The Mist Trail: Yosemite's Best Day Hike
Every time someone tells me they have one day in Yosemite and asks which hike to do, I give the same answer. Every single time. No hesitation, no caveats, no "well it depends." The Mist Trail. That's the one. If you only have the time or the energy for a single hike in this park, this is the trail that will make you understand why Yosemite exists.
I've hiked the Mist Trail more times than I can count. In spring when the falls are so powerful they turn the granite staircase into a waterfall of its own. In summer when the morning light fills the canyon and the mist catches rainbows you can practically reach out and touch. In fall when the water thins and the crowds disappear and you can hear every bird in the canyon. It never gets old. And I don't say that about many trails.
Here's why this one is different: in under three miles, you walk alongside the Merced River through a glacier-carved canyon, climb 600 granite steps carved into a cliff face while a 317-foot waterfall soaks you in spray, stand at the edge of one of the most powerful free-falling waterfalls in California, and then, if you keep going, arrive at the base of a 594-foot waterfall framed by a massive granite dome called Liberty Cap with the backside of Half Dome looming above it all. No other hike in Yosemite packs this much into this little distance.
The Mist Trail at a Glance
- Full trail name: The Mist Trail
- Trailhead: Happy Isles (Shuttle Stop #16)
- Trailhead elevation: ~4,000 feet
- Permit required: No
- Peak season: April through June
- Difficulty: Moderate to Vernal Fall / Strenuous to Nevada Fall
| Destination | Round-Trip Distance | Elevation Gain | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal Fall Footbridge | 1.6 miles | 400 ft | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Top of Vernal Fall | 2.4 miles | 1,000 ft | 2 to 3 hours |
| Top of Nevada Fall | 5.4 miles | 2,000 ft | 5 to 6 hours |
| Nevada Fall Loop (Mist Trail up, JMT down) | ~6.1 miles | 2,000 ft | 5 to 6 hours |
Getting to the Trailhead
There is no parking at the Happy Isles trailhead. The closest lot is at Curry Village, about a mile from the trailhead. You can walk from Curry Village or ride the free Valley Shuttle to Stop #16. From the shuttle stop, cross the bridge over the Merced River and follow the signs. That's your trailhead.
Pro tip: Don't try to drive to the trailhead. While it looks accessible on the map, that road is restricted to shuttle buses—unless you have a valid disability placard or license plate. There is designated parking for accessible vehicles at the Happy Isles Nature Center.
The Hike, Section by Section
Trailhead to Vernal Fall Footbridge (0.8 miles, 400 ft gain)
The first stretch is paved, steep, and deceptively tiring. You're hiking alongside the Merced River through a shaded corridor of oaks and conifers, and on a spring morning, the sound of rushing water fills the entire canyon. You can catch a glimpse of Illilouette Fall off to the south from this section.
At 0.8 miles you reach the Vernal Fall Footbridge. This is your first real view of 317-foot Vernal Fall framed perfectly upriver. There's a seasonal water fountain and restrooms here (available May through October). A lot of people stop at this bridge, take a photo, and turn around. It's a worthy destination on its own, especially for families with small kids or anyone who wants a moderate hike with a big payoff.
But if you can keep going, keep going.
Vernal Fall Footbridge to Top of Vernal Fall (0.4 miles, 600 ft gain)
About 0.2 miles past the bridge, the trail splits. The John Muir Trail (JMT) branches right and climbs the valley wall via switchbacks. The Mist Trail continues left, staying close to the river. Go left. This is where the magic happens. ✨🌈✨
The Mist Trail climbs over 600 granite steps carved into the cliff face alongside Vernal Fall. In spring and early summer, the spray from the waterfall absolutely drenches you. I'm not talking about a light mist. I'm talking soaked, water-running-down-your-face, can't-see-through-your-sunglasses drenched. When the sun hits the spray, rainbows appear everywhere. Sometimes two or three at once, arcing across the staircase while the waterfall roars beside you. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have on any trail in any national park.
The steps are steep. The footing is slippery. There are metal railings in places, but not everywhere. Take your time. Watch your step. And enjoy every second of it.
At the top, a railing-protected viewpoint lets you look straight down the full 317-foot length of Vernal Fall. The view is vertigo-inducing and absolutely stunning.
