Vernal Falls in Yosemite Park

Vernal Falls is a favorite among Yosemite National Park goers. It is the mystic waterfall of everyone's dreams – a swift cascade, a steady drop, green foliage everywhere and the chance of a beautiful rainbow. It is also distinctive because it runs year round unlike many of the parks other falls.

The 80 foot wide Vernal Falls is a site to behold and a must visit waterfall while in Yosemite. Although it stands only 317 feet high and is accessibly by foot alone, Vernal Falls is still one of the most favored waterfalls in the park. Rain gear required (prepare to be soaked if not!) for the climb up the Mist Trail along Vernal Falls. Although not difficult, the trails surrounding the fall are still considered moderate; not that the trail level nor the bone soaking drench ever deters nearly every Yosemite visitor from hiking Mist Trail to faun over Vernal Falls. If you so desire to continue along, you will come across Nevada Falls, a difficult hike but also worth the effort.

You can get to Vernal Falls along Southside Drive. Park at Curry Village, take the free shuttle to Happy Isles, stop 16. You can not miss the paved trail to Vernal Falls bridge from here.