WaterfallNear Me

Vernal Fall

Mariposa County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
318 ft (97 m)
Location
Mariposa County, California
The walk
1.6 miles round trip to the footbridge; 2.4 miles to the top via Mist Trail
Ground & access
Footbridge route gains 400 feet. The summit route gains 1,000 feet and includes more than 600 often-wet steps. Pets, bicycles and strollers are prohibited; stay behind railings and out of the river.
Visitor source and access details
Vernal Fall, CA.
Vernal Fall, CA.
Photo creditPhoto: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The footbridge offers a view of Vernal Fall after 0.8 mile uphill from Happy Isles. The summit route continues up steep granite steps, subject to repair and winter closures.

Plan your visit

Happy Isles to Vernal Fall footbridge; Mist Trail continuation to the top when open

Both NPS distances start at Happy Isles, not the parking lot. Walking from Curry Village adds distance; the John Muir detour is longer.

Footbridge route gains 400 feet. The summit route gains 1,000 feet and includes more than 600 often-wet steps. Pets, bicycles and strollers are prohibited; stay behind railings and out of the river.

Where to start

No parking at the trailhead. NPS directs drivers to Curry Village, less than one mile away; Valley shuttles serve Happy Isles stop 16.

Timing & water

Checked October 27, 2026: through October, subject to change, the Mist Trail above the footbridge closes Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for work. Use the John Muir detour then. Winter ice causes additional closures; check NPS conditions.

Before you go

Fees, permits and reservation requirements for this visit have not been confirmed; check with the land manager.

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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