Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall sends the Merced River 594 feet down a sheer face of granite in a violent, churning cascade — one of Yosemite's signature waterfalls, and one of its highest-rated stops, with a 4.9-star average across 936 reviews. You reach it by climbing past Vernal Fall on the Mist Trail or via the John Muir Trail, and either route delivers you to a viewpoint where the roar of the water fills the whole canyon.

Getting There

Most hikers climb the granite stairs of the Mist Trail past Vernal Fall and continue on to Nevada Fall, then loop back down via the John Muir Trail — though reviewers note that side has its own steep switchbacks and an extra climb over Clark Point, so it isn't automatically the easier way down. Whichever direction you choose, expect long stretches of uneven, occasionally slippery stone steps; several visitors specifically recommend trekking poles and shoes with real traction.

When to Go

Reviewers who hiked in early May describe the fall at its most powerful, swollen with spring snowmelt, and the trail noticeably less crowded than in peak summer — one visitor said the view felt almost private. A restroom is available at the top of Nevada Fall, plus facilities at the base and top of Vernal Fall along the way.