Hiking Yosemite’s Mist Trail
Table of Contents
Warning!: Do not swim, wade, or horseplay above waterfalls. The areas above waterfalls are incredibly dangerous. More visitors are killed by being swept over waterfalls than by anything else in Yosemite. When hiking the Mist Trail, exercise extreme caution by staying behind guard rails, and paying attention to posted warnings. Thank you, and enjoy your hike!
The Mist Trail is a world famous hiking trail, one that ascends great waterfalls at the very head of Yosemite Valley. From the bottom to the top, it is a multi-tiered adventure that takes hikers through the spray of cascading waterfalls, past tranquil pools, and among towering granite domes. Hiking the Mist Trail is like climbing through a fairy tale. The light, the water, and the beauty of Yosemite all convene to create something that is both magical and unforgettable.
Hiking Stats
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 Feet, from Happy Isles to the Nevada Falls bridge.
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trailhead: Happy Isles. Cross the Bridge and turn right. Follow the paved path along the river. This is the start of the Mist Trail
Vernal Falls Height: 318 feet
Nevada Falls Height: 594 feet
Shuttle Stop: 16 at Happy Isles
Dogs Allowed: Nope
Bathrooms? There are bathrooms and drinking fountains at the Vernal Falls Footbridge
Recommended Gear: Rain Jacket, if hiking in early season. Approach Shoes, Trekking Poles, First Aid Kit, and Sun protection.
Mist Trail Map
The “Mist” in Mist Trail
Let’s get this out of the way. The Mist Trail is not sponsored by the Sierra Mist soft drink. That’s actually a common misconception. So long as you ignore the Starbucks at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, then corporate branding has largely been kept out of the National Park System.
In fact, the Mist Trail gets its name from the giant clouds of moisture plumed afloat by the drop of Vernal Falls. Depending on the time of year, the section of trail above the Vernal Falls bridge, and below the vernal falls viewpoint might just be the wettest point in California. For a few months, the Merced River turns to rain, 24/7.
In the spray season (roughly late spring through mid summer), you can’t hike through this part of the trail without getting soaked. Where Vernal Falls crashes 318 feet to the canyon below, the fallout is wet and wild. I don’t know if I can properly describe just how impressive this place is. The trail is flooded by the mist, essentially turning into a tributary drainage. In July, 2019 (a particularly wet year) I hiked it three times, and on each occasion I climbed out soaked to the bone.
There is no real shelter along this part of the trail. Your choices are to either hike harder to get away from the water, or enjoy the moment. After all, it’s not everyday that you get to hang out in the roaring mist of a waterfall. It’s an experience akin to walking across the Lower Yosemite Falls Footbridge at peak flow times.
Either way you slice it, though, you’re gonna get wet. I always recommend packing along a lightweight outdoor rain jacket, but I really mean it if hiking the Mist Trail is part of your Yosemite travel plan.
Chances are, you’ll be sharing this part of the trail with many other hikers. Be careful, as this portion of the trail is steep, slippery, and difficult. To avoid any dangerous mishaps, don’t rush slower hikers, and watch for faster hikers who wish to pass you. Together, we can all enjoy the mist of Vernal Falls safely.
The Emerald Pool, and the Silver Apron-Devils in Disguise.
So you made it to the top of Vernal Falls, but now you are hot, your calves are aching, and your gear is all soaked. Why not reward yourself for all that heartache and effort by jumping in the giant pool of water above Vernal Falls?
Actually, before you strip down to your swimwear, just don’t. Don’t do it. Don’t ignore the NPS warning signs by entering the water. You might die. That’s how many tourists meet their maker-by mistaking the placid conditions above waterfalls as being safe and inviting. In reality, these are siren songs-they lure you in, then promptly deliver you to the rapids hundreds of feet below.
Instead, just hang out, relax, and observe these pools from a safe distance. Have some snacks, rehydrate, and admire the majesty of your surroundings. This is a good spot to prepare yourself for the rest of the hike.
2019 was a heavy snow year in the Sierra Nevada. The Merced River a la Emerald Pool was downright turbid. It looked more like a waterpark wave pool than a mountain river. White caps were forming on the waves, and driftwood bounced around like fishing boats in a pacific squall.
The Silver Apron-essentially a gigantic waterslide-was raging. The river was crashing, creating rapids many feet tall. I had never seen anything quite like it. It’s a cool thing to observe, but again, just don’t draw to close.
