United States · Sierra Nevada, California
Vernal Fall
A clean, wide sheet drops over a sheer granite lip into a broad pool, reached by granite steps carved directly into the cliff that earn the approach its nickname, the Mist Trail. Swimming above the fall has caused fatalities and is prohibited near the lip.
A clean, wide sheet drops over a sheer granite lip into a broad pool, reached by granite steps carved directly into the cliff that earn the approach its nickname, the Mist Trail. Swimming above the fall has caused fatalities and is prohibited near the lip.
Vernal Fall drops 97 metres (318 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 moderate.
Peak snowmelt drenches the Mist Trail steps in spray, hence the name.
What you can do here
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
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
Peak snowmelt drenches the Mist Trail steps in spray, hence the name.
Entry: Park entry $35 USD per vehicle
Getting there
- Base townYosemite Valley
- AirportFAT
- CountryUnited States
- RegionSierra Nevada, California, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
37.7275, -119.5522
Quick answers
How tall is Vernal Fall?
Vernal Fall drops 97 metres (318 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Merced.
When is the best time to visit Vernal Fall?
Peak flow is May to July. Peak snowmelt drenches the Mist Trail steps in spray, hence the name.
What can you do at Vernal Fall?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Vernal Fall?
The usual base is Yosemite Valley, and the closest airport is FAT. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Park entry $35 USD per vehicle.
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