Mist Trail

We only had two days in Yosemite and decided to hike the Mist Trail on the second day as it was one of the most popular trails in Yosemite. We started at happy isles (stop 16 of the Valley Shuttle) and caught the Trail head, which practically goes uphill for 1.5 miles all the way to Vernal Falls. The first file is paved and usually crowded with tourists. Then you will hit a water station with rest rooms to fill up your water bottles one last time.
The trail then leads you to a steep set of stone stairways that is pretty slippery because the trail gets drenched in the mist created by the water fall hitting the rocks below. This section of the hike towards the falls is a bit strenuous because the steps get much steeper and you are trying to maneuver through tourists. However, the sight of the Vernal waterfall is breath taking and the feeling of the mist is so refreshing! If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow created from the mist of the fall.
Nevada falls is another 2 miles from Vernal falls. The climb to Nevada Fall has fewer people and is also rougher as the trail surface changes here and is no longer paved. When you get to the top you will be rewarded with another beautiful view and a sense of accomplishment. It is a tiring hike but extremely rewarding and absolutely worth seeing.

From the start of the Mist trail, it takes 1.5 miles to get to the top of Vernal Falls. On the trail, follow the signs to the «Foot Trail». The best view of the falls is near the bottom where you see the stream hit the rocks below. The climb to Vernal Falls was one of the most difficult parts of my hike. I stopped at least five times to catch my breath. Of course, my backpack was fully loaded at that point with food and water. As my day progressed, it got lighter and easier to carry after I ate some of the food and drank all the water. There is a clearing at the top of the falls to enjoy the view and take a break.
From Vernal Falls, it is another 1.5 miles to the top of Nevada Falls. There are a lot of rocks on this part of the trail so I slipped the most in this segment of my hike. The payoff of Nevada Falls is well worth the climb. At the top, there is a large clearing for you to enjoy a spectacular view and have lunch. As you enter, there is a beautiful wooden bridge that gives you the feel of entering something special. I found a large rock to sit on, ate my food, and took a moment to collect my thoughts and take it all in. You can also sit by the falls and put your feet in the water. However, be careful if you do so. Although rare, there are stories of people going into the water and falling to their death after getting caught in the stream. Obviously, enjoy yourself but do not be foolish.
For more recommendations for hikes and routes in Yosemite and places to stay/​eat outside that are nearby the park, please go to

Stunning trail! Get there early… trail itself gets crowded because of the popularity. Steep incline in certain areas, make sure you keep hiking up to the greatest reward… beautiful bridge, waterfall and area to hang out by the rocks and cool off. Hiked with my husband and 2 boys, ages 7 & 5. On the way down, I noticed lots of people «running» down, best advise is to stay to far right side of the trail and let them go by:) that is unless you want to run down too!

This was sort of my first time in Yosemite as the last time I was here, I was 2 lol.
Anyway, my friend decided on the Mist Trail so off we go. I thought I was in shape but I kept having to stop and catch my breath every so often. I thought the trail couldn’t get harder than that and then came the steps…
The steps were very scary as I am deathly afraid of heights. It was hard not to look down and be afraid lol. We got to the top of Vernal Falls and started down. Down is definitely harder than up but I did it.
Now I gotta go back and get to Nevada Falls!

I won’t waste words waxing lyrical. Others have spent far more time, and it’s better if you see it from total surprise. Here’s what you need to know.
1. If you are a fatty, don’t expect to get far at all. If you are not in very good shape, don’t expect to finish.
2. Heat makes all the difference. A hot day can turn this from challenging into a grueling ordeal.
3. If you want a moderate hike with extremely beautiful surroundings, stop at the top of Nevada Falls. Most of the eye-​popping stuff is in the first two and a half miles.
4. If you want a challenge, summit Half Dome. The trail from the top of Nevada to the base of the subdome is not much to look at, and it’s not easy.
5. You will be turned back at the base of the subdome if you don’t have a permit.
6. The subdome climb is the most physically grueling. Try to pick a time and day when it’s going to be cool. You will be in direct sunlight.
7. The cables are not physically hard if you have good upper-​body strength. But they will be terrifying for some. Just keep going.
8. The top of half dome is the size of a football field, white stone, no shade. It’s hot, plan accordingly.
9. Bring a lot of water.
10. Start before dawn, if you hope to make it down before nightfall.

