about anyone should be able to do this hike.

This is a great waterfall to visit, for people of all ages. I saw children around age 5 all the way to seniors that are 60+. It's a steady incline up, including some steep steps (and use the railing too) to get to the top of Vernal Falls. Not much shade, but be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe dress in a light long sleeve. If it's spring/summer, then take Mist Trail all the way up, and you'll see some fantastic waterfalls. Oh la la....so lovely and totally worth the short hike! Continue further and you'll reach Nevada Falls, but if Vernal is enough for you -- then you can hang out at the top and eat some snacks/fruits while you rest up and then head back down. :) You can complete the entire roundtrip hike in the morning with plenty of time to spare in the afternoon! More photos here: https://ourwelltraveledlife.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/yosemite-national-park-a-west-coast-wonder/

Awesome experience. I loved this hike and would do it over again in a heartbeat! I did the hike from Yosemite Valley to Vernal Falls and then back down the same way and it took around 4 hours round-trip (and my family rested and mingled a lot once we got to the top of Vernal Falls). You can certainly extend the hike to Nevada Falls (or even past that in a huge loop). I would say that the portion I did was moderately difficult. There were definitely some steep spots, and much of it was moderately uphill on the way there, and the portion near the falls itself was misty and slippery, but overall it was a lot of fun! I would wear hiking shoes for sure on this trail so you are not falling down on the slippery rocks. I would also bring a waterproof jacket, or some people brought ponchos, for the misty part. There is a water filling station about halfway there that is very clearly demarcated as the last water stop for awhile -- so fill up there! My favorite part of the hike was walking along the edge of one of the rock cliffs (they have hand rails), and being able to hear, see, and feel the power of the falls along the whole way. I was so impressed by the way the falls hit the rocks below. You're fairly high up at this point and can see absolutely stunning views, and several rainbows. It's gorgeous in every way.

Do you want to spend the day right next to a waterfall? This hike will kick your butt and give you amazing views at the same time. Vernal Falls is 2.4 miles long and takes about 3 hours with a 1000 feet elevation gain. Shuttle stop #16. To walk up to the waterfall you have to walk up some steep steps where the mist of waterfall falls on you. Depending on the weather that could be a good or a bad thing. There is a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Therefore be prepared for the area to be slippery and you need to be careful. You will have an excellent view of Vernal Falls from the footbridge about a mile in. Once you arrive at the top of the waterfall you can relax on the rocks and eat your lunch. This hike is strenuous but might seem easy to experienced hikers. Happy trailing!

May 31 2017 - thundering,ferocious falls with nothing but sheer power. Hiking party of four wore our skittle colored lightweight rain parkas, a mixture of shorts and pants with out backpacks. Be prepared to get drenched! Getting to the stairs we had to work our way around a baby fall and going up the stairs was hard work - rocks were super slippery, the wind from the falls was blowing us everywhere. It was so severe (coupled with thunderstorm that am) we turned around with 100 feet to go, and then took the John Muir trail to the top of Nevada falls. It was a great day of hiking. Wearing ankle covering hiking shoes kept two of our hikers with dry feet for the day.

The best waterfall hike in the USA. The falls are pretty shocking, and the trip up is ultra-challenging. But the trail is PERFECT. It's either paved or stepped the whole way up. The views are stunning all the way from the bus stop to the falls. Advice: Don't take photos on the way up. Wait until the trip down. I'm 53 and in relatively decent shape. I made the round trip from Bus Stop to Vernal Falls in about 2 hours.

First off, just because you don't have a cell signal does not make this the wilderness. You will not have solitude here. If you're are an Instagram idiot who is in reasonably good shape and doesn't mind the lack of a cellular signal, you will probably love this hike. I've hiked to Vernal Falls and beyond more time than I can count. The scenery makes it an impressive place to take out of state visitors. However, I stopped hiking this trail over a decade ago because it's just to damn crowded. As many of you know, the park limited the number of day-use visitors due to the pandemic. I figured with limited numbers of visitors, it would be a great time to do this hike again. In addition, the park had made the stairs section of the Mist Trail one-way to uphill traffic only, requiring hikers to return via the John Muir Trail (which requires hiking up another trail involving a 500ft elevation gain to get to Clark Point). Sweet, I'm in! One-way traffic will reduce the chaos on the stairs. Or so I thought. As I should have expected, people were disregarding this rule and going back down the Mist Trail. Many of these people are very inconsiderate of others. Sometimes it just makes sense to yield to those coming the other way. Unfortunately, a lot of people are raised believing they are entitled to ignore rules and disregard common courtesy. This type of behavior tends to come out in crowded situations, and it certainly shows here. The scenery is quite breathtaking, but do not expect any zen moments. There will be people all around you. And the wilderness this is not. Much of the first part of the trail is paved. There is water available part way up, and restrooms as well. As for Yosemite's daily visitor limits, I believe Yosemite has set the current daily visitor limits to 80% of pre-pandemic visitor levels, so it'll still be crowded. Add to that the temporary suspension of the free valley shuttle and it makes getting around a bit more difficult. If you go... - Please don't crowd people. Give yourself extra time to accommodate others who may be hiking slower than you on narrow trails. Yield to others if it is safer than them yielding to you. This requires being thoughtful. - If you must get the perfect selfie for your IG, don't be an a-hole about it. Be patient, and don't hog up a good view point when others are waiting. You're not that special, despite what you're mom says. - Bring plenty of water and snacks. - Do NOT feed wildlife, no matter how cute. The squirrels in Yosemite are aggressive and some may attempt to climb your leg if you are eating. This is because they get used to being fed by idiot visitors. Yosemite has had plague outbreaks so stay the hell away from squirrels! - Unvaccinated people are still required to wear a mask outdoors in crowded settings. This includes kids. Carry a mask, because sections of the trail are very crowded. While California is showing great COVID numbers, please keep in mind that many visitors to Yosemite are visiting from elsewhere. - Stay on the trail. Taking shortcuts across switchbacks harms vegetation and results in erosion. Going off-trail in high use areas is a no-no. - Do not hike with a Bluetooth speaker!!! Nobody wants to hear that! (this applies to all trails.) - Don't underestimate this hike. It's only 4 miles but the elevation gain can be challenging for many. Hiking down can be worse for those with bad knees. The reason for the two stars: it's the people. If everyone was considerate, I'd gladly give four. If there were no crowds, it would get five. Yes, I acknowledge that I contributed to this last issue, but I promise not to do this hike for at least another decade.

Great little hike at Yosemite on Mist Trail. Stop at the top of Vernal, or keep going to Nevada Fall. There is a nice bridge, restrooms, and water filling at about .8 miles in if you want an easier walk.