History & travel
The Yosemite
John Muir · 2003
Muir's own account of the valley, including his famous descriptions of Yosemite Fall and the Merced's Nevada and Vernal falls.
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.
UNESCO World HeritageOne of Yosemite's most-hiked destinations Essentials guide
Checked September 2026 by David Bussell
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.
As a plunge waterfall, water leaves the rock entirely and falls free through the air.
What you can do here
Also good forHikingPhotography
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 town Yosemite Valley
- Airport FAT
- Country United States
- Region Sierra Nevada, California, United States, North America
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
This waterfall
Vernal Fall
United States
Height97 mWidth—
Most similar
Lower Falls of the Yellowstone
United States
Height94 mWidth—
Also a plunge waterfall, of similar height and in the United States too
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
94 m
97 m
108 m
330 m
979 m
Lower Falls of the YellowstoneVernal FallVictoria FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Khone Phapheng Falls
10,783 m
Victoria Falls
1,708 m
Angel Falls is 10× taller than Vernal Fall. It is about the same height as Victoria Falls (108 m). We don't have a reliable crest width for Vernal Fall yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
Watch and read
Videos from Vernal Fall
13:15
4:42
8:07
Chosen from YouTube; videos belong to their creators and play from YouTube's privacy-enhanced player.
Books worth packing
Walking guide
Hiking Waterfalls Yosemite National Park
Suzanne Swedo · 2019
Trail-by-trail guide devoted entirely to Yosemite's waterfalls, with maps, distances and best seasons for each fall.
Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Hiking…Ann Marie Brown
Guidebook
Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon: Hiking, Camping, Waterfalls & Big Trees
Ann Marie Brown · 2024
Current park guide with trail descriptions for the Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil, plus lodging and permits.
Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon…Lonely Planet
Guidebook
Lonely Planet Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Lonely Planet · 2024
Latest Lonely Planet park guide covering Yosemite Valley's waterfall hikes, shuttles, camping and when the falls run highest.
On the map
37.7275, -119.5522
Quick answers
Where is Vernal Fall?
Vernal Fall is in United States (Sierra Nevada, California), inside Yosemite National Park. The nearest base is Yosemite Valley and the closest airport is FAT. Its coordinates are 37.7275, -119.5522.
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.
Can you swim at Vernal Fall?
Yes — swimming is a normal part of a visit to Vernal Fall, in the pools away from the falling water. Only swim where it is permitted on the day, stay clear of the base of the falls where currents recirculate, and skip it after heavy rain.
Is Vernal Fall a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Vernal Fall lies within a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Yosemite National Park. Expect park fees, marked trails and rules on where you can walk, swim and fly drones.
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.
Nearby
Closest to Vernal Fall
UNESCO Nevada Fall
United States · 181 m · 2 km away
Upper anchor of Yosemite's famous Mist Trail
Snow Creek Falls
United States · 5 km away
Snow Creek Falls is a long series of cascades located in Yosemite National Park toward the eastern extent of…
Full guide Yosemite Falls
United States · 739 m · 5 km away
Tallest waterfall in Yosemite, and among the tallest in North America
UNESCO Bridalveil Fall
United States · 189 m · 8 km away
Yosemite's most reliably year-round waterfall