Such a great hike for all! Families can do it. Experienced hikers can do it! What’s great about this trail is that it’s completely paved. But once again, it is ALL uphill. Keep your mind strong, and remember that there is a beautiful waterfall at the end! When you get close to the waterfall, the mist rolls in! Such a great way to cool off.
This is about a 1.5 mile hike (one way) and it gets harder and harder as you go further in. The stairs are VERY steep and can get pretty slippery due to the mist. Watch your step! It’s totally worth seeing the beauty of Vernal Falls and double rainbows appearing at the bottom. Photo op!

We had been to the Yosemite National Park during the Independence day long weekend. The park itself is spread over several acres and is impossible to cover in less than a week. However, if you want to spend 2 to 3 days here then you must plan to hike on this particular Mist trail that leads to the Vernal and Nevada falls. The park map info says that it is a ‘moderate’ hike but if you are newbies to hiking then I would say that this is a strenuous trail. Even though the distance of trail to the Vernal falls is only 1.5 miles the trail is very very slopy and one can tire almost immediately. It took us around 3 hours upto the Vernal falls and back. We encountered friendly squirrels all along the trail and then… a rattle snake. It crawled out of the rocks from one side the trail and crossed the trail to the other side. We drank lots and lots of water and juice and carried salty snacks to avoid dehydration. When we reached the falls, it was simply spectacular. The view from up there is worth almost anything. The area near the falls can be pretty dangerous. There are no railings along the entire trail. Please don’t get distracted taking selfies. Also you can get pretty wet from the mist near the falls. Try to keep phones and cameras inside when you go closer to the falls.
The highlight of this falls is that it is perennial unlike some others that dry up in summer. If you are spending a day in the valley area of the park, I would strongly recommend hiking this trail. Still can’t get the images away from my mind.

It was our first time in Yosemite, and we read a lot of reviews and learned that the Mist Trail was a must-​do trail, and they were right! The trail in its entirety was stunning (we did the entire trail up to Vernal and Nevada Fall and back down on the John Muir trail). From the stone carved steps to the mist from the waterfalls, and the beautiful scenery along the trails to the panoramic view at the top… it was worth every sore muscle in my legs. While doing the hike, it didn’t feel that strenuous. The stairs weren’t as steep as I thought it would be in my mind. You get out of breath at time, but just take your time and go at a normal pace. My husband and I completed the hike in about 6 hours, stopping at the top of Vernal Fall for a break and Nevada Fall for lunch. Heading down the John Muir Trail (panoramic trail) had the best view. It was breathtaking to see Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap and Half Dome in the backdrop.
My tips are (1) Get an early head start. We got to the trailhead at 7:45am. Only a few others were there which made the hike peaceful and pleasant. By the time we were heading down at about noon-​2pm, there were just hundreds of people there. (2) Bring lots of water, a rain jacket or poncho if you don’t love getting wet from the waterfall mist and pack a lunch or snack because you will be on this hike for at least 5 – 6 hours. (3) Enjoy the views and take your time (4) Stretch after your hike. You won’t feel sore until after the hike, and boy did my legs hurt! But again, totally worth it.

Yosemite is by far one of my most favorite and beautiful places on Earth! You can come here during any season and it will be completely different. My favorite time to come here is in the winter after a big snow storm. The whole valley is covered in a white blanket of snow. My second favorite is in the Spring when The Wild California Dogwoods bloom. Pictures nor words can ever replace the experience of being here.

