Nevada Fall — Local services in Oakhurst

The hike takes you on a series of picturesque views of half dome, Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls and of course Nevada Falls.

Route:

We took the bus to stop #16 from here you cross the bridge and hike up the trailhead towards Vernal Falls. Once at the top of Vernal Falls you can turn back or continue with the long walk (a lot fewer people on the second half of the walk). Continuing up to Nevada Falls will provide you with the best scenic views and which I highly recommend. To get back, simply cross the bridge over the waterfall and follow the John Muir trail until you reach the horse trail, here you go down the right route back down to the base of Vernal Falls then follow the route which you have already taken to get back to the bus stop (I've uploaded a map with the trail marked out on my photos).

Difficulty:

Wasn't too hard but in high temperatures, It can make the ascent a bit of a slog. I would say all abilities could do the walk so long just give yourself enough time to rest if you need it. For any hikers/walkers shouldn't be difficult.

Advice:

Go early avoid the peak temperatures midday it was 35c when we went late August, also avoid busier buses and fewer people.

Pick up a free news paper and map from the Park Rangers which will show you the route you need to take first of all (bottom right of the valley), shouldn't need it pretty obvious but it's good to give you an idea of where you...

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...

The hike to Nevada Falls was amazing, combining adventure with stunning views that made every step worth it. Starting on the Mist Trail, we made our way past Vernal Falls, where the mist from the waterfall cooled us as we climbed the steep granite steps. It was a challenging ascent, but the excitement of being so close to such powerful falls kept us moving forward.

When we reached the top of Nevada Falls, the view was absolutely breathtaking. The Merced River cascaded down with incredible force, surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery that seemed to go on forever. Standing there, you could take in a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, and the sound of the roaring water made it all feel surreal.

For the descent, we took the John Muir Trail, which offered a different, more gradual path with fantastic perspectives of the falls from afar. It was the perfect way to wind down, allowing us to soak in the views without the intense climb.

Overall, this hike was an unforgettable experience, showcasing the raw beauty and power of Yosemite. Nevada Falls is a must-see for anyone up for a bit of a challenge and ready to be rewarded with one of the most scenic views...