Most folks will turn around here, either opting to head back down the Mist Trail, or connecting to the John Muir Trail. If you want to complete the hike, then follow the trail upstream. There is one final tough section ahead.
Nevada Falls-A Big Hike to a Big Waterfall.
Now that you’ve made it all the way to the top of Vernal Falls, you’re feeling very good about yourself. That may have been the wettest, most treacherous set of stairs that you have ever climbed, but there is still some fight in you. You’re no quitter. The show must go on.
Luckily for you, the Mist Trail continues up to the top of Nevada Falls-Vernal’s big sibling. Nevada Falls tops out at 594 feet, making it almost twice as high as Vernal Falls. Though taller and just as fast, Nevada Falls seemingly generates considerably less mist than Vernal Falls. It might be a question of quality versus quantity.
To reach the top of Nevada Falls, hikers must continue past the Silver Apron, walk over a cool little bridge, and hike up another set of switchbacks. This section of the Mist trail takes you under the impressive Liberty Cap-a striking granite monument, and affords great views of Half Dome’s backside. Along the way, you’ll pass by a turn off to the John Muir Trail. The JMT provides a longer, the much less steep avenue to return to Yosemite Valley.
Though Nevada Falls is taller, I found the switchbacking climb to the top less difficult than previous portions of the trail. Perhaps it was because I had already warmed myself up, or that I had much less moisture to deal with. It may be that the crowds thin as you climb higher. Whatever the reason, this final stretch of the Mist Trail is beautiful, and the incredible roar of Nevada Falls fills the canyon.
A Backcountry Crossroads
The climb to the top of the Mist Trail is a great achievement. It’s steep, wet, and challenging. Anyone who makes it to the top deserves a pat on the back for getting themselves up here. There’s a cool bridge passing just above Nevada Falls (I love trail bridges), and there are big granite expanses along the river that are perfect for resting. On my most recent visit, a YOSAR team was hanging about. I think they were training. Anyways, rest your tired legs, and enjoy the awesome view.
For many, the Mist Trail is merely the start of a backcountry Yosemite adventure. It’s a crossroads, of sorts. Many trails merge here, each heading off to different Yosemite destinations. The options are numerous. For a longer day hike, the Panorama Trail can be trekked to Glacier Point. With the necessary permits, the John Muir Trail will take hikers to the heart of the Sierra Nevada, while the famous Half Dome Cables route can be accessed a few miles up the trail. Backpackers can also follow the course of the Merced, travelling through the Little Yosemite Valley on their way to the Yosemite Backcountry.
If you really want to punish yourself, why not continue on to one of Yosemite’s greatest summit. No, I’m not referring to Half Dome. I’m talking about the lofty heights of Cloud’s Rest. It’s only another 6-ish hiking miles, and 4,000 feet of elevation gain before you’re basically standing up on top of Yosemite.
Although, if you’re just up here for selfies and bragging rights, then that is perfectly fine. I highly recommend that you take the John Muir Trail just five minutes south from Nevada Falls. There is a truly unique view here, and may just be one of the best photo opportunities in the entire park. You get an eyeful on Nevada Falls, Half Dome, and Liberty Cap, all in one frame. I found that an iPhone has just the right focal length to capture it all.
I also advise against returning via the Mist Trail. Your knees will be much more thankful if you instead hop onto the John Muir Trail. The JMT will be a happier downhill hike, owing to it’s gentler grade.
Why You Should Hike the Mist Trail
Hiking the Mist Trail is the best (and only) way to get up close and personal with Vernal and Nevada Falls. Take the trail to the Vernal Falls footbridge for a more moderate hike, or climb all the way to the top of Nevada Falls for the full experience.
There are so many great hikes in Yosemite Valley, that it’s hard to pick the best one. If you’re short on time, and are looking for a more visceral hiking trail, then the Mist Trail may be your best option.
Recommended Hiking Gear
The Mist Trail can be wet, slippery, and treacherous. If hiking in the peak of the snow melt season (May through July) bring a rain jacket. I also advise to bring sturdy, sticky hiking footwear, such as approach shoes, and trekking poles to steady yourself on rocky sections of the trail. Finally, bring a small First Aid Kit, as slips and falls are common on the Mist Trail.
For a more complete list, check out our guide to The Essential Hiking Gear Perfect For Any Trail. After having spent literal months of my life hiking and climbing throughout Yosemite, I know what I need on the trail, and what I can leave in the tent. The gear in this list is well curated, with my picks for the best options to bring along on your Yosemite day hike.
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