National ParkSierra NevadaYosemite

The Mist Trail: Yosemite’s premiere trail, From Happy Isles to Vernal and Nevada Falls

(Last Updated On: March 6, 2015)

The Mist Trail is named after the mist that sprays you from the Vernal Falls. This is the first of the two waterfalls and you actually can walk right up alongside the Vernal Falls through the spray.

MistTrailDistancesTrailhead

The Mist Trail begins at Happy Isles which is right on the Merced River. Due to the popularity of this trail, most visitors either take the shuttle to this stop (#16) or park at Curry Village and walk an extra 1.5 miles round trip.

At the beginning of the trailhead, there’s a sign there that has the distances to all the major points along this trail and connecting trails. In addition to the two waterfalls (Vernal and Nevada) the Mist Trail connects with the John Muir trail and it also provides access to the heralded Half Dome.

The Vernal Fall Bridge

From the trailhead to the Vernal Falls footbridge is roughly .8 miles. At the bridge, there’s room to rest, get some drinking water and the all important bathrooms. This location also provides your first true glimpse of Vernal Falls.

Prior to the footbridge, the trail treats you with some switchbacks, steep climbs and narrow trails. Due to the popularity of this trail, there are usually large crowds hiking along. However, as you try to be patient, which was hard for me to do being behind slower hikers, you can soak up the spectacular views along the way.

After the footbridge, the really dangerous part of the hike begins. This is where you will travel up stone steps that are very slippery when wet. There are over 600 stone steps. Eventually, this leads you to a very narrow path along the face of the cliff that the Vernal Falls flows over. This narrow path will take you to the top of the falls where you can enjoy some amazing views and then proceed up the trail to Emerald Pool and roughly another 2 miles to Nevada Falls.

In total, you would have hiked 1.5 miles to get to the top of Vernal Falls and another tenth of a mile to get to Emerald Pool.

Check out my article on Vernal Falls for more information and stunning photos.

DSC_0299Caution

During the Spring, the waterfall is flowing nicely which leads to a great deal of mist. This mist will cause the trail to become very slippery. It’s highly advised that you walk slowly, wear sturdy shoes and bring rain gear like a poncho.

Another note of caution, this is also the trail where more people die in Yosemite than anywhere else. Many of these deaths occurred due to hikers playing in the Merced River and being swept away by the current.

Continuing on From Vernal Falls

At the top of Vernal Falls, there’s a bathroom for those who didn’t want to wait in the long lines at the footbridge. Another tenth of a mile and you will hit Emerald Pool which boasts of a mesmerizing green watering area.  I must inform you, the park prohibits any swimming in Emerald Pool regardless of how calm the water looks.

After you bask in the sunlight at Emerald Pool, you can proceed another 1.8  miles to the top of Nevada Falls. This waterfall is nearly twice the height of Vernal Falls. Prior to reaching the falls, there’s another little footbridge and some more beautiful views of the landscape. At the top of Nevada Falls there’s also a restroom. In total, it’s about a 7 mile round trip from the trailhead at Happy Isles to the top of Nevada Falls.

Once at the top of Nevada Falls, you have a few options. You can either continue on to Half Dome, backtrack down the falls, hop on another trail or take the John Muir Trail back to Happy Isles which will provide different views of the same area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is in the Spring when the water is flowing. I visited in mid-April and the waterfall looked beautiful. Even though the trail is open all year long, there are portions of it that close during the heavy winter months. The lower portion of Vernal Fall and the upper portion of the John Muir trail between Clark Point and Nevada Fall are closed due to ice and heavy snow.

Distance:

  • 3 miles round trip to the top of Vernal Falls
  • 3.2 miles round trip to Emerald Pool
  • 7 miles round trip to the top of Nevada Fall

Elevation:

  • 4000 feet elevation at trailhead
  • 1000 foot gain in elevation to the top of Vernal Falls
  • 1,900 foot gain in elevation to the top of Nevada Falls

Duration: The hike can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours depending on how far you go and your hiking pace.

Difficulty: This hike increases in difficulty the further you go. It’s a medium hike up to the Vernal Fall footbridge but then becomes difficult as you get closer to the falls. It becomes easier again, after you leave the top of Vernal Falls and proceed past Emerald Pool toward Nevada Falls. However, it once again becomes a strenuous hike when you approach the ascension to the top of Nevada Falls.

VF FB (3)Amenities

  • There are bathrooms at the Vernal Fall footbridge and at the top of both waterfalls
  • Limited parking near the Happy Isles trailhead; Additional parking at Curry Village
  • Water at the Vernal Falls footbridge
  • Well maintained trails

Tips

  • Bring raingear or layers of clothing
  • Wear sturdy shoes
  • Bring a camera for pictures
  • Bring sunscreen for the summer months
  • Do not swim in the river or Emerald Pool
  • Observe all warning signs
  • Check out the official site for more information on this trail
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Rick

After many years of being a full time freelance writer, and a long time resident of this state, I've decided to turn my full attention toward California by exploring all that it has to offer. My goal is to inspire you to get out there and explore this amazing state. Please follow my adventures and news content by visiting Calexplornia daily or clicking on one of my Social Media accounts below.

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