This is a two step multi-cache virtual.
Where To Start: Walk 3/4 a mile from Curry Village or take the Yosemite free shuttle to the Happy Isles bus stop. Walk along the road and turn right after crossing the Happy Isles Bridge.
The Bridge Below Vernal Falls: Many people with limited endurance hike only 8/10 of a mile to the bridge below the Mist Trail but experience all the elements of beauty, exercise, challenge, and wonder up and down this exciting beautiful first part of the trail. They are rewarded with a far off view of possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the world.
Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls and Half Dome: The majority of hikers climb the 1.7 miles to the top of Vernal Falls and another .9 miles to Nevada Falls. Many more hardy souls continue 4.8 more miles and climb the vertical cables of Half Dome. It's important that you don't forget that no matter how far you go, you still have to walk back the same distance! Somewhere along this hike is the virtual destination of this geocache adventure.
Vernal Falls at a time of low flow. (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
The climb up the winding stone steps to Vernal Falls remind me of being in the jungles of Peru. You may need a light raincoat when the water flow is high. The mist reaches a half a mile downstream. That's why they call this the Mist Trail. You will often be treated to a rainbow or three on your way up.
Up the Mist Trail. (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
You will have good cause to pause as you climb, first to catch your breath and second to take in the breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, magnificent and powerful with its 317 foot fall.
As wide as 27 feet during peak flows, this is California's little Niagara Falls. This awesome experience is for nature lovers, artists and especially families and children. You may never have an experience like this anywhere else in the world.
This graceful and powerful waterfall plummets off a granite shelf and freefalls more than the length of the Statue of Liberty into a clear pool.
Above is a wonderful view of the falls from the top with the beautiful but dangerous Emerald Pool behind it.
During a higher flow of water, there is usually mist and a rainbow here. (Click on Photos to Enlarge.)
Set Your Start Coordinates: Before you do anything else, record the coordinates of where you are starting from.
Bring Food and Plenty and Water :
Warning : This is considered a strenuous hike. Remember that your GPS machine gives you distances in croms (As the crow flies). Taking into account the twists and turns of the trail, the distance for this hike is approximately 2.6 miles each way.
Nevada Falls During a Low Water Flow (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
Above Nevada Falls: Beauty Abounds Everywhere (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
The brink of Nevada Falls is at 5,940 feet. The hike to the top requires a 1,910 foot elevation gain. When the water is at full strength, the 594 foot plunge is powerful and dangerous. There is a sign nearby that says, if you go over the falls you die and many have. Wading in the water above the falls is dangerous because the footing is smooth and slippery and the water is powerful at times.
The Bridge over Nevada Falls (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
The scenery is the best in the world and this is a great place to have a family picnic. When it is not crowded, it is peaceful and relaxing.
The Cache Site: This virtual cache takes you to the overhang and side of a powerful flow of water before it plummets into the world below. At high flow, you can feel its power, hear its roar, and get a dramatic visual experience of its descent.
The coordinates at the top of this page take you to a safe approach to the cache site. You will find yourself at the top of a small flight of stone stairs with a railing. Use the stairs and go to N 37° 43.503 W 119° 32.010 which is the final cache site.
Close to the edge. (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
The Edge: Usually this Water is Wild and Raging Here. (Click Photo to Enlarge.)
To Get Credit For This Geocache, answer the following questions: (After you send your answers, go ahead and log your find.)
- 1. What item nearby is wedged under a large boulder and appears to be holding it up?
- 2. How many horizontal bars are in the railing on the left side?
- 3. How many horizontal bars are in the railing on the right side?
- 4. How many trees are grouped together closest to the flow of water?
- 5. What city and state or country are you from?
Extra Credit Look around and you will see a benchmark staring at you. You may as well log it and add it to your accomplishments.
GeoKnowledge: You can't help but notice that when you are looking for a cache, your compass pointer loses its direction when you stop walking. That's because GPS receivers normally do not replace the traditional magnetic compass. Although receivers have a compass feature, it does not activate unless the receiver is moving at more that 4 miles per hour. Some GPS receivers have an electronic compass to get around this problem, but that takes more of your valuable battery power.