United States · Sierra Nevada, California
Nevada Fall
The Merced River explodes off a granite step above Vernal Fall, reached via the strenuous Mist Trail that climbs alongside both falls in a single soaking, iconic Yosemite day hike. Its turbulent, twisting drop contrasts with Vernal's clean vertical sheet just downstream.
The Merced River explodes off a granite step above Vernal Fall, reached via the strenuous Mist Trail that climbs alongside both falls in a single soaking, iconic Yosemite day hike. Its turbulent, twisting drop contrasts with Vernal's clean vertical sheet just downstream.
Nevada Fall drops 181 metres (594 ft) on the Merced, inside Yosemite National Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Yosemite Valley, with FAT the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard.
Late spring snowmelt gives the fullest, whitest flow on the Mist Trail.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Late spring snowmelt gives the fullest, whitest flow on the Mist Trail.
Entry: Park entry $35 USD per vehicle
Getting there
- Base townYosemite Valley
- AirportFAT
- CountryUnited States
- RegionSierra Nevada, California, North America
- AccessHard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide
On the map
37.7292, -119.5453
Quick answers
How tall is Nevada Fall?
Nevada Fall drops 181 metres (594 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Merced.
When is the best time to visit Nevada Fall?
Peak flow is May to July. Late spring snowmelt gives the fullest, whitest flow on the Mist Trail.
What can you do at Nevada Fall?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide.
How do you get to Nevada Fall?
The usual base is Yosemite Valley, and the closest airport is FAT. A serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide from there. Park entry $35 USD per vehicle.
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