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Emerald Pool to Top of Nevada Fall (Yosemite)

Posted on September 22, 2008 by: Traveler

  • Nevada Fall from the route back down.
  • Silver Apron spilling into the Emerald Pool. The bridge across is visible above.
  • Make a right at this junction to approach Nevada Fall from the right along the sweeping shelf.
  • Look for the small opening in the trees to have this birds-eye view of the Mist Trail and Vernal Fall below.
  • Looking back at the walkway of the sweeping left turn. Once on top of this shelf pretty much means the elevation gain is finished.
  • In the spring and early summer months, snow melt from above will drip down to the shelf.
  • From L to R, Half Dome (8,842 ft.), Mount Broderick (6,706 ft.) and Liberty Cap (7,076 ft.).
  • Nevada Fall below Liberty Cap. Half Dome looms beyond.
  • Spring and summer wildflowers grow alongside the wall. Include them in your photos to add color.
  • Just after this area, the trail re-enters the forest canopy and you will cross over the small cascades seen to the right of Nevada Fall.
  • Small stream prior to it becoming a cascade in its plunge alongside Nevada Fall.
  • Tree near the small stream.
  • Glacial erratics at the top of Nevada Fall.
  • Tree roots snaking through their only option for growth.
  • The trees growing in these cracks in the granite may one day get too large for their own survival, but they appear healthy for now.
  • View toward Nevada's plunge. The bridge across is to the right of the tree growing in the granite crack
  • A viewing area with railing is on the opposite side of the fall. Cross over the bridge and carefully walk over to the platform.
  • Just under the bridge, the Merced River is funneled into a granite chute before its 700 ft. plunge.
  • Standing on the bridge looking upriver.
  • After crossing over the Merced, the trail breaks away from the river. A good (cold) swimming area is just upriver from the whitewater near this mangled tree trunk.
  • Sign near restroom pointing the way down the opposite side of Nevada Fall.
  • Hikers resting near the restroom just above the trail junction leading down the left side (viewed from front) of Nevada Fall.
  • Restrooms above junction heading down.
  • Large trees growing into the talus slope.
  • The base of this behemoth was no less than five feet.
  • Hikers make their way down the steep steps of the talus slope.
  • Mist from Nevada Fall fills the canyon beyond.
  • The small stream is now seen as a cascade to the right of Nevada Fall.
  • After the sheer plunge, Nevada Fall continues as the water cascades. The tumultuous cascade is what creates the mist.
  • Continuing down the talus slope just prior to re-entering the forest canopy.
  • Mist seen through a break in the trees.
  • The hiking trail leads through this tree-lined path. The short side spur to the left (Ansel Adam's photo point) is just ahead.
  • It possible to scramble down to the edge of the river for a full frontal view of Nevada Fall.
  • Ansel Adams was able to capture a rainbow at this location. I had no such luck due to the time of day.
  • This area is nonetheless a good spot for a break.
  • My black and white attempt at an Ansel Adams classic.
  • The Merced River continues it white water descent all the way down to the Emerald Pool above Vernal Fall.
  • A hiker approaches the bridge just above the Silver Apron cascade into the Emerald Pool.
  • View upriver from the bridge.
  • View down river to the Silver Apron cascading into the Emerald Pool.
  • On the opposite side of the bridge, the trail rises briefly. This is looking back at the bridge with Liberty Cap on the right and Mount Broderick to the left.
  • Pitchfork shaped tree before the final junction merging back to Vernal Fall.
  • After crossing the bridge and reaching this trail junction, follow the signs pointing back to Vernal Fall and Yosemite Valley beyond.

Best Time To Visit: Spring through Fall
Closest City: Fish Camp
State: 7
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: This section of trail begins at the Emerald Pool of the Merced River above Vernal Fall. To see more information on where the trailhead begins, check out Happy Isle to Top of Vernal Fall (Yosemite) for more details.

