Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall
4.5
About
Though not as tall as Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall is popular for the green foliage that surrounds it year-round and the rainbow mist it produces as the water cascades.
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- elchacoHouston, Texas1,059 contributionsBeautiful Waterfall!It's not an easy hike to get there, but it is well worth it. Before you get to the top, there's a spot where you can see the waterfall in all its glory! You get soaked with the mist, but that makes it all that much better. Once you get to the top, there's a big rock for you to take a break and just admire the power of the water.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 26, 2024
- Jamie E4 contributionsHike with a Breathtaking RewardVernal Fall is a must-visit for any hiker in Yosemite National Park. The hike to the top of the falls is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning views and a refreshing escape into nature. While the trail is mostly uphill with some steep sections the effort is well worth it. The 1.5-mile round trip to the footbridge provides a great view of the falls, while the more adventurous can continue to the top for a truly immersive experience, getting soaked by the mist and surrounded by the power of the cascading water.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 6, 2024
- D PWellington, New Zealand8,068 contributionsWell worth the uphill hike.Off the Mist trail which is worth noting is closed Mon-Thursday for maintenance at the moment. It is open after 3.30pm on a Thursday then all day Saturday & Sunday. If it’s closed it’s a long loop around! However saying that you could still see the falls from the bottom it’s just you wouldn’t be able to walk up easily to the top of the falls. The walk to the base is a good uphill leg stretch but still worth it. Do t stop there though as you’ll get the best views from walking up the side of it which involves a lot of steep stone steps. If you still have the puff venture up the last set of steps to stand at the top of the falls looking back. The views and scenery up here changes completely and again is more than worth the effort if you can. Lots of excuse rest points for photos as everyone else is so take your time and enjoy!!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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bobbyza
Phoenix, AZ308 contributions
Jul 2021
If you are adventurous , this hike is well worth it. The trail to Vernal falls is 1-1/2 miles round trip to footbridge( or about 2-1/2 miles roundtrip to top of falls) and considered to be "moderately strenuous". My wife and I were 64 and 63 years old when we did the hike in mid July of 2021. Note of caution however, is it can be really hot in July on that trail....so. instead of going in the afternoon, we opted for the next morning when it was considerably cooler , which was smart. Trail covers a little over 1000 feet in elevation and is mostly uphill with a few downhill stretches. A little over halfway to the falls proper, you come to the footbridge (0.8 miles in) , from whence you can see the falls in the distance, offering good photo ops. The reminder of the trail from the bridge to the falls is more uphill, and one should consider going on or not, depending on health, water, etc.. There is water available just past the bridge to refill bottles. My wife and I did do the second stretch to just beneath the falls, However, we did NOT do the additional distance from beneath the falls to the top of the falls- But a friend of ours had done it and thought it worth while, but being in our 60's and somewhat tired, we decided to turn around and head back. Overall the hike was roughly 3 hours for my wife and I due to the additional walking from the first parking area (not the second smaller trail head lot) to the Mist Trail trail head. My wife and I enjoyed it thoroughly and certainly recommend the hike! PS Falls are 317 feet in height with impressive different colored granite as backdrop!
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lou181818
Bath, UK2,983 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This trail starts moderate but gets tougher with steep unsteady path and steps. You need sensible walking footwear and a level of fitness to get to the top of the waterfall and come back down the same way. We set off 8am and there were flies around but cool, returning 1-2pm it was much hotter, busier and no flies.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizpeth B
Chino Hills, CA8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Vernal Falls is just as beautiful from last time we visited . However, at this time, the water level was low and not misty as the trail was named towards the falls.
We did not bother to go to the Lower Yosemite Falls after the ranger advised us that the falls was dry .
We enjoyed the Mariposa Grove and learned a lot of things about the trees, thanks to a knowledgeable ranger who gave us an inspiring talk about the place.
We did not bother to go to the Lower Yosemite Falls after the ranger advised us that the falls was dry .
We enjoyed the Mariposa Grove and learned a lot of things about the trees, thanks to a knowledgeable ranger who gave us an inspiring talk about the place.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boubay
Riom, France923 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
A superb waterfall, especially in May, when the snow melts because it is very abundant.
