WaterfallNear Me

Silver Apron

Mariposa County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Mariposa County, California
Access status
Official trail; weekday detour and winter closures apply
The walk
About 2.4 miles return to the top of Vernal Fall, plus a short distance
Ground & access
Strenuous. About 1,000 feet of gain to the top of Vernal Fall. Steep wet granite steps and heavy spray in spring.
NPS: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails
Silver Apron, CA
Silver Apron, CA
Photo creditPhoto: Phil Mieszkowski (talk · contribs), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Start near Happy Isles (shuttle stop 16) in eastern Yosemite Valley. Follow the paved trail to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, then the Mist Trail up more than 600 granite steps to the top of Vernal Fall. NPS says the trail passes Emerald Pool and Silver Apron shortly beyond Vernal Fall. Swimming here is illegal and dangerous. Return the same way, or use the John Muir Trail.

Plan your visit

Happy Isles via the Mist Trail past the top of Vernal Fall to Silver Apron

NPS gives 2.4 miles round trip to the top of Vernal Fall via the Mist Trail. Silver Apron is a short distance farther; its exact added distance is not published.

Strenuous. About 1,000 feet of gain to the top of Vernal Fall. Steep wet granite steps and heavy spray in spring.

Where to start

The trailhead is at Happy Isles shuttle stop 16. Parking location not separately confirmed in the reviewed NPS page.

Timing & water

NPS said that from July 27 through October 2026 the Mist Trail above the footbridge junction is detoured Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, with the John Muir Trail as the alternate. The lower Mist Trail closes in winter.

Before you go

Yosemite entrance pass required; NPS lists the standard pass at $20 to $35.

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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