Vernal Falls was named for springtime, because the canyon below the falls is kept lush and green all year by spray, this falls is broad and square, in contrast to the horsetail plumes of most of the other falls in Yosemite. Having a height of 317 feet and the elevation of crest is about 5044 feet. It forms the bottom step of the Giant Staircase that begins with Nevada Falls and is so striking when viewed from Washburn Point.

Vernal Fall is just one of the many powerful waterfalls within Yosemite National Park, not visible from the main valley but easily reached along a well-marked path that begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center – this in turn is half a mile from the end of the publicly drivable road and is served by a free shuttle bus.

Every spring thousands of people enjoy a close encounter with this beautiful waterfall. The well-named Mist Trail ascends the canyon below and alongside the falls, climbing steeply on hundreds of huge stone steps. Icy spray from the falls lashes across the upper part of the trail, drenching hikers, as the thunder of the falling water, just a hundred yards away, deafens them.

The trail leads to a bridge over the river with a charming view of Vernal Falls, framed in dark green conifers and bright maples. Most people turn back here, missing the even more dramatic trail to the top of the falls.

Did you know? That a 24-year-old man was swept over Vernal Fall to his death on Saturday, July 30, 2005 after losing his balance near the river and falling in the torrential river current. Witnesses say he leaped over the guardrail near the precipice of the fall to wash his face and to cool off in the river water. As he attempted to stand, he lost his balance, fell into the water and was unable to get back to shore before he was swept over the fall to his death by the strong current. Just be very careful.

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