> The 1b. trail description sounds interesting. Is it easy to find the side trail to the top of Vernal Falls?

If you are watching for it, it shouldn't be hard to find. On the lower end, there are those old metal signs at the junction. It connects at the lower end near the back of the huge pool above Vernal falls.

> And I think the Sierra Point hike starts near that bridge.

Sierra Point route starts at the "Rock Piles" sign near the start of the Vernal Falls trail, quite close to Happy Isles. There is nothing but that sign to see to start up.