Vernal Fall Footbridge

About this place

The route to Vernal Fall Footbridge follows the lower John Muir Trail from Happy Isles beside the Merced River before climbing steeply to a direct view of the waterfall. Spring runoff brings spray and a louder, fuller fall; later seasons can be drier.

The NPS lists the footbridge hike as 1.6 miles round trip with 400 feet of gain and an estimated time of 1–1.5 hours. It begins at Happy Isles, where there is no trailhead parking; use the Valley shuttle or park near Curry Village. Access from Upper Pines is not included in these hiking metrics.

Map

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Sources and photo credits

Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park — Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails National Park Service Public Trails — Happy Isles to Vernal Fall Footbridge out-and-back National Park Service