Vernal Fall Waterfall — United States

About this spectacle

Vernal Fall is one of Yosemite National Park's most dramatic waterfalls, plunging 317 feet over a sheer granite cliff on the Merced River. The hike to the fall's footbridge and beyond to the top via the Mist Trail is legendary — visitors walking the final stretch are soaked by a perpetual cloud of mist and spray, transforming the granite staircase into a rainbow-lit corridor. In spring and early summer, snowmelt drives the fall to its thunderous peak, when the roar is audible from a great distance and the surrounding vegetation gleams an intense green. The sight of white water crashing into the pool below, framed by towering valley walls, rewards every step of the ascent. By late summer the flow diminishes but remains photogenic, and the granite surroundings take on a warm amber hue.

When to go

Apr — Oct, peak Apr — Jun

Getting there

Nearest airport: FAT. Nearest city: Merced.

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