Highlights of our 2019 trip to Yosemite National Park and a visit to Nevada Fall.
A return to Nevada Falls on a day trip adventure that helps me remember why Yosemite is so special. In spring of 2019, the winter melt came at the right time for me to make a journey across the Sierra to Yosemite Valley from our home office in the Carson Valley of Nevada. A 4.5 -5 hour commute, this trip takes a bit of dedication to get to the park before the crowds enjoy a great day and then return home late. Not something I recommend for many. (in future Trips I would learn that camping the night before at Lake Melones or Staying in Sonora at the Lumber Jack hotel would help break the trip easily into two enjoyable days)
My Second Visit to Nevada Falls was the agenda today as it is most likely my favorite Yosemite waterfall. Plus the Mist trail is so magical of an experience when the water is rushing, that you just cant miss on this incredible demanding hike. The trail up to the Mist trail, vernal Falls and On to Nevada Falls is a bit challenging for me each time. For as much as I hike the elevation change or grade on this trail just makes my legs burn. But the sight of the 594′ plunge of Nevada Fall is stunning.
Nevada Fall Yosemite National Park
Getting on the trail at 8am helps me get ahead of the crowds and makes my visit much less panic laced. Stopping quickly at the bridge for a photo which never seems to turn out for me, I started my journey up the Mist trail. A wet and slippery climb up besides Vernal Falls is incredible and the sounds are spectacular. after a many phot stops i proceeded up the sketchy approach steps on the side of the Vernal Fall cliff to the landing deck, where I was pleasantly surprised to only see a handful of other guests. (Early birds really do get eh best of Yosemite). I decided to take a break and enjoy the calm waters at the Emerald pool for a bit, enjoying a seat on a log and grabbing a snack or two. I always shocked at how few people I see sitting at the pools.
Approaching Nevada Fall
Just past the Emerald Pool the bridge across is always a fascinating stop, The river shoots through this small crossing with such force. You wonder how a bridge lasts here in the high water seasons. it is hear that you also get the first glimpses of Nevada Fall as it crashes down on granite floor from 594′ above. The fall fans out from a narrow shoot up top to make a beautiful full water fall as is races below. On this season we are also blessed with a small seasonal waterfall tot he South of Nevada Fall making it a double fall experience. Simply gorgeous. After another 30 phots of a place i already have photos of, it is time to start the climb to the top. I start to see a few more hikers and am always trying to determine if any of them are late at the Half Dome hike.
The climb up to the top of Nevada Fall is not a bad trail, but it is 594 feet up in less than a Half mile, so the vertical switchbacks do take a toll on these seasoned legs. once you reach the final shoot adrenaline of seeing the top does take over and we get the hike done.
Now it is time for a long lunch break and vista view back over the falls into the valley.
The return trip for me is always a bit fun as I can enjoy the JMT while getting showered by water falling off the cliffs above, get some great arial views of Vernal Falls from Clarks Point and enjoy a rather steep paved path down to the Vernal Fall bridge on the JMT the rest of the way out.
Happy Isles is such a great location to end the ay, sitting back next to a tree listening to the continual battle of rushing water and screaming tourists. Welcome back tot he valley.. HAHA.
