Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls, viewed from the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, with a rainbow appearing in the spray of the falls. Yosemite National Park.

 Vernal Falls and Merced River in spring, heavy flow due to snow melt in the high country above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls and Merced River in complete spring flood, heavy flow due to snow melt in the high country above Yosemite Valley.

 Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring. Hikers are seen at the precipice to Vernal Falls, having hiked up the Mist Trail to get there, Yosemite National Park, California

The Brink of Vernal Falls. Hikers are seen at the precipice to Vernal Falls, having hiked up the Mist Trail to get there.
Vernal Falls at peak flow in late spring, hikers visible at precipice, viewed from John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls from John Muir Trail, Yosemite National Park.

 Hikers climb the Mist Trail (at right) through Little Yosemite Valley, approaching Vernal Falls. Spring, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls, hikers and Mist Trail, Yosemite.

 Vernal Falls and Merced River in spring, heavy flow due to snow melt in the high country above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Merced River is swollen and wide at the brink of Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park.
Vernal Falls and Merced River in spring, heavy flow due to snow melt in the high country above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls And Merced River In Spring, Yosemite National Park

 Vernal Falls and Merced River in spring, heavy flow due to snow melt in the high country above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

Vernal Falls And Merced River In Spring, Yosemite National Park

 The Merced River tumbles over the Silver Apron into Emerald Pool, just above Vernal Falls. Unfortunately, a few careless hikers have tried swimming in Emerald Pool only to be swept downstream and plunge over Vernals Falls to their deaths. Yosemite National Park, Spring

Silver Apron and Emerald Pool, above Vernal Falls, Yosemite.