Experience the Majestic Vernal Falls at Tuolumne Meadows
Discover the breathtaking Vernal Falls in Tuolumne Meadows, a scenic spot that showcases the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.
Vernal Falls, nestled in the stunning Tuolumne Meadows of California, offers breathtaking views and invigorating trails for outdoor enthusiasts. A perfect escape for nature lovers, this scenic spot showcases the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the enchanting cascade of water that draws visitors from around the globe. With its pristine surroundings and diverse wildlife, Vernal Falls is an ideal destination for photographers, hikers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park.
A brief summary to Vernal Falls
- TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, California, 95389, US
- +1209-372-0200
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and steep in some sections.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and the vibrant colors of the landscape.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks, especially if you plan to hike longer trails in the area.
Getting There
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Hiking
From Yosemite Village, head east on the main road towards the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Once you reach the visitor center, follow the signs to the Happy Isles Trailhead. This is about a 2-mile hike. From the trailhead, take the Mist Trail towards Vernal Falls. The hike to Vernal Falls is approximately 1.5 miles uphill. The trail is well-marked and offers plenty of scenic views along the way.
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Shuttle Bus
Take the Yosemite Valley Shuttle from any shuttle stop in Yosemite Village. Board the shuttle heading towards the Happy Isles. Stay on the shuttle until you reach the Happy Isles stop. From there, you'll need to begin your hike on the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, which is about 1.5 miles uphill. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll encounter beautiful scenery along the way.
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Biking
Rent a bike from one of the rental stations in Yosemite Village. Start by biking east on the bike path that leads towards the Happy Isles. This is about a 2-mile ride. Once you reach the Happy Isles area, lock your bike at the bike rack and begin your hike on the Mist Trail. The hike to Vernal Falls is approximately 1.5 miles uphill, with well-marked trails offering stunning views.
Discover more about Vernal Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vernal Falls Footbridge
0.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Vernal Falls Footbridge in Yosemite National Park, where nature's beauty and adventure await around every corner.
Curry Village
2.7 km
Discover the enchanting Curry Village, a perfect blend of rustic lodging and stunning natural beauty in Yosemite Valley, ideal for adventurers and nature lovers.
The Ahwahnee
3.4 km
Experience luxury and nature at The Ahwahnee, an iconic hotel in Yosemite Valley, perfect for your outdoor adventures and serene getaways.
Housekeeping Camp
3.5 km
Discover the ultimate camping experience at Housekeeping Camp, where comfort meets the stunning wilderness of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite Wilderness Center
4.4 km
Discover the unparalleled beauty of Yosemite National Park at the Yosemite Wilderness Center, your gateway to adventure and exploration in nature's masterpiece.
Yosemite Cemetery
4.6 km
Discover the serene Yosemite Cemetery, a historic site honoring early inhabitants of Yosemite National Park amidst stunning natural beauty.
Yosemite Valley Lodge
5.1 km
Discover the beauty of Yosemite National Park from the comfort of Yosemite Valley Lodge, where adventure meets relaxation in stunning natural surroundings.
Four Mile Trailhead
5.2 km
Explore the breathtaking Four Mile Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows, offering stunning views of Yosemite's iconic landscapes.
Upper Yosemite Falls Trail
5.9 km
Discover the breathtaking views and natural beauty along the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, a must-visit hiking experience in Yosemite National Park.
El Capitan Picnic Area
6.8 km
Experience the serene beauty of El Capitan Picnic Area in Yosemite National Park—a perfect spot for family picnics and outdoor relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
7.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Cathedral Beach Picnic Area in Yosemite National Park, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and picnic enthusiasts alike.
El Capitan Trail
8.0 km
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El Capitan Meadow
8.1 km
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El Capitan
8.3 km
Explore El Capitan, a breathtaking granite cliff in Yosemite National Park, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers seeking stunning views and unforgettable experiences.
Cathedral Rocks
8.3 km
Discover Cathedral Rocks in California, a stunning natural cliff formation ideal for hiking, photography, and experiencing breathtaking landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Vernal Fall
0.0 km
Discover Vernal Fall, a stunning waterfall in Yosemite National Park, offering breathtaking views and invigorating hikes amidst California's natural beauty.
Mist Trail
0.4 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Mist Trail in California, where stunning waterfalls and picturesque landscapes await every adventurer.
Nevada Fall
1.0 km
Explore the breathtaking Nevada Fall in Tuolumne Meadows, a natural wonder offering scenic views and unforgettable hiking experiences in Yosemite National Park.
Little Yosemite Valley
1.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Little Yosemite Valley, a serene natural ravine in California that offers adventure, beauty, and tranquility.
Happy Isles Bridge
1.4 km
Discover the natural beauty of Yosemite at Happy Isles Bridge, your gateway to unforgettable adventures and breathtaking views.
Nature Center at Happy Isles
1.4 km
Discover the Nature Center at Happy Isles in Yosemite National Park, a hub for education, exploration, and the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.