The hike to get there is quite steep, at the beginning it is done on a tarmac path and then there are around 600 granite steps to climb. These are very slippery because the waterfall creates a giant mist but it's a great experience and the view is magnificent! This is the best hike we have done in the park. Plus we come across lots of adorable and not very wild squirrels.
I recommend that you take a poncho or a k-way because we quickly get soaked, and so do our belongings.
It takes around 3 hours round trip to go up to Vernall Fall. The most motivated will continue their journey until Navada Fall.
The hike to get there is quite steep, at the beginning it is done on a tarmac path and then there are around 600 granite steps to climb. These are very slippery because the waterfall creates a giant mist but it's a great experience and the view is magnificent! This is the best hike we have done in the park. Plus we come across lots of adorable and not very wild squirrels.
I recommend that you take a poncho or a k-way because we quickly get soaked, and so do our belongings.
It takes around 3 hours round trip to go up to Vernall Fall. The most motivated will continue their journey until Navada Fall.
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawne S
Oakley, CA9 contributions
Oct 2020
What an amazing view and wonderful trip. Can't believe we were able to hike this challenging uphill trail to a beautiful waterfall. Water was freezing but did not stop others from jumping in. Can't wait to go back when the falls are fuller.
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D P
Wellington, New Zealand8,068 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Off the Mist trail which is worth noting is closed Mon-Thursday for maintenance at the moment. It is open after 3.30pm on a Thursday then all day Saturday & Sunday. If it’s closed it’s a long loop around!
However saying that you could still see the falls from the bottom it’s just you wouldn’t be able to walk up easily to the top of the falls.
The walk to the base is a good uphill leg stretch but still worth it. Do t stop there though as you’ll get the best views from walking up the side of it which involves a lot of steep stone steps. If you still have the puff venture up the last set of steps to stand at the top of the falls looking back. The views and scenery up here changes completely and again is more than worth the effort if you can.
Lots of excuse rest points for photos as everyone else is so take your time and enjoy!!
However saying that you could still see the falls from the bottom it’s just you wouldn’t be able to walk up easily to the top of the falls.
The walk to the base is a good uphill leg stretch but still worth it. Do t stop there though as you’ll get the best views from walking up the side of it which involves a lot of steep stone steps. If you still have the puff venture up the last set of steps to stand at the top of the falls looking back. The views and scenery up here changes completely and again is more than worth the effort if you can.
Lots of excuse rest points for photos as everyone else is so take your time and enjoy!!
Written August 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elchaco
Houston, TX1,059 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
It's not an easy hike to get there, but it is well worth it. Before you get to the top, there's a spot where you can see the waterfall in all its glory! You get soaked with the mist, but that makes it all that much better. Once you get to the top, there's a big rock for you to take a break and just admire the power of the water.
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P. F
Bowling Green, OH285 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
My girlfriend and I were just in Yosemite on a day trip and wanted the shortest hike to a waterfall to save on time. While it was definitely A HIKE (all up hill), it took just a few hours to go up to the falls and back down. Plenty of spots to rest, catch your breath, and take in the beautiful scenery! Pack your water bottle, don't worry there is a restroom half way up. The falls are gorgeous and if you're lucky, you'll catch a rainbow through the mists! Wear good hiking shoes, the stairs by the falls are steep, wet, and slippery!
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2BEis2SKI
Charlotte, NC1,301 contributions
Oct 2022
Falls were beautiful but not at full strength as it was October. For me, it was as much or more about the vistas and the exercise.
These trails are strenuous. There are very few places where there is flat ground and many places where there are at least 20-25 degree inclines as well as countless steps.
Once you reach Vernal Falls though, there is room to rest, take in the beauty and catch you breathe.
A word of caution too that a lot of people attempt this hike and you have to pass many that are moving more slowly. There were definitely some traffic jams on the way up and back.
These trails are strenuous. There are very few places where there is flat ground and many places where there are at least 20-25 degree inclines as well as countless steps.
Once you reach Vernal Falls though, there is room to rest, take in the beauty and catch you breathe.
