Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
provides welcome relief. First reach the lower viewpoint of the falls, and then ascend
the wet path upward, keeping your eyes peeled for rainbows in the spray.
At the top of Vernal Falls, a rail protects you from the sheer drop, hopefully
keeping you from losing your camera, your lunch, or your life. Vernal means spring-
time, and the continual mist from the falls keeps the canyon lush and cool so that it's
perennially springtime in this corridor. Just upriver of the overlook lie the stunning
wading pools and cascading waters of the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron, the latter
so named for its color as a continual sheet of water streams over flat slabs of smooth
granite.
It's tempting to slide down the Silver Apron or swim here, but the current is in-
credibly strong and history shows repeatedly that disaster (as in death) is assured for
those who attempt it. But a foot soak, head dunk, and scenic snack are all highly en-
couraged. You will find some composting restrooms upriver from the pools, just off
the trail to the right.
Continue eastward and cross a wooden bridge over Diamond Cascade and then
follow a relatively shaded gradual ascent, giving way to some exposed switchbacks
in view of Nevada Falls. While the climb is steep up the rock walls, you have the
prize in sight.
Reach a juncture with solar composting toilets and a series of trails leading to
Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, and Tenaya Lake. For JMT thru-hikers, this is where the
route continues toward Tuolumne.
Turn right to follow the JMT southwest back toward the valley and reach a wide
wading area. Before crossing the bridge, you can access an observation platform
footbridge that allows you a glimpse into the river's depths before it cascades viol-
ently over the edge. Many people miss this awesome overlook, which is worth a visit
to really get a feel for the height. The iron-railed observation terrace is off a spur trail
just north of the river. Nevada Falls flows through a narrow rock niche with tre-
mendous force and then hits the wall, splitting into two different trajectories. After
you've gotten your fill, rejoin the main trail and cross the wooden bridge (5,980 feet)
to enjoy more dramatic views of the valley below.
Descend toward the valley and continue on the main path, ignoring cross trails
to Illilouette Falls. Descend gradually, sometimes along a moist canyon wall that
provides a bit of a light shower in the early season. This whole route was blasted
from the canyon wall, and it's an impressive feat of modern engineering.
When you reach Clark Point (5,481 feet), take in the views of the falls and the
towering monoliths of the Liberty Cap, the back of Half Dome, and Mount Broder-
ick. Stay left to follow the JMT down a series of steep switchbacks dotted with
gnarled oak trees amid the granite.
