Vernal Falls — Attraction in Oakhurst

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in the country, California, and even the Yosemite Valley. Difficulty: drove up from Los Angeles and due to a flat tire pulled an all nighter, didn't sleep then napped for a few hours and hit this hike. Considering this, some altitude-related symptoms, and the fact that we accidentally took the nearby trail leading to the John Muir Wilderness for a while (adding an extra mile that was steep), I was exhausted when I reached Vernal Falls. I have heard from others including avid hikers that it is a challenging trail though not as bad if you take the right path (crosses the Merced River via bridge with beautiful views by the way). Difficulty comes from the slickness of the rocks being misted by the falls (went in late April at peak of falls). So I would summarize all of this by saying that this hike is moderate-to-difficult, but 100% worth it and you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees. Stunning views. You can feel the force of water shake your bones as you can get very close to edge of the falls and many points along the Merced River (note: do not jump the fence and get in the river, people have lost their lives over the falls). I cannot imagine taking this risk when you can get insane views and look down to the bottom of the falls from a very steep angle safely behind the railing. Daylight was running out so I stayed at Vernal Falls to rest and take in the views. It was wonderful and one of the breathtaking, even life-changing experiences in nature. A must do...just keep in mind that you might want to bring layers if you get cold as you can get rather warm hiking up, but the wind and mist blowing on you can make you cold when you reach the upper part of the hike (especially in shadows when the sun is setting in...

Such an awesome hike. Moderate difficulty. It's a steep, paved ascent that is mostly shady, but strenuous. You get to a bridge that crosses the river and you can see the waterfall above. This is one of the best points along the hike because it's like someone turned on the A/C! Such a pleasant, welcome surprise. We took misty trail. It's some 600 or so stone cut, uneven steps that go along the edge of the river up to the waterfall. Very wet and cold, but very cool! We were on a time crunch so we didn't go past the waterfall (to Nevada Falls), but it's on our list to do next time.

If you can handle a moderate, strenuous hike (and aren't afraid of slipping off the edge on those wet rock steps), then this is for you. The view is unbeatable, and the feeling amazing--sprayed and soaked in the face by a gigantic waterfall so loud you have to shout to the person next to you to be heard.

Be sure to bring water to drink, you'll need it. Maybe even a snack. There's a fountain to refill your water at the halfway point at the bridge. The restrooms at the bridge were closed, but we were warned--but that does make a long hike without a comfort break, or at least a step off the trail.

Next time I'd also bring a slicker or something, at least a washcloth to dry my face. Seriously, you'll get wet. My quick drying clothes were a must have!

Highly recommended. I'll do it again!

Time: it took about 1 hour to get to Nevada Falls. About 40 minutes to the bridge and 20 minutes up the steps. Granted, I like to stop and take pictures and look around, so you could do it in less time if you don't stop. Coming down was quicker, but only because we went straight down without stopping and ran most of the way (was easier than walking due to how...

Vernal and Nevada Falls are best described with a long list of superlatives punctuated by commas: awesome, majestic, breathtaking, magnificent, phenomenal, and so on and so on... I have been to these waterfalls so many times, but this time around (February /21/2022) I only hiked up to Vernal Falls as I didn’t have enough time to go see both. Happy Isles was my trailhead of chose. My hike was 4.5 miles out&back with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. After 0.75 miles on a paved road, accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the Merced River, the Vernal Falls Bridge appeared. I had the most beautiful view of the 317 foot tall Vernal Falls with quite a lot of water flowing down to the pool! The rest of the trail was a little bit more challenging with a snow patch, wet rocks, both very slippery, then a lot of granite stairs, which were steep, with a limited number of handrails!!! However it was all worth the climb up to the top of the falls. The overlook showed barren, exposed granite country and was a stark, dramatic, and awe - inspiring View. From the top of the falls I had three options, walk back the same route I hiked up, or go and hike a loop to see different views, or lastly go hike up two more miles to Nevada Falls. Overall…. It wasn’t a hard hike. One just needs to pace themselves and take one's time. Obviously you will need to dress up to deal with the weather and wet landscape. So make sure you have good hiking shoes, and trekking poles as these will help quite a lot. Don't forget to bring along water, snacks, and camera(s). Happy Trials & Happy...