Top of Vernal Fall to Top of Nevada Fall (1.5 miles, 1,000 ft gain)
Past the top of Vernal Fall, the trail levels out and you'll reach Emerald Pool, a wide, calm-looking stretch of the Merced River, and just beyond it, the Silver Apron, where water slides over a smooth granite slab. Both look incredibly inviting on a hot day. Do not swim here. Do not wade here. Do not go near the water's edge. Multiple people have died being swept over Vernal Fall from this exact spot. The current is deceptively powerful and the rock is impossibly slick. The warning signs are there for a reason. Please respect them.
The trail crosses a bridge over the Merced above Emerald Pool, passes through a pine forest, and then begins climbing again via rocky switchbacks alongside Nevada Fall. This section is steeper and more exposed than the Vernal Fall steps, and in spring the waterfall is thunderous. Nevada Fall drops 594 feet, nearly twice the height of Vernal, and its "bent" shape, where the water free-falls and then hits a granite apron before cascading the rest of the way, creates an enormous amount of spray and sound.
At the top, you can cross the footbridge over the Merced River above Nevada Fall for a closer view. The view looking back west from the top of Nevada Fall, with the granite canyon dropping away below you and the Valley in the distance, is one of the best panoramas in the park. Liberty Cap, a massive granite dome, towers directly above you. The backside of Half Dome rises beyond it.
This is where the Mist Trail ends. This is also where the John Muir Trail passes through, and it's the jumping-off point for the Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Little Yosemite Valley, and the backcountry beyond.
Route Variations: Pick Your Adventure
One of the best things about the Mist Trail is that it connects to other trails, giving you multiple ways to structure your hike. Here are the main options.
Route 1: Mist Trail Out and Back to Vernal Fall
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft | Time: 2 to 3 hours
The classic. You hike up the granite steps through the mist, reach the top of Vernal Fall, take it all in, and come back down the way you came. This is the best option if you're short on time, hiking with kids who are strong hikers, or if the waterfall is flowing hard and you just want the mist experience without committing to the full day.
Route 2: Mist Trail Out and Back to Nevada Fall
Distance: 5.4 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft | Time: 5 to 6 hours
Same as Route 1, but you keep climbing past Vernal Fall all the way to the top of Nevada Fall and retrace your steps back down. The downside: descending the Vernal Fall steps is harder than going up. The granite is steep, the rock is wet, and you're walking on the exposed side near the drop-off. Your knees will feel every step. I don't recommend this route unless the JMT return options (Routes 3 and 4) are unavailable.
Route 3: The Full Loop (Mist Trail Up, JMT Down via Clark Point) ★ Recommended
Distance: ~6.1 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft | Time: 5 to 6 hours
This is the hike I recommend to almost everyone. You go up the Mist Trail all the way to the top of Nevada Fall, then instead of retracing your steps, you cross the footbridge above Nevada Fall and descend via the John Muir Trail. The JMT takes you through the section known as the Ice Cut (a carved trail along a cliff face with views of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap), down to Clark Point (where you get a gorgeous elevated view of Vernal Fall and the valley), and then down a series of gradual switchbacks through the forest back to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, where you rejoin the trail back to Happy Isles.
Route 4: Nevada Fall Loop via Clark Point Connector (Mist Trail Down) ★ My Preferred Route
Distance: ~5.9 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft | Time: 5 to 6 hours
This is the route I take when I hike this trail. Every time.
You go up the Mist Trail all the way to the top of Nevada Fall. Cross the footbridge above the fall. Descend the JMT through the Ice Cut to Clark Point, where you get that elevated view of Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap. At Clark Point, instead of continuing down the JMT switchbacks (which drop you to the Vernal Fall Footbridge and bypass Vernal entirely), you take the connector trail east, downhill, back to the top of Vernal Fall and the Emerald Pool area. From there, you descend the Mist Trail steps alongside Vernal Fall a second time, back to the footbridge and out to Happy Isles.
Why this route over Route 3? Because you get Vernal Fall twice. You already climbed those granite steps on the way up. Now you get to walk back down through the spray, the rainbows, the roar of the waterfall, one more time. On a hot day it's basically a full-body cool down before the flat walk back to the trailhead. You also get one more chance to sit at the brink of Vernal Fall and take it in from the top.
Route 3's descent west of Clark Point is fine. It works. But it's dry, dusty, shaded switchbacks through the forest with no views of the waterfalls. If you have knee issues, struggle with wet rock, or don't trust your footing on steep steps, Route 3 is the safer and more comfortable way down. But if you want maximum waterfall time, maximum mist, and you're solid on your feet, this is the way to do it.
