Updated July 2026
Vernal Fall
A 317-foot block waterfall on the Merced River, reached via the steep, spray-soaked granite steps of the Mist Trail from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Yosemite National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Vernal Fall drops about 317 feet. That makes it the 41st-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 94% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Mist Trail (from Happy Isles) reaches it about 3 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous. The nearest town is Yosemite Valley. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Yosemite National Park (NPS) for closures and current conditions.
Late spring (May-Jun) at peak flow. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More California waterfalls
- Alamere Falls · 40 ft
- Bassi Falls · 109 ft
- Berry Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Big Falls · 500 ft
- Bridalveil Fall · 617 ft
- Burney Falls · 129 ft
- Carlon Falls · 35 ft
- Cascade Falls · 200 ft
Sources
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