Nevada Falls

Plunging almost 600 feet (180 meters), Nevada Falls is only visible to those who make the hike up either the Mist Trail or the John Muir Trail.  From the trailhead at Happy Isles, it will take most people about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach a good spot to view Nevada Falls.  This photo was taken from the John Muir Trail near the junction of the Clark Point / Vernal Falls Trail.  Another excellent place to bring a picnic lunch, sit on the granite slabs and work on your tan.  You can hike to the top of Nevada Falls and back to the Valley in one leisurely day.

If you go at least 1/4 mile past the top of Nevada Falls, there are some good places to soak your feet in the river and enjoy the view.  Don't try wading or swimming above the falls, it's much to dangerous as unlucky victims discover almost every year.  Instead, for a spectacular view, go to the overlook on the North Side of the waterfall.  Approximately 30 to 50 meters to the north of the waterfall is a short set of granite steps and a railing.  Go down the steps, turn to your left and walk towards the next railing and the overlook.  Use extreme caution, never go beyond the railing and do not scramble around on the rocks anywhere near the waterfall, they are very dangerous!