Yosemite National Park: Hiking the Mist Trail
Last Updated: 3/29/2024
“It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.”
Climbing that “giant staircase” to get an amazing view of Vernal and Nevada Falls is what makes Yosemite’s Mist Trail our favorite hike at Yosemite National Park. This very popular hike starts near Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16).
The first mile of the trail is paved and takes you to the Vernal Fall Footbridge over the Merced River. You will get an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge.
From the footbridge, you will continue on the Mist Trail up the steep granite stairway. This is one of the most exciting parts of the hike. You should be prepared to get wet, and be prepared for slippery steps from the mist off the waterfall. This is how the trail got its name!
At this point, you have a few options. You can turn around and head back the way you came; take the John Muir Trail back (which is a little longer); or continue hiking Yosemite’s Mist Trail to Nevada Fall.
I would recommend continuing, if you have the time. Continuing on the Mist Trail, you will pass by Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron. Both look inviting, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here. After another 1.5 miles of rocky switchbacks, you will reach Nevada Fall.
Don’t feel like hiking that far? Well you can take in the view of Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome at Glacier Point. And while you are at Yosemite, you should definitely check out Mariposa Grove. Thanks for following along.