The waterfall is is 317 feet (97 m) high.

Water flows all year, peaking in late May and diminishing greatly by mid to late summer.

You may hike along the Merced River to the top of Vernal Fall via the Mist Trail (closed in winter), which is moderately strenuous at 3.0 miles (4.8 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet (366 m). For a shorter alternative, the park recommends hiking to a footbridge downstream from Vernal Fall, which offers a distant view of the waterfall. This hike is 1.6 miles (2.6 km), with an elevation gain of 400 feet (122 m). However, if the Mist Trail is open, I feel that the footbridge is NOT a logical turnaround point for the vast majority of people. At the cost of another 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of hiking and about 200 feet (60 m) of elevation gain, you can reach the point from which this photo was taken.

To find this viewpoint, continue hiking past the footbridge another 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the junction of the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail. Follow the Mist Trail another 100 yards/m or so and look for a short spur trail off to the left. When I was there last, this junction was not marked, but there was a pipe sticking up that may have had a sign at some point. Follow that spur trail down to a large rock by the Merced River and enjoy the spectacular view.

If you follow the Mist Trail all the way to the top of Vernal Fall during heavy flow, be prepared to get wet from the spray.

For other excellent views of the waterfall, consider taking the Mist Trail one way and the John Muir trail the other way, making a very scenic loop.

Taken April 10, 5:14 p.m., from the place described above, which I believe is called "Photographer's Rock."

Late afternoon provides good lighting and possibly a spray rainbow.