Mist Trail

Mist Trail is a short, high-demand Yosemite National Park hike that tracks the Merced River from Happy Isles past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool to Nevada Fall. The route is built around two major waterfall stops, with the trail closely following river terrain as you gain elevation.

Expect the steepest, most slippery terrain on the granite steps beside Vernal Fall and in the wet sections around the falls. Water spray can soak you on Vernal and cool the approach, but it also makes traction an issue on stone surfaces.

Typical day-hike options split at the Vernal Fall footbridge area: short out-and-back trips target Vernal Fall, while continuing on Mist Trail reaches the top of Nevada Fall. The Mist Trail also connects with the John Muir Trail, enabling loop-style variations for getting back to the valley.

Water management matters here because drinking water availability is limited; water is available near the shuttle stop and at the Vernal Fall footbridge (seasonal). Plan to carry enough for the full hike and for possible delays near the waterfall sections.

Time it around seasonal conditions and closures. In winter, the lower Mist Trail segment along Vernal Fall is closed due to ice and falling rock/ice, and access to Vernal Fall is routed via the John Muir Trail; winter also affects the upper John Muir Trail segment near the top of Nevada Fall.

Operational closures can also affect summer travel patterns. The Mist Trail segment from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall has repair-related closures on specific days/hours; when it’s closed, the John Muir Trail provides the alternate route to Vernal Fall’s top.

Common logistics for starting points: there is no parking at the trailhead itself, and the closest parking lot is at Curry Village with a shuttle access to Happy Isles. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on the trail, and the route has restrictions like staying on established trail and not wading or swimming in the river.

More information: Visitor information, Wikipedia, Hiking the Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls in Yosemite ...