Route 5: Vernal Fall Loop (Mist Trail Up, JMT/Clark Point Cutoff Down)
Distance: ~4.8 miles | Elevation Gain: ~1,600 ft | Time: 3 to 4 hours
If you want to see Vernal Fall but don't want to hike all the way to Nevada Fall, this is a great middle ground. Hike up the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall, continue a short distance to the connector trail junction above Emerald Pool, hike another 0.2 miles until you reach an open area where you will be able to see Nevada Fall from below. This gets you a close-up view of Nevada Fall without the full hike to the top. Now retrace your steps to the connector trail and go up to Clark Point on the JMT. From Clark Point, descend the JMT switchbacks back to the Vernal Fall Footbridge. This avoids the steep descent down the wet Mist Trail steps, gives you the additional views of Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Liberty Cap from above, and is easier on the knees.
Important: The Ice Cut
Some routes require the Ice Cut section of the JMT (between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall) to be open. This section closes seasonally or occasionally due to rockfall or trail maintenance. Always check the NPS current conditions page before planning this route. When the Ice Cut is closed, there will be gates blocking the trail in that direction near the Panorama Trail junction and at Clark Point. Respect the park - do not go around these gates.
What to bring on a day hike:
When to Go
Peak season: April through June. This is when snowmelt pushes the Merced River to full volume and both waterfalls are at their most powerful. May is often the sweet spot: maximum water flow, warm enough to enjoy getting soaked, and the granite steps are fully accessible.
Summer reality: By late July and August, water levels drop significantly. The mist experience fades. By September, Vernal Fall may be split into thin ribbons rather than a solid curtain of water, and Nevada Fall becomes a fraction of its spring self. The hike is still beautiful for the geology and views, but the signature experience of getting drenched on the granite staircase is a spring phenomenon.
Winter: You can still hike to both falls year-round, but the routes change. The lower Mist Trail (the steps alongside Vernal Fall) closes in winter when the spray freezes and creates dangerously icy conditions. You'll need to take the JMT to reach the top of Vernal Fall in winter. The Ice Cut section of the JMT (Clark Point to Nevada Fall) also closes in winter. From the top of Vernal Fall, the Mist Trail remains the route to Nevada Fall in winter. Conditions can be icy and snowy on any section that's open. Check the current conditions page or stop in the Visitor Center information desk to get realtime trail notes.
Time of day: Start early. The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, and it gets crowded fast. If you can be on the trail by 7 AM, you'll have the granite steps largely to yourself. By 10 AM on a spring weekend, you'll be in a line of hikers ascending the staircase. The early start also means cooler temperatures for the climb and better light for photography.
Common Mistakes Hikers Make
Not bringing enough water. The NPS recommends 1 liter for the footbridge, 2 liters for Vernal Fall, and 3 to 4 liters for Nevada Fall. There is a seasonal water fountain at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (May through October). After that, there is no potable water on the trail. I recommend bringing a water filter if you want to refill from the river and not carry so much water weight.
Wearing the wrong shoes. The granite steps alongside Vernal Fall are wet and slippery, especially in spring. Flip-flops and smooth-soled sneakers are a recipe for a fall. Wear hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction. This is non-negotiable.
Going near the water above the falls. I cannot emphasize this enough. Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron look calm and inviting. They are not. The current is powerful, the granite is slick, and there is no recovery once you're in the water. People have died here. Stay behind the railings. Stay away from the water's edge. Period.
Descending the Mist Trail steps from Vernal Fall. Going down the wet granite staircase is harder and more dangerous than going up. When you descend, you're on the exposed, drop-off side of the trail. Your likelihood of slipping is higher going down. If the JMT and Clark Point cutoff are open, use them for the return. Your knees and your safety will both benefit.
Starting too late and underestimating the crowds. On a spring weekend, the Mist Trail can feel like a highway. Starting before 8 AM makes a dramatic difference in your experience. The trail is a completely different place at 7 AM versus 11 AM.
Not checking trail conditions. Sections of this trail close seasonally and sometimes unexpectedly due to rockfall, maintenance, or ice. The Mist Trail steps have been closed weekdays for maintenance in recent summers (typically July through October, 7 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday). The Ice Cut section of the JMT has had extended closures. Always check the NPS current conditions page before you go.
