Nevada Fall

Yosemite National Park, US

Nevada Fall is a 594‑foot cascade on the Merced River in Yosemite, accessed by the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail. It anchors one of the park’s most demanding day hikes, offering dramatic spray and sweeping valley views for adventurous travelers.

Why choose Nevada Fall

You’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the river roar as you climb, a sensory intensity that flat trail walks can’t match. The descent rewards you with a panorama of the high country that few other park routes provide.

Best for: Adventure travelers · Photography · Hikers · Nature

Start your Mist Trail adventure here

Begin at the trailhead, hike up to Nevada Fall, then continue to nearby sights for a half‑day trek.

1. Morning — Nevada Fall
2. 11:00 — Vernal Fall
3. Afternoon — Mist Trail

Visit tips

• Wear sturdy shoes; the trail can be slippery from spray.
• Carry plenty of water and start at the trailhead early.
• Start early to avoid peak crowding on the Mist Trail.
• Allow 4–6 hours for the round‑trip hike and breaks.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 4–6 hours — includes hike and breaks
• Best time of day: Early morning, before 9:00 — reduces crowding on the trail
• Category: waterfall
• Rated 4.9 by 366 reviewers
• Tags: strenuous hike, waterfall view, early start, river mist

Nearby attractions

• Vernal Fall — waterfall, 12 min walk
• Mist Trail — trail, 8 min walk

More things to do in Yosemite National Park

• Yosemite Valley
• Glacier Point
• The Ahwahnee
• Tunnel View
• Yosemite Falls
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

See all things to do in Yosemite National Park or plan a full Yosemite National Park itinerary with Next Getaway.