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Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall and rainbow viewed from the outcrop near the Mist Trail



Nevada Fall is a mammoth 594ft waterfall. Watched over by the Liberty Cap, it makes up the upper step of the Giant Stairway. Like
Vernal Fall further downstream, it's part of the Merced River drainage so it flows year round.

Given its position higher up on the Giant Stairway, you can see this cataract from the Glacier Point vicinity (including Sentinel Dome). Perhaps Washburn Point at signpost G10 on the Glacier Point Road is the best spot to see this and Vernal Fall together.

However, it's far more rewarding to get up close and experience the falls by hiking, which starts at the Happy Isles Nature Center at signpost V24 right across from the bottom of the Upper Pines Campground.

You can see the falls in profile along the Mist Trail (which is dry as you cross the bridge above Vernal Fall) or together with the Liberty Cap on the John Muir Trail along the Panorama Cliffs section. It takes a bit of effort to see this waterfall, but it's definitely worth it!

The photo taken above came from an unsigned rock outcropping just at the base of the Nevada Falls portion of the Mist Trail. Be careful not to venture too far out onto the rock as a fall from there would certainly be fatal.

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Nevada Fall and the Liberty Cap from the John Muir TrailThe waterfall watched over by the Liberty Cap from the John Muir Trail

The Giant Stairway seen from Washburn PointThe Giant Stairway seen from Washburn Point

Nevada Fall and the Liberty Cap seen over burned trees along the Panorama TrailThe fall and the Liberty Cap seen over burned trees along the Panorama Trail

The profile of Nevada Fall from the Mist TrailThe profile of the waterfall from the Mist Trail

The brink of Nevada FallThe brink of the cataract. Getting here requires a little bit of some exploration once you're at the top of the Mist Trail. There is a well-hidden path (hidden from the top at least, but observant hikers going up the Mist Trail will spot it) leading to a railing area right next to the falls. From here, you might understand why the Native Americans called the falls "Yo-wy-we" or "worm" due to its slinky-like appearance as the water shoots off the granite lip during the Spring runoff.



Tell us about your experience with this waterfall.



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[Go to next waterfall: Illilouette Fall]

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