Hiking to the Top of Nevada Fall | Yosemite We took the Mist Trail for both the ascent and descent. The round trip is about 5.4 miles with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain. After passing Vernal Fall, there is a steep climb of around 600 stone steps. The waterfall spray is very strong, and the rocks on the steps are extremely slippery. Proper clothing and sturdy shoes make the experience much easier and more enjoyable. The final section is a steep zigzag trail that requires more physical effort and noticeably increases fatigue. Once reaching the top of the waterfall, it was interesting to see two hikers sitting calmly by the roaring falls, casually eating snacks while surrounded by the powerful sound of rushing water.
Nevada Fall
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
181m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Nevada Fall
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Nevada Fall famous?
Nevada Fall is one of Yosemite's iconic waterfalls and a key feature on the park's most popular trails. It gained tragic notoriety in 2011 when three visitors were swept over the fall after ignoring warnings and entering the water above the precipice, highlighting the deadly power of Sierra Nevada waterfalls.
Can you swim at Nevada Fall?
No. Swimming at the top of Nevada Fall is extremely dangerous due to strong currents and has resulted in fatalities. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Nevada Fall?
Dogs are not allowed on trails in Yosemite National Park, including the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Nevada Fall free? Do you need a permit?
Yosemite National Park entrance fee required: $35 per vehicle (7 days) or $30 per motorcycle; annual America the Beautiful pass accepted. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Nevada Fall?
Park at Happy Isles trailhead (free with park entry) or use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle to Happy Isles stop. Parking fills early in summer; arrive before 8 AM or use shuttle. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Nevada Fall?
About 9.7 km / 6 miles round-trip from Happy Isles trailhead via Mist Trail, or 11.3 km / 7 miles via John Muir Trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Nevada Fall hike difficulty
Hard. Steep ascent with 594m (1,950 ft) elevation gain, including hundreds of stone steps on the Mist Trail (often wet and slippery). Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Nevada Fall?
Late spring to early summer (May–June) offers peak water flow from snowmelt, creating the most dramatic views. Fall can be dry with reduced flow. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Nevada Fall
From Happy Isles, hike up the Mist Trail past Vernal Fall (steep granite steps, often wet from spray). Continue climbing switchbacks to the top of Nevada Fall. You can descend via the more gradual John Muir Trail to create a loop. Do not swim at the top — strong currents have caused multiple deaths. Stay behind safety railings.
Nevada Fall official website
Attractions near Nevada Fall
- •Vernal Fall — 97m waterfall on the same trail, often combined in a day hike loop
- •Half Dome — iconic granite dome visible from Nevada Fall trail, permit required to summit
- •Liberty Cap — massive rounded granite dome near Nevada Fall
- •Yosemite Valley — spectacular glacial valley with El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, visitor facilities
- •Glacier Point — scenic overlook offering aerial views of Nevada Fall, Half Dome, and valley
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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