Nevada Fall
A majestic 594-foot waterfall in Yosemite, accessible via the iconic Mist Trail or the scenic John Muir Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Falls are most powerful and scenic
Nevada Fall
Best Time
Falls are most powerful and scenic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 594-foot waterfall in Yosemite, accessible via the iconic Mist Trail or the scenic John Muir Trail.
"One of the best day hikes you can do in Yosemite — highly recommended!"
🎯 Start Your Hike Early!
Arrive before 11 am to secure parking near the Mist Trail. :clock1:
🧥 Bring a Rain Jacket
You'll get misted, especially on the Mist Trail! Essential in spring. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nevada Fall
Merced River, Yosemite National Park
A powerful, fan-shaped cascade dropping 594 feet, creating a dramatic mist and roar.
Mist Trail
Trailhead near Happy Isles
Iconic, steep trail with granite steps leading you right beside Vernal Fall and up to Nevada Fall.
John Muir Trail
Connects to Mist Trail
A longer, less steep alternative route offering panoramic views of the falls and valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Start Early!
Trail Conditions & Routes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Start Your Hike Early!
Arrive before 11 am to secure parking near the Mist Trail. :clock1:
🧥 Bring a Rain Jacket
You'll get misted, especially on the Mist Trail! Essential in spring. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Rocks can be slippery, especially with snow or mist. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
This is a strenuous hike, stay hydrated and fueled. :water_buffalo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Start Your Hike Early!
Arrive before 11 am to secure parking near the Mist Trail. :clock1:
🧥 Bring a Rain Jacket
You'll get misted, especially on the Mist Trail! Essential in spring. :umbrellawithrain_drops:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Rocks can be slippery, especially with snow or mist. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
This is a strenuous hike, stay hydrated and fueled. :water_buffalo:
🔄 Consider the John Muir Trail
Easier on knees for descent, offers great panoramic views. :hiking_boot:
🚌 Use the Free Shuttle
Convenient access to the Mist Trailhead from Yosemite Valley. :bus:
📸 Capture the Sunset
Golden hour light on Nevada Fall is stunning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Nevada Fall for its breathtaking beauty and powerful cascades, calling it a highlight of any Yosemite trip. The Mist Trail offers an exhilarating, albeit challenging, ascent with incredible waterfall views. Many recommend starting early to avoid crowds and using the John Muir Trail for a less strenuous descent with panoramic vistas.
"An absolutely breathtaking experience! I hiked to Nevada Falls in April, and it was one of the highlights of my Yosemite trip. I highly recommend starting early in the day — the Mist Trail gets busy later on, and an early start means you’ll enjoy the scenery in peace.
Take the Mist Trail up — it’s steep and can be challenging at times, but the views are incredible with the mist from Vernal Fall cooling you down. Bring a rain jacket just in case, especially in spring when the falls are powerful and the trail is wet.
After reaching Nevada Falls, I recommend coming down via the John Muir Trail. It’s a bit longer but much easier on the knees and offers fantastic panoramic views of the valley. In total, the hike took me about 5-6 hours including breaks for photos and snacks — definitely a moderate to strenuous hike depending on your fitness level.
Other tips:
- The trailhead for the Mist Trail is easily accessible via Yosemite’s free shuttle service (highly convenient!).
- Wear good hiking shoes — the rocks can be slippery.
- Bring plenty of water and some snacks.
- A hat and sunscreen are also a good idea, even in April.
One of the best day hikes you can do in Yosemite — highly recommended!"
Frank Schulte
"Great experience and awesome views!
Nevada Fall is always worth the hike. The water was still flowing nicely, though not quite as powerful as it is in May or early June. Still beautiful.
Trail update:
The Mist Trail is currently closed for maintenance in some sections, so you’ll need to use the John Muir Trail to get to Nevada Fall.
You’ve got two main options for the hike:
• More strenuous route: Start by heading up to Vernal Fall. From there, continue on the portion of the Mist Trail that is still open to reach Nevada Fall. Then loop back down the John Muir Trail. It’s steeper but more adventurous.
• Less strenuous option: Visit Vernal Fall first, then double back and take the John Muir Trail the rest of the way to Nevada Fall. You’ll still climb the same elevation, but the incline is more gradual and a little easier on the legs.
