Top 20 Waterfalls in the Sierra Nevada

The Mist Trail is much easier to hike uphill in early summer (snowmelt) than downhill because it becomes very slippery. Instead of returning the same way, it's recommended to head a little further upstream, turning right, onto the John Muir Trail—not only because of the slippery descent, but also because this leads to the best vantage point for Vernal Falls (marked on the map). Especially when the Merced River is full, the view is spectacular. The descent on the John Muir Trail is then much easier. Warning for photographers: During snowmelt, only take photos in the "splash zone" with a truly waterproof (submersible!) camera—and pack any other camera in a completely waterproof bag beforehand and only unpack it again at the top. Several careless camera owners have destroyed their equipment on this trail. I once heard a man at the top complaining about a broken Hasselblad – it was in his backpack, but obviously not completely waterproof. The fine mist penetrates everywhere, and even with a rain jacket, you end up wet like you've just taken a shower. On warm summer days, the trail is extremely crowded, with several thousand visitors on just a few kilometers of trail.

You get really wet when you go up the steps at Verna Fall

Absolutely worthwhile trail with great views. Exposed to full sun in many places in the afternoon. Please be prepared with enough water.

It is a 2,400-foot (739-meter) waterfall, the highest in North America and the fifth highest in the solar system. It is ten times higher than Niagara or Shoshone Falls, almost twice as high as the Empire State Building, and about as tall as a 200-story building if anyone ever built one. Best time to visit: In the spring, when the water roars off the falls and the breeze it creates on the bridge under the falls will blow your hat off your head. Worst time to visit: In early fall and late summer, when the falls are often completely dry at that time.

As you approach Lower Yosemite Fall Vista Point, the sound of the roaring waterfall builds anticipation. Once you arrive, you're greeted by the stunning sight of the fall cascading down granite cliffs, showing off Yosemite's power and beauty. The viewpoint is easily accessible to all, winding through lush vegetation with several spots to stop and everything in. Being so close hikers can feel refreshing mist with incredible photo opportunities.

The Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park is a popular, stunning 8.5-mile hike, showcasing some of the park's most spectacular scenery. Most start at Glacier Point, which offers iconic views of Half Dome and the Clark Range, and descend to the Valley Floor. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including Ilillouette Creek with its waterfalls and birdlife, and the Panorama Cliffs. Along the way, you'll see Yosemite Falls, North America's tallest waterfall, and the dramatic Nevada Fall. The hike ends on the famous Mist Trail, descending past Vernal Fall along the Merced River. Allow 4-6 hours for the hike, and consider taking the Glacier Point Tour bus for a one-way journey. This is a truly amazing hike that is almost like a tour-de-Yosemite!

If there is a lot of water in the Merced River (early summer), then it is definitely worth taking the path from Vernal Falls up to the John Muir Trail, as marked on my route: The photo of the waterfall from there is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful photos in the entire park. This return route is also recommended for another reason, especially at this time of year: The Mist Trail leads steeply down slippery, wet steps up to half a meter high - and is not pleasant to walk downhill, especially not at this time of year with a lot of water on it. If you really want to do the fog/rain hike, it is better to go uphill. In terms of photo opportunities, early summer is the best time of year in the entire park. Important: Always pack a rain jacket if you are going on a long tour: The weather can change (even contrary to the weather forecast) faster than you can walk back. I have seen people walk the entire route from Half Dome to the valley (around 4 hours) in shorts and a t-shirt in pouring rain, you should avoid that. PS: I did this hike in 2004, back then there was no (affordable) GPS - so the tracking data is fake, the photos and the paths are not. Just in case someone stumbles across the GPS coordinates that correspond exactly to the Komoot map.

Thanks to the Luki-Supi-Dupi-Tour!