A word of caution too that a lot of people attempt this hike and you have to pass many that are moving more slowly. There were definitely some traffic jams on the way up and back.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Verthib123
9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Best hike of my life!! No words to describe how beautiful the trail and the falls are. 1) It’s nearly 4 miles roundrip if you stay on the mist trail (not 2.5 or 3 miles as some claim). 2) It’s 6.1 miles if you go up the mist trail and down the John Muir trail. 3) There is a TON of water in the summer, not sure what these other reviewer‘s were seeing or not seeing. 4) The stairs make it very strenuous. Be realistic about your abilities rather than and give les stars because of your physical condition. 5) If you’re not physically fit, go to the foot bridge and back. The views at the foot bridge are still worth it!!
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi we are visiting with 3 children 13, 9 and 2. Where should we stay and what should we attempt to do in yosemite?
Written March 10, 2020
Note that few people look at the Q&A features on TripAdvisor. The forums are much more active.
Written May 12, 2022
Bonjour,
Comment est la cascade en juillet ? ( y a t-il de l'eau, quel débit?)
Combien de temps de marche aller retour pour accéder seulement au pied de la cascade ?
Cordialement
Written December 24, 2019
Hi
Yes, there should be a decent amount of water in the Merced River in July. You can't walk to the base of Vernal Fall, but you can go up the paved trail to the footbridge which has a view. Or you can see the waterfall from Glacier Point.
I highly recommend using the Yosemite forum instead of this seldom seen Q&A feature. Let folks on the forum know if you're using Google Translate when you post in English on that forum.
Written January 30, 2020
Can you see the waterfall at the point where the pavement ends? I don't think I'll be able to go past that, up the scary part. Thanks.
Written August 19, 2017
You can get a good view of the falls before the steep stairs section, but you need to go well past the bridge. The paved path leading to the bridge is a pretty steep incline, then you need to go another half a mile or so which is not as steep and follows along and overlooking the river, which is very inspiring and you will make many stops to take pictures. Then you will get to a point where you can see the falls, just before the steep incline. You may even be motivated to take a few sections of the steep stairs to get a little better view, it is so awesome!
Written August 19, 2017
Will there be waterfalls flowing if i come at end of june/beginning of july?
Written January 16, 2017
Vernal Fall is fed by the Merced River. It always has water, regardless of the snowpack or season. On average, the highest water level is usually May/June and the lowest water level is October.
Yosemite Falls is fed by seasonal stream Yosemite Creek and will usually stop flowing in late summer or early fall.
June / July is fine for water flow.
Written January 24, 2017
Swetha J
Tempe, Arizona
How much time does it take approximately for the round trip if you want to go till the end of the trail ?
Written September 1, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Chippenham, United Kingdom
With my 9 year old and 6 year old, it took us a little over 4 hours. We also had 20 min at the top to enjoy the pool of water. We probably walked a slightly faster than average pace based on the amount of people that we passed.
Written September 14, 2016
Ciao, secondo voi il percorso per arrivare alla Vernal Fall è praticabile con due bimbi di 4 e 8 anni?
Grazie mille per le risposte!
Written May 19, 2016
Il percorso è in salita, su un bel sentiero largo e nella parte bassa asfaltato. Un po prima della cascata si stringe e passa tra pietre e rocce, ma nulla di vertiginoso. Sono circa 3 km per andare e 300 m di dislivello. Se il bimbo di 4 anni cammina non penso ci siano problemi, nell'ultima parte lo dovrà tenere per mano, anche perchè genere c'è anche parecchia gente ed il sentierino è stretto. Se decide di andare in cima alla cascata, sulla destra c'è una scalinata tagliata nella roccia, con scalini irregolari, magari lo dovrà aiutare ma sopra c'è un bel laghetto. saluti.
Written May 22, 2016
Hello,
Is there overnight backpacking at Vernal falls? If not what is the closest place? I am trying to find a starting trail head for my upcoming backpacking trip that passes through Vernal falls.
thanks
Written October 5, 2015
No. You need to be further from civilization in Yosemite Valley. Check the NPS website about backpacking.
Written February 6, 2016
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