1.8 hr
Overview
Follow the Mist Trail for 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the junction with John Muir Trail up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!). You'll delight in views of Vernal Fall all along this stretch of trail and may even be able to see a rainbow in the spray of the fall. At the top of Vernal Fall, you can experience jaw-dropping views straight down the length of the 317-foot waterfall (please don't cross the railings and use extreme caution while you're near any flowing water or wet rock in this area). \n\nFrom this point, you can: choose to turn around and head back the way you came; continue up to the next junction (about 0.2 miles / 0.3 km) and take the longer route back via the John Muir Trail; or continue uphill on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall. If you choose to continue on the Mist Trail, shortly beyond Vernal Fall, you'll pass by Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Both of these may look inviting on a hot summers day, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here due to the extremely hazardous current. \n\nContinuing along the Mist Trail, youll experience another 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of steep, rocky switchbacks in order to reach Nevada Fall. Crashing down 594 feet, this thunderous waterfall is fullest in spring and early summer, and you'll find terrific photographic opportunities along this stretch of trail. The trail ends at another junction with the John Muir Trail.
Trail Stats
2.6 km
446 m
1821 m
1374 m
—
Photos
The top of Half Dome during sunset
The top of Half Dome during sunset
A curious squirrel along Mist Trail
A curious squirrel along Mist Trail
Vernal Falls in late fall
Vernal Falls in late fall
A careful descent.
A careful descent.
Vernal Falls from Clark Point Cut-Off
Vernal Falls from Clark Point Cut-Off
The Mist Trail follows the Merced River up a gorgeous canyon.
The Mist Trail follows the Merced River up a gorgeous canyon.
Grizzly Peak from Mist Trail
Grizzly Peak from Mist Trail
Vernal Falls April 2015
Vernal Falls April 2015
Nevada Fall
Nevada Fall
Looking down at the Mist Trail and the Merced River from the top of Vernal Falls
Looking down at the Mist Trail and the Merced River from the top of Vernal Falls
Looking down from the top of Vernal Fall. (Mist Trail on left)
Looking down from the top of Vernal Fall. (Mist Trail on left)
Mist trail and Nevada Fall.
Mist trail and Nevada Fall.
Get ready to work your quads because not only is it steep but its slippery on the Mist Trail! The only certainty here is that you won't overheat.
Get ready to work your quads because not only is it steep but its slippery on the Mist Trail! The only certainty here is that you won't overheat.
Nevada Falls and the Merced River in the Spring.
Nevada Falls and the Merced River in the Spring.
Nevada Falls
Nevada Falls
Vernal Falls is a must see in Yosemite Valley.
Vernal Falls is a must see in Yosemite Valley.
Vernal Falls on the Merced River, Yosemite NP
Vernal Falls on the Merced River, Yosemite NP
Nevada Falls! You can hear the thundering power from here.
Nevada Falls! You can hear the thundering power from here.
Start of the Mist Trail, just beneath Vernal Falls.
Start of the Mist Trail, just beneath Vernal Falls.
Looking over the edge at Vernal Falls, a rainbow appears above the Mist Trail. It's a great hike in the spring as there's usually lots of water. Make sure you bring appropriate rain gear and prepare to get wet.
Looking over the edge at Vernal Falls, a rainbow appears above the Mist Trail. It's a great hike in the spring as there's usually lots of water. Make sure you bring appropriate rain gear and prepare to get wet.
Majestic Vernal Falls crashing on the rocks below creating the mist of namesake "Mist Trail."
Majestic Vernal Falls crashing on the rocks below creating the mist of namesake "Mist Trail."
Nevada Falls
Nevada Falls
Those rocks might seem dry and safe to pose for a selfie on, but don't be fooled! Just admire the beauty and acknowledge the strength from behind the rails.
Those rocks might seem dry and safe to pose for a selfie on, but don't be fooled! Just admire the beauty and acknowledge the strength from behind the rails.
Vernals Falls and the valley
Vernals Falls and the valley
Nevada Falls from below.
Nevada Falls from below.
Looking up the trail
Looking up the trail
Vernal Falls
Vernal Falls
The bridge to Nevada Falls
The bridge to Nevada Falls
Young Hiker Approaching Nevada Falls, Yosemite National Park
Young Hiker Approaching Nevada Falls, Yosemite National Park
Looking down from atop Vernal Falls
Looking down from atop Vernal Falls
The mist from Vernal Falls often creates a beautiful rainbow.
The mist from Vernal Falls often creates a beautiful rainbow.
Vernal Falls with rainbow.
Vernal Falls with rainbow.
Vernal Falls is quite spectacular from above.
Vernal Falls is quite spectacular from above.
Looking back down the Mist Trail, you can see it ascends this phenomenal valley.
Looking back down the Mist Trail, you can see it ascends this phenomenal valley.
Mist Trail
Mist Trail
Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park.
Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park.
Vernal Fall mistin' the rainbow
Vernal Fall mistin' the rainbow