Is swimming allowed at Nevada Fall?

No, swimming is not allowed at Nevada Fall.

Nearby gauge (Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge) · 16 ft³/s · About average

Nevada Fall

Q: Are dogs allowed at Nevada Fall?

No, dogs are not allowed at Nevada Fall. Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

California • Yosemite National Park • 594 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Always Shooting CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

mikelo CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Sean Munson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

william couch CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2 ft

About Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall is a stunning 594-foot waterfall located in Yosemite National Park, California. It is part of the Merced River and is one of the park's most iconic waterfalls, known for its powerful flow and dramatic granite surroundings. The waterfall is particularly impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt increases the water volume.

The Setting

Nevada Fall sits at 5,640 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 594 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 594 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Illilouette Falls (370 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the west. Also nearby: Vernal Fall (317 ft, 0.7 mi).

Illilouette Falls Vernal Fall

Trail & Hike Details

7.0 mi distance 2 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 7.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Nevada Fall is a challenging but rewarding hike. The Mist Trail offers steep granite steps and close-up views of Vernal Fall before continuing to Nevada Fall. Alternatively, the John Muir Trail provides a less steep but longer route with sweeping views of the valley and the waterfall.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 594 feet.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nevada Fall?

❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness, except the Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook's Meadow and Wawona Meadow Loop trails.

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $35.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Nevada Fall?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Nevada Fall is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its peak flow due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but the water flow may be reduced.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail can be strenuous and slippery, especially near waterfalls. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the water's edge. Carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Watch for signs of altitude sickness if you are not acclimated to higher elevations.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 1.4 miles away, not on Nevada Fall's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

16 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

6 10 67 130

Based on 111 years of record

1.01 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA

USGS 11264500

1.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 181 sq mi

Altitude: 4,020 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MERCED R A HAPPY ISLES BRIDGE NR YOSEMITE CA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

16 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

16 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

16 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

18 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

19 cfs

2/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

20 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

2/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

23 cfs

2/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Nevada Fall Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Nevada Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 66°F to 44°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 16 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Nevada Fall is accessible via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail, both of which start near the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley. The trailhead is easily reachable by the Yosemite Valley shuttle system.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center or Curry Village. From there, visitors can take the shuttle to the Happy Isles trailhead.

Elevation

5,640 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.725204° N, -119.533772° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be hot and exposed in summer. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, especially if taking the Mist Trail, as it can be wet and slippery. Be prepared for a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain.

This trail sits at 5,640 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 23% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 7.0 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Upper Pines Campground

1.7 miles away · 240 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Upper Pines campsites are available to reserve up to five months in advance on the 15th of each month at 7:00 a.m. PST. For example, on January 15, arrival dates for the period May 15 to June 14 become available to reserve, and therefore, the full arrival date window would be from January 15 to June 14. Reservation Tips! Campsites in Yosemite are extremely popular and typically sell out in minutes. Login to your account or create a new account before the 7:00 a.m. (PST) release time. Yo

Book on Recreation.gov