This is a five-​star hike but if you go at the wrong time, it can be a one-​star experience.
Half Dome is the «signature» hike of Yosemite, but for those who don’t quite have either the stamina or the courage, the Mist Trail is a close second. This is a challenging and beautiful trail, but it is also hugely popular. If you go during a weekend in the spring or summer, you will encounter hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people along the trail and at the top of Vernal Falls.
It starts with a paved path which is appears deceptively simple, but in fact it can be steep at times. It’s a good warmup for what’s ahead. As you approach the falls, there is a rock staircase along the side of the Merced River that will provide anyone with a challenge. The first time I hiked this trail, there was literally a person on each step going up and a person going down. It felt quite dangerous; people have fallen off the trail to their deaths in the river. Be careful.
This past February, thanks to exceptionally warm weather, the Mist Trail was open. Usually it is closed in the winder because the steps can be icy. Because this was not high season for Yosemite, there were few visitors in the park. When we started our hike in the early – ish morning (around 8:00), we had the entire first part of the trail to ourselves. When we got to the steps, there was only about a dozen people in total making their way up. It was a wonderful experience.
At the top of Vernal Falls is a nice area to have a picnic and watch the falls tumble over the edge. Once you’ve rested, you can either continue up to the top of Nevada Falls, on to Half Dome (when the trail is open, that is), or you can head back down. Personally, I really dislike going down those same steps because it feels so much more treacherous with your momentum taking you down. The other option is to take the John Muir Trail back to the valley floor, which offers great views of Nevada Falls from Clark Point. Be advised, however, that before you start descending on the John Muir Trail, you still have to climb another 700 feet, which can be rather tiring after your 1000 foot climb to the top of Vernal Falls.
In summary, this is a great hike, but your enjoyment will be affected by how busy the trail is. Considering visiting during the middle of the week or during the shoulder seasons.

This is the trail that takes you straight up to Vernal Falls. It’s a pretty steady (and steep in some parts) incline, with steps too. I think it’s only open in the spring/​summer months (??) and there is quite a lot of mist that comes down from the waterfall, which is great to sooth your sweating back and head. haha ;)
Many people go on this trail and it provides you with a great view of Vernal Falls at the end. Be sure to take it all the way up to the top of the waterfall, so don’t give up! I think I may take this trail up when I climb Half Dome in the future!
BTW, families bring their kids (under age 8 too) to hike this trail, so it’s very family-​friendly!

The beginning of this trail can get PACKED. Almost to the point of complete annoyance. And it’s with people who clearly are not ready for hiking. I cannot recommend enough starting early to avoid the crowds. Also, if you don’t have hiking shoes, are in decent shape, and/​or have plenty of water, you might want to just sit this hike out.
However, as you hike further and further along this trail you are constantly rewarded. There are great views all along the way and plenty of wildlife too!
Also, just another word of advice: don’t be an idiot. Follow the posted warnings. I saw so many people hoping fences to grab items that had fallen into the water or to go swimming in one of the pools. That’s a horrible decision. One false move and you’re falling over a very high rocky waterfall. Don’t be that guy. I’d rather see someone accidentally litter than fall to their death. I think everyone would agree with me.

If you want to do something amazing, something you can cross off your bucket list, something you can tell your Kids, and Grand kids someday… This is it! I’ve hiked the Mist trail twice now. Two years in a row 2008, and 2009, from the trail head, all the way to the top of half dome. It was a challenge, and it was breath taking, tiring, exciting all in one.
The trail starts off pretty flat, but quickly turns into a ton of granite stairs that go on for what would seem like an eternity. But the good thing about this is unlike spending hours on the stair master in some smelly gym, this place is filled with fresh, crisp Sierra Nevada, California mountain air straight out of the trees which produce it. And your surrounded by huge trees, and gushing waterfalls.
If you plan to do this hike, some things you should consider taking are sunscreen, water, camera, snacks, and a small flashlight just in case your not back down by the time it gets dark, which I doubt you will, because both times I have doe this hike it took all day, and I was hiking the last few miles in the dark…

This is a really an amazing trail/​hike:
The first part of the mist trail is a slight grade hike on asphalt. You will come to a point where you have your last chance to fill up on water and use a proper bathroom… yeah I know… guys…anyplace to wiz is a proper place. However for the ladies and refined gents this is the last pitstop for pottie.
The trail than gets more intense with rock steps which get steeper and less maintained. Your hard work will be rewarded with a lovely spraying of mist from the first water fall: Vernal falls. The views are spectacular… and will only get better and better as you climb higher and higher.
Please keep going all the way to Nevada falls: Roughly another 2 miles up. The Nevada falls are spectacular and the views ahmazing. Up on top you can dip your feet in the water (although please be really really careful as people have been swept over the falls to their death), have lunch, or just chill… it is pure heaven.
Some quick facts: This hike is medium to somewhat strenuous, you will climb roughly 2000 feet in altitude (starting at 4000 feet above sea level and ending at 6000)…yeah you will notice the difference in air, it can get crowded so plan accordingly, where hiking boots or shoes with good gripping soles, if you have fear of heights you might want to reconsider, please bring water (I hiked it in 100 degree weather and drank 3 litres of H2O without peeing… weird huh??? TMI???, and lastly sun screen sun screen sun screen.
Love to read all your Unilocal reviews and pics of the place… enjoy!!!

