Vernal Fall
- Height
- 317 ft
- Hike
- 2.4 mi round trip
- Elevation gain
- 1000 ft
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Vernal Fall flows year-round. Vernal Fall is a 317 ft waterfall on Merced River in Mariposa County, California. Reaching it is a 2.4 mi hike round trip with 1000 ft of elevation gain. See every spot on the Merced River.
Closures and warnings
Mist Trail granite steps to the brink can be slick and crowded. Swimming at Emerald Pool and Silver Apron above the fall is illegal and dangerous due to current. Stay behind railings. As of July 27, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 317 ft |
|---|---|
| Flows | year-round |
| Flow note | Flows all year; by mid- to late summer it narrows and may split into one to three strands. Peak late May or June. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Current | Strong |
Access
| Hike | 2.4 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 1000 ft |
| Parking | No parking at Happy Isles trailhead (shuttle stop #16). Closest lot is Curry Village, under 1 mi from the trailhead. |
| Fee | Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted. |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Seasonal closure | Lower Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter for falling ice and rock. Use the marked winter route; open sections may be icy. |
| Managed by | National Park Service (Yosemite National Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | Yes |
| Note | Restrooms at shuttle stop #16 and at the Vernal Fall footbridge (May to October). Drinking water at the trailhead stop and footbridge (May to October). |
Rules
| Dogs | Not allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Vernal Fall open?
Mist Trail granite steps to the brink can be slick and crowded. Swimming at Emerald Pool and Silver Apron above the fall is illegal and dangerous due to current. Stay behind railings. As of July 27, 2026. Seasonal closure: Lower Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter for falling ice and rock. Use the marked winter route; open sections may be icy.
How tall is Vernal Fall?
Vernal Fall drops about 317 ft.
Can you swim at Vernal Fall?
No, swimming is not allowed at Vernal Fall. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How long is the hike to Vernal Fall?
It's a 2.4 mi hike round trip with 1000 ft of elevation gain. Parking: No parking at Happy Isles trailhead (shuttle stop #16). Closest lot is Curry Village, under 1 mi from the trailhead.
Do you need a reservation for Vernal Fall?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Vernal Fall?
The fee is Private vehicle entrance $35 for 7 days (motorcycle $30; walk/bike $20 per person 16+). Cash not accepted.
When is Vernal Fall flowing?
It flows year-round. Flows all year; by mid- to late summer it narrows and may split into one to three strands. Peak late May or June.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Vernal Fall is inside Yosemite National Park and Yosemite Wilderness .
Sources
3
- https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, waterfall.heightFt, waterfall.flowMonths, waterfall.ephemeral, waterfall.flowNote)
- https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/vernalnevadatrail.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi, access.hikeDistanceBasis, access.elevationGainFt, access.parking, access.seasonalClosure, access.amenities, hazardNote, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, rules.dogs, waterbodyName)
- https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.fee)
More: California waterfalls