Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall is a spectacular, classically-shaped 317ft waterfall. Making up the lower step of the Giant Stairway, it's often known for drenching hikers with its mist along the appropriately-named Mist Trail (especially the 1.3-mile section leading to the top of the falls). It is also one of Yosemite's few year round waterfalls as it is part of the giant Merced River drainage. Since the Mist Trail is so popular, you will be squeezing your way through the bi-directional traffic while trying not to fall into the Merced River! You're probably going to have a pretty hard time noticing the falls while paying attention to your safety (at least if you're going down the Mist Trail). Anyhow, be careful and take your time if you find yourself in a crowd here. The photographs below show you the various ways you can see the waterfall. The photo above is from the Lady Franklin Rock, which is a short spur off the Mist Trail just before it starts to get into the misty granite steps. The falls gets rainbows at this position in the mid- to late afternoon. Tell us about your experience with this waterfall. [Back to top] [Go to next waterfall: Nevada Fall] [Go to the Tenaya Canyon and the Giant Stairway Waterfalls Page] [Go to the Yosemite Page] [Return from "Vernal Fall" to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]
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The view from Clark Point. This is along the connecting trail between the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail between the Silver Apron area above Vernal Fall and start of the trail leading to the Panorama Cliffs and ultimately the top of Nevada Falls. It is roughly 2.7 miles from the Happy Isles Trailhead (signpost V24; only shuttle access allowed; no private vehicles) via the Mist Trail or another extra mile via the John Muir Trail.
Full rainbow from the Mist Trail in the late afternoon.
The top of the waterfall
The Giant Stairway seen from Washburn Point (signpost G10 along Glacier Point Road)
The waterfall viewed from the Panorama Trail, which is best accessed from Glacier Point (at the end of the Glacier Point Road at signpost G11)