About Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall is a named waterfall in Mariposa County, California, located about 1.9 miles southeast of Yosemite Valley. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Half Dome 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°43′44″ N, 119°32′46″ W (37.72876, -119.54621). Historical sources also record the names Nevada Fall, Peiwayak, Piwyack, and Yan-o-pah. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Emerald Pool (lake, 0.2 mi), Grizzly Peak (summit, 0.3 mi), and Clark Point (summit, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Silver Apron, 0.3 miles to the southeast.
Powerful 317-foot waterfall featuring a shady, steep trail to the top & sweeping scenic views.
USGS gazetteer description: In Yosemite National Park, just east of mile marker 131 on the Merced River and just west of Emeral Pool. (US-T121)
More Photos
2,047 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Vernal Fall
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Vernal Fall
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Vernal Fall. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Vernal Fall holds a 4.9 average from 321 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Vernal Fall. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Emerald Pool — lake, 0.2 mi
- Grizzly Peak — summit, 0.3 mi
- Clark Point — summit, 0.3 mi
- Sierra Point — summit, 0.5 mi
- Illilouette Gorge — valley, 0.6 mi
- Illilouette Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Mount Broderick — summit, 0.7 mi
- Panorama Cliff — cliff, 0.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.72876, -119.54621. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Vernal Fall
- Sentinel Fall, CA2.8 mi west
- Lehamite Falls, CA2.9 mi northwest
- Lower Yosemite Fall, CA3.2 mi northwest
- Upper Yosemite Falls, CA3.4 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vernal Fall located?
Vernal Fall is in Mariposa County, California, about 1.9 miles southeast of Yosemite Valley. Its coordinates are 37.72876, -119.54621 (37°43′44″ N, 119°32′46″ W).
What town is closest to Vernal Fall?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Yosemite Valley, CA, about 1.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Vernal Fall?
The closest is Silver Apron (0.3 mi southeast). Others within reach include Nevada Fall (0.7 mi), Illilouette Falls (1.3 mi), and Staircase Falls (1.6 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Vernal Fall?
Vernal Fall appears on the USGS Half Dome 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.