Side view of Nevada Falls

Nevada Fall is 3 miles from roads-end in Yosemite Valley and 1.5 miles upstream from Vernal Fall; here the Merced River flows over a high ledge onto a jumble of large boulders 594 feet below, accompanied by much spray and foaming white water. A visit to both waterfalls makes an excellent half-day hike, involving a 6-mile round trip along a sometimes rocky trail with a total elevation gain of 1,840 feet.