Either way, you’re in for an amazing hike. Highly recommend!"
Mark Pfeifer
"We did this hike in March end and it was covered in snow and mist trail was challenging with snow. We wore snow shoes cleats, which helped a lot. This was not an easy hike because of snow but it was all worth it with breathtaking views from top. One of our favorite hikes in Yosemite. Don’t miss it if you want the best views of waterfalls."
Nisha Dahiya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mist Trail trailhead is accessible via Yosemite's free shuttle service in Yosemite Valley. Look for the stop near Happy Isles. Parking near the trailhead fills up extremely early, so the shuttle is highly recommended.
Parking near the Mist Trail trailhead is very limited and fills up by mid-morning, often earlier. Arriving around 11 am is considered too late for a spot. Consider using the free Yosemite Valley shuttle.
You cannot drive directly to Nevada Fall. The hike begins from the Yosemite Valley floor, and the final approach is on foot via the Mist Trail or John Muir Trail.
The most popular and adventurous route is the Mist Trail, which takes you alongside Vernal Fall and then up to Nevada Fall. Alternatively, the John Muir Trail offers a less strenuous path with excellent views.
Sections of the Mist Trail can close for maintenance. Always check current trail conditions before your visit. Glacier Point Road may also have seasonal closures, but this primarily affects viewpoints, not the Mist Trail itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nevada Fall is located within Yosemite National Park, which requires an entrance fee per vehicle or a valid park pass. There are no separate tickets for the falls themselves.
Nevada Fall is accessible year-round, but trail conditions can vary significantly with weather. The Mist Trail and John Muir Trail are generally open during daylight hours, though specific sections may have closures.
Yes, Yosemite National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, which is valid for seven days. You can also purchase an annual America the Beautiful pass.
You do not need to book tickets for Nevada Fall specifically. However, during peak season, Yosemite National Park may require reservations to enter the park. Check the official NPS website for current requirements.
Yosemite National Park offers various passes, including the America the Beautiful Pass, which grants access to all national parks for a year. Senior, military, and access passes are also available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail is approximately 5-6 hours round trip, including breaks for photos and snacks. The total mileage can be around 6.5 miles with significant elevation gain.
The hike is considered moderate to strenuous due to steep sections and elevation gain. The Mist Trail involves many granite steps, which can be challenging.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery. Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can change, and a rain jacket is highly recommended due to the mist.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at Nevada Fall due to strong currents and hazardous conditions. However, there may be safer areas in the Merced River downstream. Always check park regulations.
No, the Mist Trail can experience closures for maintenance or due to weather conditions, especially in winter or spring. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for current trail status.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge at the base of Nevada Fall offers iconic shots. Glacier Point also offers stunning distant views of Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome.
Early morning light can be beautiful, but sunset offers dramatic colors as seen from the Nevada Falls bridge.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Use a rain cover or a waterproof camera bag. Wiping your lens frequently with a microfiber cloth is essential due to the heavy mist.
Drones are prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including over Nevada Fall and its trails, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more manageable experience, families might consider hiking only to Vernal Fall first, or taking the less strenuous John Muir Trail for at least part of the journey.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Adventurous Pairs
Consider timing your hike to catch a beautiful sunset from the Nevada Falls bridge for a romantic touch. The journey offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos together and a chance to connect amidst Yosemite's natural splendor. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mist Trail Experience
While the Mist Trail offers a direct and thrilling ascent, it's also a challenging climb. The sheer number of steps and the constant mist can make it demanding.
Choosing Your Descent: John Muir Trail vs. Mist Trail
However, many visitors recommend taking the John Muir Trail down.
Best Time to Visit for Peak Waterfall Power
During these months, snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains feeds the Merced River, resulting in the most powerful and voluminous cascades. The sheer force of the water creates a dramatic mist that can be felt from a distance, making the hike particularly invigorating. While spring and early summer offer the most impressive displays, Nevada Fall is a beautiful sight year-round. In autumn, the crowds thin, and the fall colors can add a unique charm to the landscape.
Winter visits might present a frozen or partially frozen waterfall, offering a starkly different but equally captivating experience, though trail access can be limited and require snow gear. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit