Private Vernal & Nevada Falls
Yosemite Valley, CA
4.9 (11 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Stunning Waterfalls
- Amazing Views
- Iconic Yosemite Valley Hike
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- Top-shelf Backpack & Trekking Poles
- Tasty Trail Snacks & Picnic Lunch
Description
This is the absolute must-do hike in Yosemite. The Incredible views of two of Yosemite National Park’s most spectacular cascades are most popular in spring and summer but are also worth visiting in autumn for the brilliant fall foliage. Beginning at Happy Isles in the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, our trail climbs above the cataracts and rapids of the Merced River to a bridge over the river with excellent views of 317 ft. tall Vernal Fall. The next half mile is where the Mist Trail earns its name. Steep and slick, the trail ascends a virtual granite stairway through the thundering mist of Vernal Fall. In spring and early summer rain gear is recommended. Once above the fall, the crowds thin out and the trail dries out as it continues past beautiful Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron to a final steep climb to the top of Nevada Fall, the taller of the two at 594 ft. From this point, we can backtrack to the trailhead or take the John Muir Trail back for a drier and less crowded return.
In July and August we access these waterfalls from the John Muir Trail to enjoy more solitude, as this is the peak tourist season in Yosemite.
(Important: We run hikes in almost all weather conditions and very rarely cancel. See our terms and conditions for information on cancellations and refunds.)
$155-$540 Per Person
Season: Mar-Oct
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
- Level 1: 2-6 miles, less than 500 feet elevation change on good trails
- Level 2: 3-8 miles, up to 2000 feet of elevation change on good trails
- Level 3: 4-10 miles, up to 3000 feet of elevation change on good to rugged trails
- Level 4: 4-12 miles, up to 4000 feet of elevation change on rugged trails or off trail
- Level 5: 6-16 miles, up to 5,500 feet of elevation change on rugged trails or off trail
SOLITUDE LEVEL 1
- Level 1: around other hikers the entire time
- Level 2: around other hikers most of the time
- Level 3: around other hikers some of the time
- Level 4: see a couple other groups during the hike
- Level 5: most likely to have the trail to ourselves
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