Vernal Falls

While we do the half dome hiking (June-08-2013), Along the way to reach the dome, we saw the outstanding views of Vernal and NevadaFalls, Liberty Cap, Sub dome. In this post I am describing about the Vernal Falls beauty and hiking info.

Vernal Fall is a 317-foot (96.6 m) waterfall on the Merced River just downstream of Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park, California. Vernal Fall, as well as Nevada Fall, is clearly visible from Glacier Point. The waterfall runs all year long, although by the end of summer it is substantially reduced in volume and can split into multiple strands, rather than a single curtain of water.

Hiking Info To Reach Vernal Fall:

You can take the free shuttle to reach the Trail-head. The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles trail-head (YARTS shuttle stop # 16, and within walking distance of Curry Village).

Distance: The hike to the top of Vernal Fall, along the Mist Trail, is 2 miles from the trail head. The Trail, which starts at Happy Isles, goes to the top of Vernal Fall. The trail is mostly shaded and is progressive in incline until it reaches the base of the waterfall where mist sprays onto the hikers. 

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Around 4 miles

Elevation Gain:  1,000 feet (317 meters) to top of Vernal Falls

waterfall is 80 ft. wide

 The final 15 minutes of the trail is a very steep climb up rocks to the top of the waterfall. Once a top the falls there is a pool of water called the Emerald Pool around which hikers lounge and rest. There is also a 20 degree slope of rock with water flowing into the pool called the Silver Apron.

Emerald Pool is a small, shallow lake located immediately above Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park. It is named for its deep green color, which is caused by algae living on the rocks at the bottom of the pool.

Merced River flowing toward the Yosemite Valley

 Check my video below, which I took in Vernal Fall