Is swimming allowed at Silver Apron?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silver Apron.

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

Silver Apron

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silver Apron?

No, dogs are not allowed at Silver Apron. 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

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

LarryB08 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jodastephen CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

rmceoin CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Silver Apron

Silver Apron is a smooth granite slope located in Yosemite National Park, California, just downstream of Nevada Fall. It is a popular spot for visitors due to its unique appearance and proximity to other iconic landmarks in the park. The area is known for its natural beauty and the cascading water that flows over the granite surface, especially during the spring and early summer when water levels are higher.

The Setting

Silver Apron sits at 5,102 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Nevada Fall (594 ft) lies 0.4 miles to the east. Also nearby: Illilouette Falls (370 ft, 1.5 mi) and Vernal Fall (317 ft, 0.3 mi).

Nevada Fall Illilouette Falls Vernal Fall

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Silver Apron is part of the Mist Trail, one of Yosemite's most popular hiking routes. It features steep sections, stone steps, and stunning views of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfalls, so caution is advised.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls, granite cliffs, and lush forested areas. Silver Apron itself is a smooth granite slope with water flowing over it, creating a unique and picturesque scene. The area is often crowded during peak seasons.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silver Apron?

❌ 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 Silver Apron?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Silver Apron is during late spring or early summer when water levels are higher, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

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 granite surfaces around Silver Apron can be extremely slippery, especially when wet. Stay on designated trails and avoid venturing too close to the water. Be cautious of strong currents and steep drop-offs.

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 miles away, not on Silver Apron'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 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

Low

19 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

20 cfs

4/10

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 Silver Apron Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Silver Apron is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 68°F to 46°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

Silver Apron is accessible via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park. Visitors typically start from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley. The trail to Silver Apron passes by Vernal Fall and continues toward Nevada Fall.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Yosemite Valley trailhead parking lot near Happy Isles. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Elevation

5,102 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.726871° N, -119.540717° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the trail can be slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike involves significant elevation gain.

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

1.3 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