If you only have time to do one trail in Yosemite, let it be this one. I promise you it will only take 4 hours max and the view/​hike won’t disappoint. Park in Yosemite Village and take a shuttle to Happy Isles (shuttle access only). We went during late May and the falls were in full force. The hike to the top of Vernal Falls (1.5 mi.) is all up hill and boy do your knees need to get in shape for this. Think an uneven stairmaster most of the way through. Be very careful at the point where you see the falls plunging into the river. This is the «misty» part of the trail. You WILL get wet. Think Herbal Essences commercial wet. These steps are extremely slippery, and there are most likely impatient people behind and in front of you. Don’t mind them and take your time. Once you reach the top of Vernal Falls, there is a huge stone slab where you can sunbathe and dry yourself. I slept. Hey! No judging. You would too.
P. S. If you have more energy, this is also the path to Nevada Falls and beyond that, the infamous Half Dome. Don’t forget that you still have to come back, and your knees will feel the pain.

The Yosemite facebook announced the Mist trail opening on March 14, 2014. Normally the upper part of the Mist trail is closed until May due to ice on the stairs.
We stayed at the Ahwahnee, and took the shuttle to Yosemite Village, and then a second shuttle to Happy Isles. It took about 1 hour even though it’s less than 3 miles away.
Use the bathrooms at Happy Isles. The bathrooms at the bridge up the trail were still closed for the winter. Also fill up your water containers here, as the other bathrooms on the trail do not have drinkable water.
The first mile of the trail from Happy Isles to the bridge is paved and uphill –suitable for baby strollers, although I wouldn’t call it wheelchair accessible, as the incline is pretty steep in places.
From one outlook on this part of the trail you can see Upper Yosemite falls in a distance.
This part of the trail is steep but it is wide with tall stone guardrails to prevent people from falling into the Merced rapids way below. Plenty of forest treetops to keep the sun off.
At about the 1 mile mark the trail dips, with a bridge running over the Merced river. You can see Vernal Falls in the background. The bathroom here was still closed for the winter.
Here the trail crosses the Merced river, with a very moderate uphill incline for about a quarter of a mile. The trail becomes a mixture of dirt and sand, running parallel to the river, under the trees.
The sign on the crossing gate states proceed at your own risk. The crossing gate is normally closed until May, but is open in 2014 on March 16.
There is a second sign, with a picture of a hiker being carried on a stretcher by a rescue crew of half a dozen paramedics and assistants. The sign warns hikers not to be one of the 200 people who are injured in falls on this trail each year.
Do not venture off the trail onto the rocks next to the river, from this point onwards, as the rocks are slippery, and people may slip and fall onto the boulders.
So far it has taken 1 hour to travel the 1.2 miles to this point. A sign says 0.3 miles to the top of Vernal Falls. It will take another hour to travel the last 0.3 miles.
The first set of stairs are small dirt stairs on a very broad trail, overlooking the rapids of the river.
Soon the stairs become stone stairs, and the trail narrows. People on the left side of the trail, however, are on the outside of the path, one misstep from sliding down the rocky slope into the river.
Normally this part of the trail next to the river is wet with mist from the roaring falls still a ways away. In 2014 there is no mist on the trails, as the water level is way below that of previous years. No need for a raincoat.
Eventually we reach a photographer’s spot at the base of the falls, where one can take pictures of the falls plunging into the rapids.
The entire trail is in the shade at this time of year, so if you want to take pictures of friends in front of the falls, you will need a camera with a flash to see their faces –an ipad won’t do.
Guardrails are on parts of the trail here, as the trail narrows to single formation, on wet stone steps from the nearby falls. You need hiking boots with good rubber soles on the bottom, to prevent slipping.
Once you get to the base of the falls, the trail veers to the right to the side of the falls. This is the steepest part of the trail, seeming going straight up, with stairs up to 18″ high carved into the side of the mountain. I see kids climbing the rocks on all fours.
I’m huffing and puffing my way up, breathing hard like Darth Vader, using my hiking poles for leverage in getting up over the tall stone steps.
The trail eventually levels out on the side of a cliff, with guardrails on the side. It is so narrow, that only one person can move up at a time, with people in the opposite direction having to stop on sideouts.
At the top of the cliff, you can look down a ways to reach the top of the falls. There are guardrails preventing people from reaching out and touching the water at the top of the falls.
Classic photographer’s spot here, with hikers posing in the sunshine against the guardrails, next to the falling water.
This is the spot where you have people going over the guardrail to touch the water, or get a more daring picture of them next to the waterfalls. One wrong step and over the edge you go to heaven.
We sit on the rocks and eat lunch here. There are restrooms about 200 yards upstream, near the small lake above the falls.
Coming down the trail takes less exertion than going up. I go sideways, maximizes the footprint on the stairs, and minimizes the chances of slipping.
In the summer and on weekends, there will be crowds of hikers, all jostling to go up the trail, and passing the slower hikers.
It takes me 2 hours to go up and 1.5 hours to go down. At this time of the year, there was no need for rain gear, and no need for a hat, as the trail was in the shade until the very end.

