While Yosemite National Park is roughly five times the size of Seoul, most visitors tend to gather in Yosemite Valley. The valley offers an incredible variety of hiking and trekking courses suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. This post will provide a detailed guide to some of Yosemite’s main hiking trails and landmarks: the John Muir Trail, Clark Point, Nevada Fall, and Vernal Fall.
Table of Contents
John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is an epic long-distance hiking course that spans approximately 211 miles (340 km), running north-to-south through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, starting in Yosemite National Park. The trail is named after John Muir, the American explorer and environmentalist, and it stretches from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Along the way, hikers can experience diverse landmarks such as Tuolumne Meadows, Sunrise Creek, and Whitney Portal.
To hike the entire John Muir Trail, you must obtain a permit through a lottery system in advance. There are no convenient supply points along the trail, so you must carry all your food and camping gear. Of course, since I had neither the time nor the stamina for such a journey, I opted for a “taste” of the trail by hiking the initial section that includes Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. While this loop can also be accessed via the Mist Trail, it was closed due to rockfall during my visit.
At the trailhead, there was a sign warning about bears. It advised maintaining a distance of at least 50 yard (46 meters). If a bear approaches closer, you should shout and make loud noises to scare it away.
After passing the bear sign, a gentle 15-to-20-minute walk brings you to a small bridge, which serves as the first major checkpoint of the hike. At first glance, it looks like any other pretty, common creek, and I was initially confused as to why so many people were gathered on the bridge taking photos. However, after taking a few more steps and looking at the same spot from a different angle, you can see Vernal Fall, one of today’s destinations, in the distance. Even from afar, it felt exceptionally beautiful.
Beyond this point, the trail begins a serious uphill climb. It is highly recommended to prepare by filling up on water at the nearby drinking fountain and using the restroom before you ascend.
A little farther past the bridge, you will come to a fork in the road where the John Muir Trail splits from the Mist Trail, one of the most popular routes in Yosemite Valley. The Mist Trail is an immersive experience where you can feel the spray from the waterfall all over your body. To cool off and see the waterfall up close, it is best to take the Mist Trail on the way up, if it is open.
For up-to-date trail information, visit the official Yosemite National Park website.
Clark Point
The stretch from the trail fork to Clark Point is a continuous uphill climb that takes about 45 to 60 minutes. At the end of the ascent, you are rewarded with this magnificent scenery. Clark Point is located about halfway to the final destination, Nevada Fall, making it an excellent spot to enjoy the view, take a short break, and conserve energy.
From Clark Point, you can see Nevada Fall and three majestic granite peaks. The towering peak on the far right is Liberty Cap, the one in the middle is Mt. Broderick, and the furthest one on the left is the famous Half Dome.
From Clark Point to the top of Nevada Fall, you will climb a bit more before descending again. This section takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Nevada Fall
Nevada Fall is one of Yosemite’s signature waterfalls, creating a spectacular sight as water cascades down from a height of 479 feet (146 meters). The waterfall is formed by the melting snow that accumulates during winter, so its flow is most powerful and majestic during the spring and early summer snowmelt season.
The area above the falls presents a stark contrast to the thunderous roar of the water. With wide pools and clear, relatively calm water, it has a peaceful atmosphere. The top of Nevada Fall consists of spacious, flat rocks, allowing you to find a spot to rest almost anywhere. With hikers relaxing everywhere, it almost feels like a park.
On the side facing Clark Point, there are no safety barriers, so it is dangerous to get too close to the cliff edge. However, the opposite side has a railing, allowing you to look down at the waterfall below. Looking down, you will see a stream flowing away instead of a large plunge pool. This is because at a height of 479 feet (146 meters), much of the water evaporates before it hits the bottom.
Vernal Fall
The descent from the top of Nevada Fall to Vernal Fall took about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace, using a portion of the Mist Trail. At a height of about 318 feet (97 meters), Vernal Fall has a smaller drop than Nevada Fall, but its beauty offers a different kind of charm.
This is the view of the Mist Trail from the top of Vernal Fall. Following that path allows you to get up close to the falls and, as the name “Mist” suggests, experience the water spray firsthand.
Located between Vernal and Nevada Falls is the Emerald Pool, which lives up to its name with its beautiful emerald-colored water. It is spacious and not too deep, making it look like a great spot for a swim.
The return trip from Emerald Pool to the trailhead takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. I recommend taking plenty of time to rest, watch the squirrels, and dip your feet in the cool water before heading down.
Final Thoughts
Today, we explored a trail that combines the John Muir Trail with a visit to two of Yosemite Valley’s most popular waterfalls. Because you can enjoy the stunning scenery from Clark Point and the refreshing spray of both Nevada and Vernal Falls all in one trip, I highly recommend not skipping this hike if you visit Yosemite.
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