WaterfallNear Me

Nevada Fall

Mariposa County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
594 ft (181 m)
Location
Mariposa County, California
Access status
Official park trail; strenuous
The walk
5.4 miles return via the Mist Trail (source figure)
Ground & access
Strenuous: about 2,000 feet of climbing, over 600 granite steps, wet and slippery in spring. Swimming above the falls is illegal and dangerous.
NPS Yosemite: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails
Nevada Fall, CA
Nevada Fall, CA
Photo creditPhoto: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Start at Happy Isles. Climb the paved trail to the Vernal Fall footbridge, take the Mist Trail up granite steps past Vernal Fall, then continue 1.5 miles of steep switchbacks to the top of Nevada Fall. Cross the footbridge above the fall for a closer view. Return the same way or by the John Muir Trail.

Plan your visit

Happy Isles (shuttle stop 16) up the Mist Trail past Vernal Fall to the top of Nevada Fall

The National Park Service gives 5.4 miles round trip to the top of Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail. Returning on the John Muir Trail is longer.

Strenuous: about 2,000 feet of climbing, over 600 granite steps, wet and slippery in spring. Swimming above the falls is illegal and dangerous.

Where to start

No parking at the trailhead. Park at Curry Village, less than one mile away, or ride the valley shuttle to stop 16.

Timing & water

Open all year, but the lower Mist Trail closes in winter, and part of the John Muir Trail near the top closes in winter for ice. Check current trail conditions.

Before you go

No permit needed for this day hike. Park entrance rules apply.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Mariposa County, California.

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