Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall is a major waterfall in Yosemite National Park that drops over granite formations, creating a white cascade of water that merges below. The water falls freely at first before spreading across the sloped granite surface beneath.

The name was given by an early explorer who drew a connection to the Sierra Nevada mountains, where early scouts encountered snow. This naming reflects 19th-century exploration, when the area was first documented by newcomers to the region.

The name reflects the Yosemite language and describes the twisting motion of the water as it descends the granite wall. Visitors can observe this gentle rotation from the hiking trails, particularly during summer months when water flow is at its strongest.

The climb requires stamina, since the path is steep and passes through rocky terrain at different elevations. The best time to visit is early morning, especially on warm days, to avoid crowds and ensure enough daylight for the return trip.

The water follows an interesting motion, falling freely at first then splashing onto the sloped granite and continuing downward. This creates multiple layers of water that look different from various positions along the hiking trail.