Vernal and Nevada Falls

If you are not quite up to taking on the hike to the Upper Yosemite Falls, there are several other options to go waterfall spotting in the Valley. No matter what your level of fitness and desire to hike it is definitely worth catching the shuttle bus out to Happy Isles to take a look at Vernal Falls. You get a fabulous view from the footbridge which is only a 1.4mile roundtrip from the bus stop although it is a little steep in places.

If you are up for a bit more of a walk you can go on to the top of vernal Falls. This is a 3 mile roundtrip from the bus stop and has a 1,000ft height gain with several steep sections. The top of the Falls is a beautiful spot however and well worth the effort if you can make it.

Looking down from the top of Nevada Fall

Finally, if you have even more energy you can continue on from Vernal Falls and reach the top of Nevada Falls.This is a 7 miles roundtrip from the bus stop and involves a 1,900ft height gain so you do need to be in reasonable shape. It is a wonderful walk and if you are fit enough to undertake it I can’t recommend it enough. The best way to tackle the hike is to go up using the Mist Trail as this has a very steep section of granite which would be extremely tricky downhill, and come down on the John Muir Trail which is far less steep and much easier on the knees.

Vernal and Nevada Falls remains one of my favourite hikes ever and I am not the only person to be a fan. The trail does get quite busy – we make sure we are on the first bus of the day to Happy Isles in order to beat the crowds and to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day. Even if you just intend on walking to the footbridge, an early start is a good idea so you can take all the photos you want without a crowd getting in the way.