John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall

Let's explore the Nevada Fall section of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park, complete with an EPIC top-notch photography viewpoint.

General Information About the Trail and Hike

The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile long trail that stretches from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. The section from Yosemite Valley to Nevada Fall is about 3 miles long and is considered moderate in difficulty1. The trail offers some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including waterfalls, granite domes, and lush meadows

The Nevada Fall section of the John Muir Trail is about 7 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous. The trail offers some of the most stunning scenery in the park, including waterfalls, granite domes, and lush meadows. Be prepared for a bit of a workout, but rest assured, the views are worth every step! You will start at the trailhead of the Mist Trail, cross the Vernal Fall Footbridge, then head uphill briefly until you reach the trail junction. You will either continue up the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and then Nevada Fall where you will join the John Muir Trail up top, or you can turn right onto the John Muir Trail to Nevada Fall. You’ve got options, baby!

Best Photography Opportunities

The best spot for photographing Nevada Fall is by the rockface just west of the top of the fall. From here, you get a stunning view of the waterfall cascading down, with the dramatic backdrop of Liberty Cap and the surrounding granite cliffs. It’s a shot that will make your Instagram followers green with envy!

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The Geology:

  • Liberty Cap: This striking granite dome near Nevada Fall adds drama to your landscape shots. It’s an imposing figure that makes for epic photos. This is the granite peak that is closest to Nevada Fall.

  • Half Dome: Visible from various points along the trail, Half Dome offers breathtaking views and serves as a perfect backdrop for your photos. It's like nature's own version of a photo bomber—always in the background, but in the best way possible.

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Flora:

There is also a wide variety of wildflowers growing along side this trail! How many can you identify?

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And once you’re done your hike, what better way to celebrate than with a hard-earned pizza and beer at the nearby Curry Village Pizza Deck!

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