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https://www.theamericansouthwest.com/yosemite-national-park/vernal-fall-trail 3 Miles Roundtrip to Top of Vernal Fall From Trailhead (1.6 Miles Roundtrip to Vernal Fall Footbridge). Strenuous, Continual 1,000 Foot Elevation Gain . Gorgeous But Very Busy Hike to Amazing 318’ Waterfall (Depending on Season) . A very strenuous up and down hike in Yosemite Valley that pays off in a big way with a gorgeous waterfall, is the Vernal Fall Trail. It is steep throughout and relentless as it climbs through the beautiful deep valley at the far eastern edge of Yosemite Valley.
You’ll want to start the hike at Curry Village or Muir Trail Parking where you’ll add some more mileage to the hike, unless you take the shuttle. You’ll then cross over the little creek and begin the ascent. As you climb up the paved walkway you can see Yosemite Falls behind you so bring your zoom or your binoculars! You’ll continue up until you reach the footbridge which gives you a view of the fall but you shouldn’t stop there. There’s a mile and a half more steep ascent on dirt, carved stairs, and stone!
Once you’re near the cascading fall though, you’ll forget all about the strain. It is a truly gorgeous sight and sound. You’ll then climb to the top where you can view the water falling over the edge and down into the dark pool.
Ahead a little on the trail is what’s known as Emerald Pool which leisurely reflects the trees and granite cliffs without hinting that the water’s about to plunge down over 300 feet as one of the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.
Make sure to remember the golden rule of hiking (especially at famous spots)! Get there early or later in the day. As we were leaving, the trail was a constant stream of people. Those stairs are steep and we spent half an hour letting hikers pass us, since they had the right of way. And this was in November!
Although extremely busy, Yosemite National Park is an absolute gem of a spot that is filled with hikes, enormous ancient trees, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, lodges, campsites, trails, museums, history, and a whole lot more. You can visit for the day or for the week but you will never run out of things to do.
My wife and I camped in November near the Wawona Hotel at the south end of the park and it was absolutely lovely and peaceful.
The drives into the park and around the park and valley are very gorgeous (when not following horrible & inconsiderate California drivers). There are so many opportunities to pull over, turn off the truck, and enjoy the sights.
Glacier Point is a famous lookout but it was closed for the winter when we were there. Actually, there are a ton of places that will close in the winter because of its height in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. That’s the trade off though, go in the summer when everything is open… and everyone is there. Or go in the off season when a lot is closed and… it’s still insanely busy.