Cascade Fall

Yosemite Valley trailhead via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail to Little Yosemite Valley, then the Merced Lake Trail upriver to the head of the valley

No source gives one trailhead-to-falls figure. Wikipedia puts the Little Yosemite Valley campground a little under 4 miles from the Yosemite Valley trailhead, and gives 3.25 trail miles from the top of Nevada Fall to the pool at the base of Cascade Fall. The range above is derived from those two figures.

Steep climb of about 2,000 feet from Yosemite Valley to Little Yosemite Valley, then a mostly forested trail along the river with little elevation change. River and pool edges are on smooth granite.

Where to start

Trailhead parking for the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail in Yosemite Valley was not confirmed in this research. Check the National Park Service for where to park and for shuttle service.

Timing & water

NPS says snow is usually in the park from November through May. Current trail conditions were not checked.

Before you go

NPS: no wilderness permit is needed for a day hike (except to Half Dome). Any overnight stay needs a wilderness permit, and Little Yosemite Valley permits are the hardest to get. Park entrance fees and any vehicle reservation rules were not checked.