Vernal Falls Trail

The Vernal Falls Loop is a fun and challenging lollipop shaped hike that passes by the stunning Vernal Falls. You’ll pick up the trail at the Happy Isles Trailhead and begin along the John Muir trail. After about 1.8 miles, you’ll stay straight to remain on the mist trail, which will take you to Vernal Falls. Once you pass the falls and Emerald Pool, you’ll turn back onto the John Muir Trail to complete the loop section. There is the option to do a longer loop section which includes Nevada Falls, but the routing shown is most popular. Because of the length and overall steep grade, most consider this a hard hike.