Is swimming allowed at Vernal Fall?

No, swimming is not allowed at Vernal Fall.

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

Vernal Fall

Q: Are dogs allowed at Vernal Fall?

No, dogs are not allowed at Vernal 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 • 317 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Yosemite National Park NP · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Stewf CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

kittell CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Stewf CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

robsettantasei CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Vernal Fall

Vernal Fall is a stunning 317-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 misty spray, especially during the spring snowmelt.

The Setting

Vernal Fall sits at 5,144 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high mountains of California. At 317 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 317 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Nevada Fall (594 ft) lies 0.7 miles to the east. Also nearby: Illilouette Falls (370 ft, 1.3 mi).

Nevada Fall Illilouette Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is a popular and scenic hike. The trail begins with a paved section before transitioning to steep granite steps near the waterfall. The mist from the fall can make the steps slippery, especially in spring and early summer.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 317 feet.

Accessibility

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

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Vernal 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 Vernal Fall?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring is the best time to visit Vernal Fall, as the snowmelt creates a powerful flow. Summer and fall are also good, but the flow may be reduced. Winter access may be limited due to snow and ice.

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 slippery due to mist, especially near the granite steps. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the water. Fatal accidents have occurred when visitors ignored safety warnings.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Merced River A Happy Isles Bridge, 0.7 miles away, not on Vernal 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

0.7 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 (1 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

21 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

22 cfs

3/10

Tue

Low

24 cfs

4/10

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 Vernal Fall Frozen?

Updated about 11 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Vernal Fall is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 67°F to 45°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

Vernal Fall is accessed via the Mist Trail, starting from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley. The trailhead is located near the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center or Curry Village. Shuttle buses can take visitors to the Happy Isles trailhead.

Elevation

5,144 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.728757° N, -119.546206° W

Land Management

Yosemite National Park NP

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery. Bring a rain jacket or poncho to stay dry from the mist. Carry plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can be strenuous.

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

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Nearby Campground

Upper Pines Campground

1 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