Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls Trail Photos

Nevada Falls seen from the John Muir Trail on the way back. (Photo by coppertone)

Liberty Cap as seen from the top of Nevada Falls. (Photo by coppertone)

The John Muir Trail has plenty of switchbacks on the way down, but fewer stairs. It was a welcome change. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Pictured here from left to right are Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone and me on the John Muir Trail after having visited Nevada Falls here in the background. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone descends down the canyon the John Muir Trail. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Looking from the Merced River Bridge over Nevada Falls as it crashes into the canyon below. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The bridge above Nevada Falls that crosses the Merced River, saving hikers from a potentially deadly crossing. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

From atop Nevada Falls looking down to the water crashing below. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Looking down canyon from the top of Nevada Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone looks pleased to almost be at the top of Nevada Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Yet more stairs to get to Nevada Falls, this time a bit rockier than earlier. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The top of Nevada Falls is our goal for today, still a bit more climbing to go. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Crossing the Merced River on the Silver Apron Bridge. Note Nevada Falls in the background. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap as seen from the trail. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Looking back down the canyon from the top of Vernal Falls. Note the stairs on the trail below to the left of the river. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The top of Vernal Falls at last! (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The last segment before getting to the top of Vernal Falls was quite narrow. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

We were greeted with a waterfall rainbow as we got nearer Vernal Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

A closer view of Vernal Falls nearer the base. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone stops for a rest and photo with Vernal Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The seemingly endless stairs leading up to Vernal Falls. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The Merced River as seen from the Vernal Falls bridge. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The Vernal Falls bridge roughly marks the farthest point of easy to traverse paved paths. From this point things will get rougher. (Photo by Austin Explorer)