«Woohoo!» indeed. The Mist Trail (aka Vernal and Nevada Falls) is one of the iconic Yosemite hikes. This route will take you to Half Dome, the John Muir Trail, and the Panorama Trail up to Glacier Point. This is also the hike that tourists to the area most needlessly die on, so please don’t be an idiot — realize that the river at the top is connected to the two waterfalls you passed on the way up.
Hard core hikers will be annoyed by more novice hikers trying to squeeze in a view of the Falls while chafing in jean shorts and sandals. Avoid misery by wearing shoes with grip (you’ll be thankful once you hit the mist) and dressing in layers if you’re not sprinting up. There are excellent places at the top of both Falls to have a picnic, so bring snacks! Water is also a major must. Fortunately there are bathrooms and water fountains at the Vernal Footbridge.
In the spring, the Mist Trail is more like the Shower Trail — you’re gonna get soaked, so put a bag or t-​shirt over that DLSR if you’re trying to get some pictures. This hike is definitely a must if you’re in the area for a few days, but could be traded for Glacier Point and Yosemite Falls if you need to prioritize your time. Go early to avoid the crowds, and feel proud if you even make it to the Footbridge — this is a hike to be reckoned with!

gone up mist trail twice already, 2013 and 2014 (april)
the current hike we didn’t know the trail was still closed until we got up Nevada Falls, but it was a nice wet, slippery, tiring hike and the view on top of Nevada falls was awesome .
I used a Breath Easy sleep strip to get more fresh air into my system!
don’t forget to bring plenty of water and snacks and don’t force yourself to go up the trail fast, pace yourself, take plenty of rest if you need 2!

By all means I’m no outdoor person nor one that does hikes regularly. In my opinion this path is not that difficult. The hardest obstacle to me was the traffic. It can get quite busy.
Factors to consider are weather conditions and equipment. Regardless of the weather, you are going to need water. Staying hydrated is very important if you are determined to reach the top. Snacks are also recommended. Also, I highly suggest great traction shoes and a pair of hiking sticks. The steep steps can get slippery due to dirt and loose gravel. Hiking sticks will save the wear and tear on your knees while heading down.
Completing my round trip hike was well worth it. The view is spectacular! It amazes me how mother natural can exhibit such beauty of simplicity.

I’ve done this hike a few times and yet it never seems to get any easier. While the hike is challenging and fun, it can also be dangerous as well. When you’re trying to hike up Vernal Falls, it can be a tad bit scary if you’ve got a fear of heights because there are times where you’re just a step away from the ledge to the bottom of the mountain. The mist from the waterfall near Vernal makes the rock steps really slippery, so beware for that.
What annoyed me the last time hiking here was when coming down after a long day of hiking and my legs were giving out on me were these inconsiderate hikers that just zoomed right past us while maneuvering off the side of the trail to pass us. Seriously, what’s the rush? You’re just causing me to be more nervous than I already am by zooming past me like it’s nothing with your fancy ass hiking shoes. Jerks!