Oct 06 2008
Nevada Fall, Yosemite National Park
Nevada Fall
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 ft
Trail: Mist Trail
Trailhead: at Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop 16.
Difficulty: Moderate Bordering Strenuous
The first part of the Mist Trail is to Vernal Fall. From the top of Vernal Fall, you can continue upstream for 1.5 miles to reach the top of Nevada Fall.
Liberty Cap and Emerald Pool
A few yards from the top of Vernal Fall is Emerald Pool and your first sight of Liberty Cap. The water at Emerald Pool looks very inviting, but getting into the water is not allowed since this is still a fast moving section of river and the danger of being swept over Vernal Fall. Sadly, a few hikers who felt hot and tired after reaching the top of Vernal Fall cooled off and swam in the river were plunged to their deaths over Vernal Falls. Nature can look calm at times, but its forces can be unforgiving if we under-estimate them, so heed the warning signs carefully to always stay safe.
Silver Apron
A short distance beyond Emerald Pool is a pretty cascade called the Silver Apron. There were several people resting and picnicking in the river bank of this area, but again, entering the water is strictly prohibited due to the submerged rocks in Emerald Pool and the danger of being swept to your death over Vernal Fall. The trail then crosses a footbridge to the north side of the valley and moves away from the river. It passes through a cool forested area which climbs steadily. Then, the sight of Nevada Fall comes into view through a gap in the trees.
Nevada Falls
Soon after, the forested trail disappears and you will climb steadily on a steep and exposed rocky slope. Some parts of the trail meanders on exposed ridges of the cliff, but wide and safe enough to maneuver.
Nevada Falls
The exposed cliff ridges on the trail can look intimidating for some, but again, there were no reported deaths along the trail at Yosemite, but there are in the river! Rivers may not show their heights, but we don’t under-estimate its forces and the submerged rocks in it.
Power of Nevada Fall
After reaching the top of the zigzagging trail, you cross the John Muir Trail. There are restrooms at the top on the left, but to the top of Nevada Fall, you will turn right. Heading right from the top will lead you to a river,
River @ the top of the Trail
and the trail goes a little bit downhill. A welcome relief from all the uphill climb. The view from the top of Nevada Fall is really gorgeous, worth your every sweat! There are massive granite cliffs,
from the top of Nevada Fall, with my cousin in the picture
the Merced River and the Nevada Fall itself,
Nevada Fall from the Top
Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall from John Muir trail
and the glacial features of Liberty Cap and Half Dome. What made staying at the top more special was listening at the roaring thunder produced by the falling water of Nevada Fall and looking at the waterfall from the top. Thankfully, they have rails to allow people to look down on the waterfall, watching the waterfall from the top was scary yet amazing. The last picture above was taken from John Muir trail, which was the trail we took on our way back to the trailhead at Happy Isles.
For more hiking choices in Yosemite:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm
http://blog.burnerphotography.com/2008/03/trail-recomendation-young-and-dog-lakes.html
Nevada Fall is amazing!!! I’m so incredibly jealous… you’re so fortunate to be up close and personal to such natural beauty.
These images are fantastic!
The Falls look so powerful. I am really amazed how you were able to take those great shots… I know it takes a lot of courage to climb those clifts. I dont have that courage to tell you the truth.
Thanks a lot sarabella and ruthi.
@ ruthi, the trail to the waterfall is safe and wide enough, unless one really intentionally drop himself from exposed ridges then, something bad could happen. but yeah, for some people who have fear of heights, then, this trail can intimidate them. i was with my 13 year old niece when we hiked here, she had fear of heights, but then, she was such a great team player that she never asked to back off, also, she wanted and enjoy hiking. she just hold on the side closest to the mountain wall. when we were back to the trailhead, she said, “aaahhhh, i am glad i made it, now, i know i can hike with some exposed ridges, i had fears, but i was able to put back that fear, and now, i think i am more confident.” there are no reported accidents in the trails @ Yosemite, but in the river, there were some careless visitors who would challenge the warning signs and dared the powerful force of the river that sadly caused fatal accidents. Usually, along the trails, it is the lack of preparation that could be dangerous, such as not bringing enough water, food for us is important too whenever we hike. We eat a little like every 30 minutes, like a piece of banana, a bar of granola, or anything that can sustain our energy, and of course, we always drink. hydration is very important. but yeah, if you have fear for heights, i do understand. there are a lot of beautiful places as well we could experience without having to face heights. am sure, it abounds there in Maine. Maybe, and hopefully, one day, we can hike together, no heights, if you want :).
So beautiful!
I live in Alabama. We have puny little waterfalls here!
I also have that fear of heights. I think I prefer looking at these lovely pictures; or, if I get to see that for real, I’d stay at the bottom of the falls.
Some argue say to overcome one’s fear, one has to face that fear again and again until one gets used to it. I think this is one fear that I’d like to get out of my system - given the chance.
But I won’t dare challenge those warning signs. =)
I too, am afraid of heights, but I would have to brave it to see such a beautiful, and wonderful place.
I wonder what it’s like to have picnic at Silver Apron. It must be so noisy but soothing!
God that is gorgeous. I imagine it is breath-taking in person.
~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/
You’ve got some GORGEOUS photos!! I’ll stop by regularly.
All I can say is, Wow. Okay, and refreshing. One more: love these pics!
peace,
mike
livelife365
you make me WOW betchai… i love nature because they are certainly incredible and stunning, i have been more into nature adventure then clubbing because no matter what there will be millions of amazing natures to explore and seen with…
nice falls… good thing i’ve been into many different falls here and in PI, aren’t they wonderful?
as for your comment: it would better if we’ll remain being a kid inside but mature in every decision that we have, for God wants everyone to be like a kid’s attitude means forgiving, shares, and forgets what happened inspite of what you did to him or her for their own good.
Miss Beth,
Cool pictures of the falls… and you showed up in one of your posts!
You have really captured the power of these waterfalls by deciding not to take the soft cotton effect…
And yes, with currents as strong as these, the warning signs should never be ignored…
Wow - fantastic photos. You certainly have an eye for beauty. Great post.
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I swear, I keep coming back to sit and stare longingly at this picture set. I’ve GOT to bring the kids out there soon!
I would love to get married in a place like this and stay for a honeymoon. What do you think?