Vernal Falls image

Vernal Falls

Tourist attraction Scenic spot

One of the Best Places To Visits in Curry Village


Address

TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, United States

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

+1 209-372-0200

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (2.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (23) hike (16) Vernal (12) falls (12) beautiful (12) Yosemite (12) waterfall (12) Falls (11) views (10) Nevada (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 MsDaemonette �. 2 years ago on Google
    Must trail was the best idea for a shorter hike and some amazing views. We went up to Clark's point so we didn't have to hike back down the wet slick steps of mist trail. Highly recommend! I also highly recommend to bring a Pancho or something to keep dry if it's later in the day or you want to stay dry. You will get misted wet! Also it was crazy to see people climbing the steps up in flip flops, nice Gucci shoes and non waterproof tennis shoes, 😱. What this means is you don't need hiking boots, though I would definitely recommend them!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven C. 11 months ago on Google
    If you planing to visit Vernal Falls, please make sure you bring a poncho or raincoat or changing of clothes. Because the final section of the ascending to the top, the spread from the water falls will just like a cold shower, you will get wet for sure! The uphill climb or down hills are manageable, do make sure you wear a suitable shoes! The view at the top is beautiful and breathtaking, it worth every drop of sweat and body ache the next day!!! I’m so grateful to enjoy God’s wisdom and might!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ridita S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a true beauty.. the most beautiful falls I have ever seen. The hike was streneous and about 2.5 mile out and back to the top of the falls. the trail is slippery ans dangerous at some places. It took me 3.5-4 hours to complete the hike. There are water fountain along the trail at the midway so that you can refill your water bottle. In summer mid May-July the fall looks at it’s best! The beauty is beyond words. I wanna go there again and again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Austin J. 1 year ago on Google
    What a hike! If you're not up to date on your cardio, this could be a tough one. The trail is steep but the views are worth every step. We arrived after peak hours and still made it to the falls and back before dark. A mist-see in Yosemite (yes, that was intentional) NOTE: If you plan on visiting Yosemite National Park between peak hours (6am-4pm) you must purchase a reservation through the National Park Service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Addie B. 2 years ago on Google
    Went in May so the river was roaring! The mist trail was great! I definitely recommend going to the top. It's an easy hike to get to the waterfall. Didn't get a chance to get to Nevada falls but vernal was beautiful!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Genie L. 2 years ago on Google
    Even in the Spring, get up early and get to the parking lot by 8;15 latest, to secure your space and more importantly be one of the first parties up the trail, otherwise you will find the granite steps up to the falls very crowded. We were the fourth group up and were able to hike up the stars without interruption and select our spot on the granite slab. The views are stunning and recommend continuing on to Nevada Falls.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jin 1 year ago on Google
    One of the highlights of Yosemite National Park is a mesmerizing waterfall that can be reached via a beautiful trail. Spanning approximately 7-8 miles round trip, the trail offers breathtaking scenery throughout. For the best experience, it is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the picturesque views. While approaching the waterfall is not officially endorsed due to safety concerns, many visitors take the opportunity to capture stunning photographs at their own risk. This captivating waterfall is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Yosemite National Park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CC L. 10 months ago on Google
    One of the highlights of Yosemite National Park is the stunning waterfalls, which can be reached by beautiful trails. 🌲 "Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail" is about a 6.4-mile loop trail back and forth, with picturesque scenery along the way. 🚶‍♂️🌿 It's said on AllTrails that the average time to complete this trail is 4 hours and 10 minutes, but it took us 7 hours and 30 minutes, including lunch and rest. ⏱️🥾 For the best experience, an early morning departure is recommended to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the picturesque views. ☀️ We started around 9:30 am, but luckily, there weren't a lot of people that day. 🚶‍♀️👍 We parked around Housekeeping Camp and took a shuttle bus to Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking. 🏞️🚍 However, after completing the hike, we needed to walk back to Housekeeping Camp because the shuttle is one-way, and in the afternoon, there's only a green shuttle bus, which would take 1 hour from Yosemite Valley Trailhead Parking to Housekeeping Camp. 🚶‍♂️🚌 While approaching the falls is not officially sanctioned due to safety concerns, the mist trail near Vernal Fall is slippery! 💦 We got completely wet!! 😅 I had a waterproof backpack, waterproof jacket, and waterproof hiking shoes. Luckily, the covered parts stayed dry, but my leggings were completely soaked, like water dripping wet. After Vernal Fall, there are 3 trails to choose from: 1st, follow "Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail" all the way up to see Nevada Falls. 2nd, take a shortcut to Clark Point to see Nevada Falls. 3rd, take the same way back. We picked the 1st and completed it! I was regretting the whole way and being grateful at the same time. The top of Nevada Falls is gorgeous. It's incredible to stand at the top and see where you started from. The trail after Vernal Fall will not be slippery anymore, maybe some water but not like crazy mist. 💧👣 Overall, Vernal Fall is stunning, and it's an absolute must-see for anyone exploring Yosemite National Park. It's AMAZING! 😍🏞️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dhananjay A. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the attractions in the Yosemite National Park. The trail to the fall itself is very beautiful. Trail run like 7-8 miles in and out to this beautiful fall. There will be people flocking here, start early and reach early in the morning and enjoy the view. You can get closer to the fall at your own risk, they do not recommend but, people will go near fall to click pictures. It is such a beautiful fall. You should not miss this one if you are in Yosemite National Park. Must visit place.

  • 5/5 Isaac G. 2 years ago on Google
    Splendid waterfall. For a short hike here you can hike to a viewing bridge with a 2 mile round trip walk. However I would definitely suggest going to the top of the waterfall!!! You hike on the mist trail where the mist from the waterfall sprays you on your way up. Not only does this cool you off but can create a rainbow through the mist allowing even more scenic views. Loved this hike!!!

  • 5/5 g r. 1 year ago on Google
    We hiked to this waterfall in late June, the beginning of the hike was all paved, some uphill small challenges along the way. There is a bridge along with a restroom area from which you can see the waterfall in the distance, many turn back when they arrive at this point. If you decide to continue on, you will soon be met with stairs and beautiful views of the waterfall. Expect many others to be along this path, especially later on in the day, I suggest arriving at the trailhead at daylight if you want to continue on to Nevada Falls. We parked our car at Curry Village, made the hike to Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and returned via the John Muir trail and back to the car, round-trip took us 9 hrs total. We are healthy adults in our late 40s, expect elevation change, along with areas of rocky terrain. DEFINITELY an awesome experience and well worth the effort.

  • 5/5 Wei H. 1 year ago on Google
    Must trail is a great place in Yosemite National park. It’s not crowded even we visited there on 4th of July. However, it’s a cool place in the middle of the summer! We had a great time and saw the giant, beautiful and magnificent water fall there. It took us 3 hours for round trip. Totally worth it!

  • 5/5 Akhil S. 10 months ago on Google
    Vernal Falls was at its best when we visited! Excellent views. Enjoyed the trail and definitely what was at the end of the falls. Highly recommended. The trail is slightly tough in the beginning, but gets easier as you go up.

  • 5/5 Jyoti Ranjan P. 10 months ago on Google
    Hike to Vernal Fall through Mist trail is one of the best hikes I did recently. The water fall is running at full capacity now. Be prepared to get wet when going through mist trail. The elevation gain is around 1100ft. Its definitely worth the effort going to the top of fall.

  • 5/5 Daniel Z. 10 months ago on Google
    Definitely worth the visit! We went on a Monday but it was pretty busy either way, the hike starts a bit rough with long inclines but it gets easier towards the end and it is very rewarding reaching the waterfall, the Mist and the views both to and from the waterfall, just amazing!

  • 5/5 Vaibhav S. 11 months ago on Google
    One of the most beautiful hikes in California. It is a 1.5 mile hike to the top of Vernal falls. Either go back the same way or continue hiking towards Clark Point to catch beautiful views of the Vernal falls, Nevada falls, upper and lower Yosemite falls. This route is a bit longer (total trail length - 6.5 miles) but it is dry connects back to the bridge on the bottom. Bring a poncho and water proof gear as you will get drenched on this trail.


Call +1 209-372-0200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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