Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool sits on the Merced River just above Vernal Fall, where the water widens into a small, shallow basin before sliding down the smooth granite of the Silver Apron toward the falls. The deep green color comes from algae growing on the submerged rock, and on a warm afternoon the still surface can look inviting — which is exactly the problem hikers need to understand before getting close.

Getting There

Emerald Pool is reached via the Mist Trail from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley, a steep climb of granite steps and waterfall spray up past Vernal Fall. The pool sits just above the top of Vernal Fall, right before the trail continues past the Silver Apron toward Nevada Fall and Clark Point.

Stay Out of the Water

Swimming and wading in Emerald Pool are prohibited by the National Park Service, as is stepping onto the adjacent Silver Apron. The current feeding into the pool is stronger than it looks, submerged rocks are hard to spot, and people have drowned here after being swept toward the top of Vernal Fall. Enjoy the view from the trail and keep hands and feet out of the water above the falls.

2026 Trail Access

From late June through October, the Mist Trail section between the John Muir Trail junction and the top of Vernal Fall closes on weekdays, roughly Monday–Thursday from 7 am to 3:30 pm, for NPS repair work — full daytime access to Emerald Pool is limited to Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during that stretch. Check current park alerts before you go.