A 317-ft waterfall on a moderate 1.6-mile hike; stunning in spring and early summer; Mist Trail Mon–Thu closures 7am–3:30pm through Oct 2026; no dogs.
National Park entrance fee required
Fullest in spring and early summer from snowmelt, per NPS.
Vernal Fall is a 317-ft waterfall on a moderate 1.6-mile hike in Yosemite Valley, one of the park’s most accessible major falls. The waterfall is most spectacular in spring and early summer when snowmelt fuels a thunderous cascade.
Important access note: The Mist Trail portion is closed Monday through Thursday 7am–3:30pm through October 2026. Plan your visit around these closure times, or consider visiting on Friday through Sunday. Dogs are not permitted on Yosemite trails.
Spring offers the fullest water and most dramatic views.
Fullest in spring and early summer from snowmelt.
1-1.5 hours
Avoid if you need the Mist Trail; it's closed Mon–Thu 7am–3:30pm through October 2026. No dogs.
National Park entrance fee required
Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 9 waterfalls in Yosemite/Sierra Nevada.
There are 4 other waterfalls we track in Mariposa County. All Yosemite/Sierra Nevada waterfalls →
nps.gov
NPS 'Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails' page, checked Aug 2026. Distance shown is round trip to the Vernal Fall footbridge viewpoint (moderate); continuing to the top of the fall is 2.4 mi RT and rated strenuous. NOTE: as of this check, the Mist Trail above the footbridge is closed Mon–Thu, 7am–3:30pm through Oct 2026 for repairs.
Checked August 2026.