Vernal Fall Hike
5,900 ft | California
2.4 mi round trip
1,000 ft
3 hr
Moderate
Vernal Fall Hike at a Glance
The Vernal Fall hike via the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is 2.4 mi round trip with 1,000 ft of elevation gain, about 3 hr of hiking.
| Summit elevation | 5,900 ft |
|---|---|
| Trail | Mist Trail to Vernal Fall |
| Distance | 2.4 mi round trip |
| Elevation gain | 1,000 ft |
| Hiking time | About 3 hr |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Route last checked | October 25, 2026 |
Your time: about 1 h 20 min of moving time at Naismith pace (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft climbed); about 1 h 35 min at a relaxed pace. A 160 lb hiker with a daypack burns roughly 740 kcal.
Adjust for your pace and breaks →Route line not shown. The 2.4 mi distance and 1,000 ft of gain for this hike are verified (nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall rises to 5,900 feet in California. The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall covers 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back) with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain — a steady climb. It's rated Moderate overall.
Getting There
It's roughly 125 miles south of Reno, Nevada. Parking: Happy Isles or Curry Village. Fee: $35 vehicle entrance fee. Cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
The Moderate rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 3 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — a saved route works offline in any GPS app, and cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from National Park Service - Yosemite.
Nearby summits with their own guides on this site: Nevada Fall (1.5 mi away), Half Dome (3.5 mi away) and Upper Yosemite Fall (4.2 mi away).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Vernal Fall?
The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall is 2.4 miles round trip with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 3 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Vernal Fall hike?
It's rated Moderate using the National Park Service difficulty formula (2.4 miles round trip, 1,000 ft of gain — about 420 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Are dogs allowed on the Vernal Fall trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Vernal Fall?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Vernal Fall?
Vernal Fall stands at 5,900 feet (1,798 meters) in California.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Rapidly changing weather
- Ice possible on summit
- Wet leaves on trails
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Vernal Fall Guide
Route last checked October 25, 2026.
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Vernal Fall. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Peak Bagging Tip
Nevada Fall is only 1.5 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!