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Happy Isle to Top of Vernal Fall (Yosemite)

Posted on September 22, 2008 by: Traveler

  • Vernal Fall seen from the trail above (actually on the way up to Nevada Fall).
  • Bridge crossing over Merced River near the Happy Isle shuttle-stop. Valley shuttles are the only vehicles permitted to cross as this road continues on to the Mirror Lake shuttle-stop.)
  • View up the Merced River from large bridge.
  • View down river from large bridge.
  • Trail sign passed along the trail up the left side of the Merced to foot bridge approximately one mile away. .
  • Standing on foot bridge crossing over Merced River. First view of Vernal Fall. After crossing here you will meet up with hikers who have come up the right side trail. There are restrooms and drinking fountains here.
  • By taking the right side trail up the Merced River to the foot bridge, you will pass the Happy Isle Nature Center building.
  • The right side trail crosses a series of foot bridges and tributaries feeding into the Merced River.
  • The higher water levels of Spring inundate the bases of trees lining the banks of the Merced River.
  • Still living tree along eroding edge of river.
  • Tributary from Illilouette Falls feeding into Merced River.
  • Oak branches.
  • After the two trails merge, continue along the right side of the Merced River. The paved trail ends and a series of carved steps; the Mist Trail, begins.
  • The steps of the Mist Trail are in the lower right.
  • Unfortunately, this pine tree (that probably had it's top removed by lightning) is now dead.
  • Depending on the angle of the sun will determine where the rainbows start appearing.
  • Mist Trail at it's finest.
  • A little farther ahead and it's safe to pull the cameras back out.
  • Double rainbow at the base.
  • Vernal Fall framed by the pines.
  • Final rise along cliff with a safety railing.
  • The railing continues to the edge of Vernal Fall's 300 ft. drop
  • Top edge of Vernal Fall's plunge.
  • Looking down the canyon from the top of Vernal Fall.
  • Park Service sign outlining the Emerald Pool area.
  • Continuing straight ahead will be a restroom and areas to walk over to the edge of the Emerald Pool (no swimming)
  • Sign pointing to restroom.
  • Squirrel foraging for morsel of food.
  • A Stellar Jay surveys all us hikers below.
  • This swift moving area is in between the Emerald Pool and the edge of Vernal Fall.
  • Emerald Pool with Liberty Cap on the skyline and Nevada Fall to it's right
  • Closer shot of Nevada Fall above the Emerald Pool.
  • Just above the Emerald Pool is a cascade that flows under a bridge. Continuing on ahead and crossing the bridge is one way to get to the top of Nevada Fall.
  • Cascade above Emerald Pool.
  • At lower water levels, it is possible to find a rock in the river to smooch on.
  • From the left side trail leading up to the bridge, look right up a side canyon to see Illilouette Fall. This is not visible from the right side trail going up.
  • Wider view of the canyon that Illilouette Fall is set back into. Glacier Point is also to the right side just out of the view of this pic.

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

DIRECTIONS: Yosemite National Park. Hop on the free shuttle at any shuttle-stop in Yosemite Valley and take it to the Happy Isle shuttle-stop.

If you choose to take your own vehicle, park at the backpackers parking lot. To reach this lot, you will drive along the Valley road and pass Curry Village at the eastern side of Yosemite Valley. Make a right turn at the junction and you will see the dirt entrance of the large parking lot off to the right. It is directly across from the Campground. Walk along the trail that parallels the road to the Happy Isle shuttle-stop. This will increase the hiking distance by about 1/2 mile each way.

DESCRIPTION: Vernal Falls is one of the Merced River's final tumultuous drops before entering the valley from the far eastern side. From the Happy Isle shuttle-stop you can make a choice to begin hiking up either side of the Merced River to a foot bridge which crosses over the Merced approximately one mile away. NOTE: You can always hike up one side and return down the other. The rest of the way up follows the Merced on the right side and is referred to as the MIst Trail.

So... from Happy Isle hiking up the left side of the Merced River to the foot bridge approximately one mile away. Immediately up ahead will be a large bridge crossing over the Merced. This large bridge can accommodate vehicular traffic but only the valley shuttles are able to continue driving across to the Mirror Lake shuttle-stop (across and to the left). Walk across this large bridge and turn right. The trail remains flat until you reach a large red sign. Look up in the trees and you might see the posted sign displaying the "high water" mark of Yosemite Valley's 1997 flood.

The red sign displays distances to various locations like Half Dome and Merced Lake beyond. This is also the beginning of the John Muir Trail for those intrepid souls making the 211 mile North to South journey to Mt. Whitney's 14,495 ft. summit. The trail begins to rise steeply from this red sign. It is paved all the way to the foot bridge, although I wouldn't exactly say it is a wheelchair friendly incline. The slope is covered in oak and pine that conceals the Merced below. At a couple points, there are areas with clear views of the churning river. Don't lean over too far! The high cliff off to the right is Glacier Point. By looking at this cliff and scanning far back into a crevasse, you can see (just barely) Illilouette Falls. This trail along the left side actually rises just above the level of the foot bridge and there will be a short descent before reaching it. At the bridge will be the first view of Vernal Fall up river. Cross to the opposite side. There are drinking fountains and restrooms on the opposite side and this is where the trail merges with those that hiked up the right side of the Merced from Happy Isle. 

So... from Happy Isle hiking up the right side of the Merced River to the foot bridge approximately one mile away. The trail is paved to the Happy Isle Nature Center. Continue on and you will pass a series of foot bridges that cross over tributaries feeding into the Merced River. This area offers many spots for stopping and soaking in the scenery of the forest. Eventually, you will see the restrooms ahead and all the hikers who took the left side trail up to the foot bridge crossing over the Merced. From here, just continue straight ahead as the others have to cross to the foot bridge to join on.

With the foot bridge and restrooms now behind, you will see a trail junction up ahead. By taking this trail junction (actually part of the John Muir Trail), you will bypass the Mist Trail of Vernal Fall. But that's no fun, so continue paralleling along the right side of the Merced River. Just past the trail junction the paved portion ends and steps which have been carved into the slope begin. The trail gets very steep here with some steps having rises of 18 inches. The thundering fall creates spray; hence "Mist Trail", that will quickly saturate clothing (consideration for the ladies). The trail has actually been blasted through the cliff and after emerging from this small cave it is impractical to take any pictures. This only lasts a short while and soon enough, it is possible to look back at those who are now getting soaked. Through the trees Vernal Falls now becomes framed. Depending on the angle of the sun will determine where the rainbows are seen but rest assured, with this much spray, there will be at least one. Up ahead is the steepest section of steps that incidentally have the narrowest platform for stepping onto. The trail rises to the face of the cliff and turns left along a railing. Congrats, you're now at the top and have a small drop the reach the Merced where it tumbles down as Vernal Falls. This is a congregation point for many hikers with a large rocky area to rest on. There will be lots of squirrels foraging for food morsels left behind and Stellar Jays peering down from tree branches.

Be cautious of the river flow as it can be deceptive; and deadly, if swept away. Just up river is the Emerald Pool. A restroom lies a short distance up the trail and to the right. Return the way you came or continue on to the top of Nevada Falls or Half Dome. Check out; Emerald Pool to Top of Nevada Fall (Yosemite), for more information.   

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Yosemite National Park, Vernal Fall, Happy Isle, Happy Isle Nature Center, Merced River, John Muir Trail, waterfall, hiking, backpacking, Nevada Fall, Half Dome, Sierra Nevada Mountains

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