Vernal Falls

Hiking Tours

Vernal Falls


Explore this 5.0-kilometer out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. It is generally regarded as a difficult route, and it takes an average of 2 hours and 5 minutes to finish. Because this is a popular hiking region, you will most likely come across other people while exploring. This trail is best visited between May and October. Dogs are not permitted on this trail, so leave them at home.

TYosemite National Park has an entrance fee. Fees are assessed per car or motorcycle. The price is per person if you enter on foot, horseback, or bicycle. You can also get an America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands stamp.

Vernal Falls is one of Yosemite's most popular attractions, and with good reason! This trail ascends a short but steep paved slope from the Mist Trail. Following this ascent, you will reach a bridge with views of Vernal Falls. This is followed by a brief stretch of open dirt trail and then a steep rock stairway leading up to the falls themselves. Because of the mist from the falls, these stairs can be extremely slippery, so please use caution.

The Mist Trail begins at the Happy Isles Trailhead (YARTS Happy Isles shuttle stop #16; Curry Village and the parking lot are within walking distance). To avoid the heavier crowds, the park recommends arriving early..