Nevada Fall (Mist Trail)

Nevada Fall is a 594 foot tall waterfall that is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) beyond Vernal Fall. The trail from the top of Vernal Fall is relatively easy and passes through a pleasant stretch of the Merced river with several pools (beware of currents!) surrounded by impressive granite cliffs before leading up a steep series of steps to the top of the waterfall. The John Muir trail is a more gradual ascent that can be undertaken from the junction near the Vernal Fall footbridge, but those who choose that route will forgo the view from the top of Vernal Fall as well as the scenery along the Merced River; consider ascending on the Mist Trail and descending on the John Muir trail if you want to enjoy the scenery but limit the trauma to your joints. The total elevation gain from the Happy Isles trailhead to the top of Nevada Fall is 2000 ft (610 m).