Hiking & Exploring Nevada Falls

Yosemite Valley, California

Description

Outstanding views of the falls and the valleyImmense granite Walls that you may spot climbers onBreathtaking waterfalls especially in the Spring and Summer months

An awesome adventure for any explorer. The trailhead is set at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The trail begins with a paved road that lasts only a short while. Once this paved road ends, the fun really begins! The hike to Vernal Falls is not incredibly difficult and is only slightly under 1 mile. The bridge before the base of the falls is the last stop for water, so be sure to stock up! The trail quickly turns into a series of steps, leading to a lookout point at the top of Vernal Falls. The next stop on the Mist Trail is Nevada Falls, which is at the 2.7 mile mark...and the real stunner on this hike.

Nevada Falls is an amazing waterfall, sending rushing water off of a sheer 594 foot high cliff. Once at the top of Nevada Falls, follow around to the opposite side for an alternate route back. This alternate route is the John Muir Trail, and offers spectacular views and sheer drop-offs.

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Waterfall

Hiking & Exploring Nevada Falls Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

This is one of the most epic short hikes that you can do in Yosemite. Highly recommend it for anyone staying in the valley or visiting with enough time for a 2-3 hour hike. While the distance isn't long, you will stop a lot along the way to take in the beauty and also spend time at the top of the falls. The hike starts from Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16). You can also hike from Half Dome Vill...

Vernal Fall Foot Bridge Trail via Mist and John Muir Trail

Panorama Trail

The Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park shuttle to the other. If you stay overnight, be sure to grab a permit. The hike is beautiful from spr...

Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome

First things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. They will likely give you a pass. Next, park your car at Upper Pines and REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED. Lo...

Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles

This popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Trail 0.5 miles up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps directly to the top of Vernal Fall. Use c...

Half Dome via the Mist Trail

Be sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just day hiking, you'll still need a day hike permit. About 5 minutes in you will start your ascent. Soon ...