The splendor of Yosemite National Park is unmatched. If you’re up for an adventure and want to experience the best views of the park, hiking the Mist Trail is an excellent option. If you only have time to do one hike in Yosemite, this iconic trail is it.
The Mist Trail begins at the bottom of Yosemite Valley and curves up along Vernal Falls. As you ascend Vernal Falls on a series of over 600 steps, if the falls are flowing, you enjoy the mist of the falls. Hence, the Mist Trail name is born.
From the summit of Vernal Falls, you can continue the trail to Nevada Falls.
Whether you go to Vernal or Nevada Falls, the popular choice to descend the trail is to take the John Muir Trail down from either of the falls. This thereby turns the trail into a loop instead of an out-and-back route.
In this Mist Trail Yosemite: The Ultimate Hiking Guide, I’ll discuss all of these options and what you need to know to hike the trail.
Mist Trail Yosemite Basics
- This trail is HARD with a steep climb. Do not attempt if you are not in good physical condition.
- The loop to Vernal Falls is 4.5 miles with 1,614 feet of elevation gain
- Nevada Falls loop is 6.4 miles with 2,208 feet of elevation gain
- Trailhead is at Happy Isles, which is at shuttle stop #16
- You need to walk up over 600 granite steps to get to Vernal Falls
- Refer to the Yosemite website for timed entry requirements. A fee of $35 per private vehicle is required to enter the park.
- No dogs allowed.
What To Bring On The Mist Trail
- Come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles if you use them
- Bring plenty of water (3-4 liters per person)
- Wear sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Bring and wear bug repellent
- First aid kit
- Pack food/snacks you’ll want for nutrition
- Bring hiking essentials and a headlamp if you’re hiking in the dark
- A trail map you can download from AllTrails Plus
AllTrails Reviews and Maps:
Getting To The Mist Trail
The Mist Trail launches from Happy Isles in the Yosemite Valley.
To enter Yosemite, you need to pay a fee and abide by any timed entry requirements. Please refer to the Yosemite website for more information about timed entry and alerts.
Finding parking in Yosemite Valley can be difficult. The trailhead is within walking distance of Curry Village, if you can find parking there.
Wherever you park in the valley, you can take both the Yosemite Valley Shuttle and the East Valley Shuttle to the Happy Isles trailhead. The trailhead is stop 16 off the shuttle.
I recommend arriving at the trailhead as early as possible to avoid parking issues, crowds, and excessive heat. Additionally, consider arriving at the park before the gates open, especially if timed entry reservations are in effect, as this will benefit you. The early bird gets the prize.
If this is your first time in Yosemite and you’re arriving from the south gate, I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to stop at Tunnel View. This is a lookout spot with beautiful views of the valley and falls.
What Is The Best Time to Hike the Mist Trail?
Spring to mid-summer is the best time to hike the Mist Trail. This is when the waterfalls are at their peak flow, and you enjoy the namesake mist while you are walking.
Late summer to fall, you’ll find quieter falls. Although, especially if you go after Labor Day, the park will be less crowded and you can enjoy a more empty trail.
In winter, the trail is often closed due to snowfall. Check the Yosemite website to determine if it’s open or not.
Due to sun exposure and crowds, the earlier in the day that you hike this trail, the better.
I recommend beginning the trail by 7-8 am to reduce crowds and sun exposure.
More Yosemite Trails
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls
The Mist Trail to Vernal Falls is a challenging 4.5 trail with 1,614 feet of elevation gain. This includes walking up over 600 rock steps alongside a misting waterfall.
Depending on your speed, it may take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach the Mist Trail and return on the John Muir Trail.
The bottom of the trail is paved and heavily trafficked, particularly to the Vernal Falls footbridge. Approximately 0.9 miles into the trail, you’ll see gorgeous views of Vernal Falls from the footbridge.
The footbridge is a stopping point for many people. If you feel up to the rest of the hike, continue onwards and upwards. The trail becomes more technical and challenging from this point.
As you continue to ascend the trail, you’ll encounter the infamous 600 steps that creep along Vernal Falls to the top of the falls.
Once you reach the top of the steps, you’ll find yourself in a nice, shady resting spot. There are restrooms, a water fountain, and plenty of places to rest and enjoy snacks.
From here, you can descend the trail via the Mist Trail, the John Muir Loop, or continue to Nevada Falls.
If you descend the trail from Vernal Falls via the John Muir Trail, you pass Clark Point. This spot has lovely views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley.
Vernal Falls to Nevada Falls
From Vernal Falls, the summit to Nevada Falls is not particularly more challenging. It features an incline via switchbacks, eliminating the need for additional sets of stairs.
The entire trail to Nevada Falls and back takes approximately 4-5 hours, featuring 2,208 feet of elevation gain.
At Nevada Falls, there are pools to dip your feet in water and gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley.
I recommend descending the trail via The John Muir Loop. While this trail is longer in length than the hike up the Mist Trail, it doesn’t have any steps and is a less technical trail, which is easier on the knees.
Final Thoughts: The Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is an iconic Yosemite hike. If you have 1 day to spend in Yosemite Valley, I recommend doing this hike.
This is a strenuous trail; therefore, do not attempt it unless you are in good physical condition.
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and start early to avoid crowds and the sun. Happy trails!