Mist Trail to Vernal & Nevada Falls
Climb granite stairs right beside two thundering waterfalls and get soaked by rainbows.
Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Distance
- 11.0 km · 6.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- +610 m · 2,000 ft
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Time needed
- 5–7 hours
- Route type
- Loop
- Permit
- Not required
- Best season
- May–June for the most water; trail open into autumn
Yosemite’s Mist Trail guide: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall loop with the John Muir Trail, distance, elevation, spray, safety and the best season.
The Mist Trail is Yosemite’s most popular waterfall hike, and in spring it lives up to its name. The path climbs about 600 granite steps beside Vernal Fall, where the spray creates rainbows and soaks everyone passing by. Above the falls, the Merced River slides into the clear Emerald Pool.
Continue up steep switchbacks to the top of Nevada Fall, where the river shoots over a granite lip with Liberty Cap rising behind it. Return on the John Muir Trail for a gentler descent and great views back at both waterfalls.
Stops along the way
-
1
Happy Isles trailhead
Take the valley shuttle to Happy Isles. The paved path climbs steadily along the Merced River.
-
2
Vernal Fall footbridge
The first view of Vernal Fall. Many families turn around here; refill water and use the restrooms.
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3
Top of Vernal Fall
After the misty granite staircase, a railing protects the viewpoint at the top of the 97-meter fall.
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4
Top of Nevada Fall
The 181-meter fall bursts over the edge right beside you; Liberty Cap towers overhead.
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5
Clark Point (John Muir Trail)
Descend on the John Muir Trail, a longer but easier route with sweeping views of both falls.
Good to know
- Wear a rain jacket in spring; you will get wet on the Mist Trail.
- Never swim above the waterfalls; the current is deadly even when it looks calm.
- Start before 8 a.m. to avoid crowds on the narrow staircase.
- In winter the upper Mist Trail can close because of ice.
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