Nevada Fall is a major waterfall in Yosemite National Park, situated on the Merced River upstream from Vernal Fall. It has a total drop of 594 feet (181 metres) and is distinguished by its angled plunge, which creates a powerful, turbulent flow. The fall is located at an elevation of approximately 5,900 feet (1,800 metres) and is fed primarily by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada, with peak flow in late spring and early summer. By late summer, the volume decreases but remains significant compared to many seasonal waterfalls in the park.
Access to Nevada Fall is most commonly via the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail, starting from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The round trip to the top is about 7 miles (11 kilometres) with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet (610 metres). Hikers typically pass Vernal Fall first before continuing upstream to Nevada Fall. The Mist Trail provides direct views from below, while the John Muir Trail offers a less steep but longer approach, with a notable vantage point from Clark Point.
The waterfall is known for its unique “bent” shape, where the water strikes a granite ledge partway down, creating a wide, fan-like spray before continuing to the base. At the summit, a viewing area allows visitors to look over the brink of the falls, where the Merced River narrows and accelerates before its drop. Upstream from the falls lies the Silver Apron, a smooth granite slope over which the river flows rapidly before reaching the edge.
Geologically, Nevada Fall was formed by glacial activity that carved Yosemite Valley and its tributaries, leaving hanging valleys from which rivers drop steeply into the main canyon. The resistant granite bedrock contributes to the falls’ enduring structure.
Nevada Fall is also a link to further destinations in Yosemite’s high country, as trails from its summit continue toward Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. Its combination of height, water volume, and distinctive profile makes it one of Yosemite’s most photographed and recognised waterfalls. The location offers both a challenging hiking experience and an opportunity to observe the park’s hydrology and granite landscapes in detail.
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