DESCRIPTION: The hike to the top of Nevada Fall has numerous options for trailheads, as well as trails from the same starting point. We'll assume you have started at Happy Isle and are now at the Emerald Pool just above Vernal Fall. The trail begins in the small forested area to the right side of the pool (the left side is a cliff). In this forested area, a very short spur leads to a restroom (just up a small incline on the right). The Emerald pool in this area is calmer than the area near the drop of Vernal Fall, so take a walk over or wait until the return to soak your feet. Unfortunately, I don't believe swimming is allowed here. On the far side of the Emerald Pool is a cascade (the Silver Apron). I have seen people sliding down this cascade at extremely low water levels of August and September when the Merced slows to a trickle. But, again, I'll say swimming is not allowed and it is dangerous to slide down a natural granite chute of the Silver Apron into a pool with an unknown current. A bridge just upriver and above the cascade of the Silver Apron can be seen. For the purposes of the picture story accompanying this write-up, you will be by-passing this bridge only to loop around at the top of Nevada Fall and cross it on the return.

After picking up the trail at the far side of the Emerald Pool, you will rise up a couple switchbacks before coming to the first junction. The left route is the way we will return (the bridge), so take the right side junction. After awhile the switchbacks top out along a shelf but constantly look to your right to see what I consider one of the best vantage points for viewing Vernal Fall. It is a small window and easily missed, but a small break in the trees and shrubbery allows a birds-eye view of the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall. All the hikers at the railing seen like tiny specks, even though realistically, you only have a couple hundred feet of altitude over them (see the picture and be the judge). At the shelf mentioned earlier, there will be a sweeping left turn to Nevada Fall. It appears all the altitude gain is behind at this point but be prepared for minor adjustments. Look to the left and across the canyon that the Merced River created. The large hump on the left side is the back side of Half Dome' 8,842 ft summit. The middle peak is Mount Broderick (6,706 ft.) and to the right side (just above Nevada Fall) is Liberty Cap's 7,076 ft spire. In the early summer months, this left turning shelf will be soaked from all the snow melt above dripping down at numerous locations. There is a small wall built for protection on the right side. At certain points, wildflowers will be growing along the wall adding the perfect touch to your photo. Nevada Fall will slowly get closer and then it will briefly disappear as the trail veers slightly to the right in to the forest. From below Nevada Fall, there are numerous cascades falling in sync to it's right side. In this forested area, you will now cross over these cascades. Continue along and the terrain opens up at the top of Nevada Fall. There is no real trail at this point. Just up river from the fall is another bridge crossing over the Merced as it becomes funneled into a granite chute. There are no safety railing on this side so be careful as to how cool of a view you get! The same thing can be viewed from the bridge so just wait. Look for the trees that have grown in the only option available; a crack in the granite. Amazingly enough, the trunks seem to be spilling over top of the granite and the roots can be seen snaking down the crack. On the opposite side of Nevada Fall's edge is a railing erected by the park service. Cross over the bridge and make your way down but be careful at the exposed portions.

After soaking in the scenery, walk back to the bridge but don't cross. You could simply return the way you came, but to see a different portion of the route (and a better view of Nevada Fall), pick up the trail and head left to the next junction at restrooms a short distance away. My write-up continuing on to the summit of Half Dome begins starts at this restroom. If that is your destination; click here.

I will give a warning that the steps winding down this side of Nevada Fall are steep and coupled with the Mist Trail; thigh blasting! The reward of having Nevada Fall seemingly at your fingertips is worth the pain though. To have constructed the trail this close to the sheer drop of a waterfall (in the talus slope) would obviously mean the trail needs to drop the same distance. Short switchbacks with steep steps is how it will go for just a short while. There are some very large trees growing into this talus slope just prior to the view of Nevada Fall. Looking up now at Nevada Fall and the sweeping shelf you just came from gives a sense of accomplishment, but don't pat yourself on the back just yet. The steps will soon become shorter as the terrain levels off. The thundering Nevada Fall is almost blocked from view through the trees, but lok for the side spur leading over to the edge of the Merced River. Ansel Adams took an awesome black and white of Nevada Fall from near this location. Head back to the main trail after a brief stop here and the bridge just above the Silver Apron of the Emerald Pool is visible. Cross over and merge back with the trail winding down to the top of Vernal Fall and back to the valley.   

As mentioned earlier, from the top of Nevada, the trail continues on to the summit of the Half Dome Trail.

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Tags

Yosemite National Park, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Emerald Pool, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, Mount Broderick, waterfall, hiking, backpacking, camping, Merced River

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