Fern Spring, Yosemite National Park, CA

## Overview Fern Spring is a small, enchanting natural spring tucked along the roadside in Yosemite Valley, within Yosemite National Park, California. Despite being located in one of the most visited national parks in the world, Fern Spring is an often-overlooked gem — most visitors drive right past it without a second glance. The spring emerges from a mossy, fern-draped rock face (hence its name) and flows year-round, feeding into the Merced River nearby. The area is shaded and lush, with the spring surrounded by carefully arranged rocks that support its natural structure. Fern Spring sits at an elevation of roughly 4,000 feet in Mariposa County and is located on protected National Park Service land. The spring has no spout — the water seeps and trickles directly from the rock — and the site is well maintained. Visitors who have tested the water report remarkably low total dissolved solids (TDS), measured at approximately 14 ppm, suggesting exceptionally pure water. The pH has been reported to fall in the range of 6.5–7.0, which is near neutral. The water has been described as very cold — cold enough to cause condensation (fogging) on glass bottles during filling. Historically, Fern Spring has been used as a drinking water source by park visitors and locals, though as with any natural water source, conditions can change and individual caution is advised. ## Directions 1. **Enter Yosemite Valley** via the main park entrance and follow the road into the valley. 2. **Head toward Pohono Bridge** (also known as the Sentinel Bridge area approach on Southside Drive). Pohono Bridge crosses the Merced River near the western end of Yosemite Valley. 3. **After crossing Pohono Bridge**, watch the right-hand side of the road carefully. Fern Spring is a small, roadside spring marked by a modest sign. 4. **Pull over safely** — there is limited shoulder space, so be mindful of traffic. The spring is right along the road and does not require a hike. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 37.7794, -119.5628. Note that cell service in Yosemite Valley can be unreliable, so download offline maps before your visit. The spring is easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Keep an eye out for a lush patch of ferns and moss on the rock face to the right of the road — that's Fern Spring. ## What to Expect Fern Spring is a roadside spring, so there is no trail or hike required — you can access it directly from your vehicle. The water flows gently from a fern-covered rock wall, and there is no constructed spout. Visitors typically collect water by holding a bottle directly under the trickle or using a cup to catch the flow. The setting is beautifully shaded and peaceful, offering a stark contrast to the bustling crowds at more famous Yosemite attractions. The surrounding rocks are covered in moss and delicate ferns, creating a serene, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. It's a wonderful spot for photography, even if you're not collecting water. The water is reported to be extremely cold year-round. One visitor noted that while filling five-gallon glass bottles, the containers fogged up immediately from the temperature difference, and holding hands under the flow became uncomfortable quickly. TDS readings of approximately 14 ppm and a pH of 6.5–7.0 have been reported, indicating very soft, nearly mineral-free water that visitors have described as high quality and clean-tasting. Because the spring is on the roadside with limited parking, be cautious of passing vehicles when stopping. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally. Yosemite National Park requires an entrance fee and, during peak season, may require advance reservations for vehicle entry — check the National Park Service website for current conditions before planning your visit.