Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail is a 6.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Curry Village, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until November.
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
bugs
rocky
no dogs
Hike to two breath-taking waterfalls along Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails. If you only have time for one hike while in Yosemite look no further: the Mist Trail is the hike for you. It is no wonder why this trail is one of the most popular trails in Yosemite Valley. You will hike so close to 2 massive waterfalls that it will be very difficult to avoid the mist from the falls. The best time to hike this trail is in Spring or early Summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full of water. The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles trailhead (YARTS shuttle stop #16, and within walking distance of Curry Village and parking lot). After a brief stroll along the river, you climb a pretty steep initial accent until you reach the footbridge, which offers the first glimpse of Vernal Fall in the distance (and a water-fountain and restrooms). You will then continue up to Vernal Fall, past Emerald Pool, and alongside Nevada Fall until you reach the high-point for this hike. Then take the alternate route down along the John Muir Trail to see views of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap in the distance before meeting back up with the Mist Trail near the footbridge. The route back is slightly longer, but offers a change of scenery and is easier on the knees. Before hopping back on the YARTS shuttle, treat yourself to some ice cream or a refreshing drink at the small stand, or head over to Curry Village for a larger variety of choices.
One of the best hiking trails there is in yosemite. We hiked to the footbridge this year because of lack of time. I would say it was moderate difficulty getting to the footbridge and strenuous getting to emerald pool. Definitely a ton of stairs! But totally worth the hike! The amount of water right now is amazing. Just be careful of the slippery rocks. You WILL get wet! Whether from sweat or waterfall, you will get wet. haha. Love this trial! I wish I could do it all the time!
Beautiful breathtaking 360 views! Water is just raging and roaring! Be sure to take some rain gear because you will be completely soaked! Loved every minute of this trail! This trail is the stairmaster 2000!!!!! LOL I was hurting a bit with the never ending stairs but who could complain I was in Yosemite!
We Summer 17. lots of water made the views amazing. got drenched near vernal falls section.
On hot summer days, leave around 8 or 9 to avoid trekking uphill so much in the sun and to avoid heavy afternoon crowds. Be prepared for a cold mist shower from Vernal, can be freezing during morning hours. Favorite part is Muir trail close to Nevada. There is a calmer thin waterfall dripping down, like a weeping wall of water. Pretty much all uphill then all downhill. Knees and shins didn't like me
John Muir is my hero.
2017 is the year for waterfalls in Yosemite! If you're heading to Yosemite this summer and are feeling dragged down by the heat make your way to the Mist Trail! As the most popular trail at Yosemite, the first thirty-minute ascent is steep and very crowded. There are bathrooms and water fountains before you begin climbing again. The steps this year to Vernal Falls were flowing with water and can get very dangerous as this trail is very popular. For a heavy winter season, the mist trail turns more into the shower trail as you pass Nevada Falls. Don't expect to be able to keep yourself or your shoes dry. We lunched on top of Nevada Falls and made our way back down the JMT as it was the less steep option, and less crowded. For those of you who have sensitive/injured knees, like myself, make sure to bring trekking poles. All in all a majestic life-affirming hike.
Amazing views pretty much the whole way, definitely worth going while the Falls are so strong, but watch out for slippery stairs. Some parts were a little tough with an incline but overall would highly recommend it!
What a memory! Excellent trail. We hiked from the Vernal Falls bridge. Up the stairs to the brink of Vernal Falls. We then hiked to the Clark Point cut off. Nevada Falls was just too much. We hiked .4 miles up switchbacks to Clark Point. Took the John Muir Trail back to the bridge. The crowds at the bridge were overwhelming. Get there early for a peaceful hike!
I hiked up the mist trail to Nevada falls and took the JMT back down as it was less steep and slippery, although a little longer mileage-wise. The trail is slippery and wet so be prepared. Great dayhike!
Glorious hike! The water levels are so high right now that it makes it extra impressive. Slippery and you'll get soaked up to Vernal Falls but worth it!
Jessica W.
Amazing trail! Fun and challenging with steep incline but the top of the waterfall is beautiful and you'll end up feeling quite accomplished.
One amzing trail. They say 5-6 hours. I did it in 4. Be prepared to get really soaked, like you got a huge bucket of water poured on you. But amazing views and you see backside of Half Dome. Would recommend to everyone