Insider Tips
Bring a dry bag or pack cover. When the falls are pumping in May, the spray on the granite staircase is no joke. Your phone, your camera, your snacks, everything in your pack will get wet. A pack cover for your pack can keep your whole pack dry or use a dry bag/ziplock for your electronics.
The best rainbow window is late morning. Between about 10 AM and 2 PM, the sun angle creates the most vivid rainbows in the mist alongside Vernal Fall. If you time your ascent for late morning you'll hit the rainbow zone, but you may also hit the crowds.
Clark Point is one of the best viewpoints on the entire hike. A lot of people skip it because they're focused on the waterfalls, but the view from Clark Point looking across the canyon at Nevada Fall framed by Liberty Cap is stunning. If you're doing the JMT return loop, you'll pass right through it. If the Ice Cut is closed and you're only doing the Vernal Fall loop (Route 5), the Clark Point cutoff still gets you there.
The section between Vernal and Nevada Fall is where the crowds thin. Many visitors turn around at the top of Vernal Fall. If you push past Emerald Pool and continue to Nevada Fall, the trail gets noticeably quieter. The top of Nevada Fall often feels downright peaceful compared to the scene at Vernal.
Restrooms exist along this trail. Unlike most Yosemite hikes, the Mist Trail has restrooms at the trailhead shuttle stop, at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (seasonal), above the top of Vernal Fall, and at the top of Nevada Fall. This matters more than people think, especially on a 5 to 6 hour hike.
If you're a photographer, shoot the steps looking down on the way up. The most dramatic images of the Mist Trail are taken looking back down the granite staircase with hikers ascending through the spray and rainbows. You'll get this composition naturally as you climb if you stop and look behind you. The falls as a backdrop, the tiny figures on the steps below, the mist swirling around them. That's the shot.
Why It's My #1
I've thought about this a lot. Yosemite has hundreds of miles of trails. Some of them go to places so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat. Some of them take you to granite viewpoints that make you feel like you're standing at the edge of the world. I love those trails.
But the Mist Trail does something no other trail in this park can do. It takes everything Yosemite is, waterfalls, granite, the Merced River, glacial geology, raw power, and concentrates it into a hike that almost anyone with reasonable fitness can complete in a few hours. You don't need a permit. You don't need to win a lottery. You don't need to be an elite athlete. You just need to show up, start hiking, and let the trail do what it does. And if you want company from someone who's done it hundreds of times, that's what private day hikes are for.
The moment you're standing on those granite steps with Vernal Fall roaring beside you, mist in your face, rainbows overhead, and you look down and realize you just climbed a staircase carved into the side of a cliff next to a waterfall, something clicks. That's the moment people fall in love with this place. I've watched it happen hundreds of times. It never gets old. And I still feel that feeling every time I hike this hike.
If you're coming to Yosemite for the first time, this is the hike that will change you. If you're coming back for the tenth time, it'll remind you why you keep coming back.
Hike the Mist Trail with a Guide
The Mist Trail is one of the hikes I lead most often through Yosemite Life. I offer guided backpacking trips that pass through the Mist Trail corridor on the way to the backcountry, and private day hikes for anyone who wants to experience this trail with someone who knows every step of it.
Whether it's your first time in Yosemite or your tenth, hiking the Mist Trail with a guide means you won't miss anything, you'll know exactly what to expect on the granite staircase, and you'll have someone handling the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
View 2026 backpacking trips · Book a private day hike · Questions? Contact Eric
| Destination | Round-Trip Distance | Elevation Gain | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1: | 2.4 mi | 1,000 ft | 2-3 hrs | Strenuous |
| Route 2: | 5.4 mi | 2,000 ft | 5-6 hrs | Strenuous |
| Route 3: | ~6.1 mi | 2,000 ft | 5-6 hrs | Strenuous |
| Route 4: | ~5.9 mi | 2,000 ft | 5-6 hrs | Strenuous |
| Route 5: | ~4.8 mi | ~1,600 ft | 3-4 hrs | Strenuous |
Trail Quick Reference
Trailhead: Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop #16 Parking: Curry Village (no parking at trailhead) Permit: Not required Best Months: April through June Water: Seasonal fountain at Vernal Fall Footbridge; no other potable water on trail Restrooms: Shuttle stop, Vernal Fall Footbridge (seasonal), above Vernal Fall, top of Nevada Fall