Mirror Lake Trail
2.1 km
Explore the stunning Mirror Lake Trail in California, where serene waters meet majestic mountain views for an unforgettable hiking experience.
Half Dome
2.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Half Dome, a must-visit peak in Yosemite National Park, California, offering stunning views and unforgettable adventures.
Mirror Lake
2.3 km
Discover the captivating beauty of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park, where serene reflections and stunning landscapes await nature enthusiasts.
Sub dome
2.6 km
Experience the stunning views and exhilarating hikes at Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Panorama And Pohono Trailheads
2.6 km
Discover the breathtaking trails of Panorama and Pohono, where adventure and stunning views await in the heart of Tuolumne Meadows, California.
Glacier Point
2.6 km
Experience the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park from Glacier Point, where breathtaking vistas and nature's wonders await every traveler.
Glacier Point Trailside Museum
2.6 km
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Washburn Point
2.7 km
Experience breathtaking views of Yosemite's iconic landscapes at Washburn Point, a must-visit vista in California's natural paradise.
Half Dome Trailhead
3.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Seven Tents Pavilion
2.6 km
Experience delightful dining at Seven Tents Pavilion amidst Yosemite Valley's breathtaking landscapes.
Curry Village Dining Pavilion
2.7 km
Experience delightful dining amidst breathtaking views at Curry Village Dining Pavilion in Yosemite Valley.
Taqueria @ Meadow Grill
2.7 km
Experience delicious grilled dishes amidst the stunning scenery of Yosemite Valley at Taqueria @ Meadow Grill.
Curry Village Pizza Deck
2.7 km
Savor delicious pizza in the heart of Yosemite National Park at Curry Village Pizza Deck - where nature meets flavor.
The Ahwahnee Bar
3.4 km
Experience luxury dining at The Ahwahnee Bar amidst Yosemite's breathtaking scenery with craft cocktails and gourmet bites.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room
3.4 km
Experience fine dining at The Ahwahnee Dining Room in Yosemite National Park - where culinary artistry meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Village Grill
4.2 km
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The Loft at Degnan's
4.3 km
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Yosemite Lodge Food Court
5.1 km
Experience delicious meals amidst breathtaking views at Yosemite Lodge Food Court - where nature meets culinary delight.
The Mountain Room
5.2 km
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The Skiers Grill
12.8 km
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White Wolf Lodge Dining Room
18.3 km
Experience fine dining at White Wolf Lodge Dining Room amidst California's breathtaking High Sierra landscapes.
The River Restaurant & Lounge
20.3 km
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Wawona Hotel Dining Room
23.3 km
Experience delectable American cuisine surrounded by Yosemite's breathtaking beauty at Wawona Hotel Dining Room.
Jackalope's Bar and Grill
29.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand
2.6 km
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Mountain Shop at Curry Village
2.6 km
Explore Yosemite with ease - the Mountain Shop at Curry Village is your go-to for outdoor gear, groceries, and expert advice.
Curry Village Coffee Corner
2.7 km
Experience the charm of Curry Village Coffee Corner, your perfect retreat in the heart of Yosemite National Park, offering delicious coffee and breathtaking views.
Curry Village Gift and Grocery
2.7 km
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The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop
3.4 km
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The Ahwahnee Gift Shop
3.4 km
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Housekeeping Camp Store
3.5 km
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Yosemite Village Parking
4.1 km
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Village Store
4.2 km
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Degnan's Deli
4.3 km
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Yosemite Visitor Center
4.5 km
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Base Camp Eatery
5.1 km
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Starbucks Yosemite
5.2 km
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop
5.2 km
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand
5.2 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar 1899
2.7 km
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The Mountain Room Lounge
5.1 km
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Dry Creek Bar
45.2 km
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Tusks Bar
45.4 km
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Steeps Bar
46.1 km
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Basin Bar
47.1 km
Unwind at Basin Bar in Mammoth Lakes, where friendly vibes and local brews blend seamlessly for an unforgettable après-adventure experience.
Grizzly Bar
48.5 km
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Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
49.8 km
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Clocktower Cellar
50.0 km
Discover the charm of Clocktower Cellar, a cozy bar and restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, offering fine wines, delicious food, and a warm atmosphere.
Mammoth Brewing Company
50.1 km
Experience the best of Mammoth Lakes at Mammoth Brewing Company, where craft beer meets breathtaking scenery and great food.
Salsa's
50.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Salsa's in Mammoth Lakes, offering a fantastic drink selection and lively atmosphere amidst breathtaking mountain views.
Liberty Sports Bar and Grill
51.0 km
Experience the best of American cuisine and lively sports atmosphere at Liberty Sports Bar and Grill in Mammoth Lakes.
Black Velvet Coffee Roaster | Espresso & Wine Bar
51.1 km
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The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie
51.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of exquisite wines and artisanal charcuterie at The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Distant Brewing
51.7 km
Discover the best of craft brews and delicious American cuisine at Distant Brewing in Mammoth Lakes, the perfect spot for beer lovers.
