Difficulty:
Medium, but bordering strenuous if you go all the way to the top of Nevada Fall
. The stretches beside Vernal and Nevada Falls are both quite steep – in fact, the last few hundred meters up the Vernal Falls trail are stairs cut into the cliffside.
How many steps is the Mist Trail?
To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.3 miles (0.5 km) up a steep granite stairway of
over 600 steps
. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer (hence the name for this trail!).
Is the Mist Trail worth it?
From sweeping scenic vistas to powerful waterfalls,
Mist Trail is easily worth the climb
. Don’t be scared of hiking the Mist Trail in Yosemite because it is strenuous and steep. After the hike, you’ll have memories for a lifetime.
Is Mist Trail one way?
Hike 1.2 miles (
one-way
) and 1,000 vertical feet on the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall; going on to Nevada Fall adds 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet to your trip. Start early to avoid crowds.
Where does the Mist Trail start?
The Mist Trail starts at
Happy Isles Trailhead
(YARTS Happy Isles shuttle stop #16, and within walking distance of Curry Village and the parking lot). The park recommends starting early to avoid the larger crowds.
Can kids hike Mist Trail?
The Mist Trail is a moderate hike doable with kids
. We chose to make the steep 1.5 mile climb up to Vernal Fall with our kids ages 8, 11, 14, and 15. The first paved mile of the hike is the busiest and leads you to the Vernal Fall footbridge.
Is the Mist Trail Safe?
This trail is dangerous and should be closed
. The portion of the trail that ascends over slippery, wet granite steps is always crowded, with no handrails, and huge steps that were probably made for mules, not people. Don’t go above Vernal Falls on this trail if you value your life. Take the John Muir Trail instead.
Is Mist Trail open?
The Mist Trail is open again
! Recent warm temperatures have melted the hazardous ice and snow on the trail, though a few icy spots still exist. As always, be careful and courteous on this glorious trail!
Can you swim at Mist falls?
The river flows across various other small cascades and rapids, between which are deep, clear pools that look inviting but
swimming is not advisable due to the fast current and cold water
. The main falls are indeed misty, and support a large area of mosses and greenery for a few hundred yards downstream.
What is the best month to visit Yosemite?
The best times to visit Yosemite are
May and September
, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow.
How hard is Vernal Falls hike?
Try this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California.
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 12 min to complete
. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through November.
How long is the hike up Half Dome?
The
14- to 16-mile
round-trip hike to Half Dome is not for you if you’re out of shape or unprepared. You will be gaining elevation (for a total of 4,800 feet) most of your way to the top of Half Dome.
Is the John Muir trail open?
Open Season:
Road closed in winter
. Restrictions: No campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft.; and no campfires at specific locations below 10,000ft.
Is there water in Vernal Falls?
At 3,000 cfs,
sections of the overlook above Vernal Fall will be flooded
and the mist will be so thick below the fall that if you can’t see without glasses, you’ll be more or less blind.
How many steps up to Nevada Falls?
The lower slopes are paved and scenic, but then you cross the Merced River and hike through the mist up
600 granite steps
to the 317-foot Vernal Falls (3 miles round-trip). You can then continue to the massive and booming 594-foot Nevada Falls (6 miles round-trip).
How long is the hike to the top of Nevada Falls?
Hikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing
1.3 miles (2.1 km)
along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall). The John Muir Trail also leads to the top of Nevada Fall (bypassing Vernal Fall).
Can you swim in Emerald Pool Yosemite?
Emerald Pool is not a swimming pool
. Other swimmers have drowned after discovering the challenge of cold and current when it was too late. Warning signs are a good indication of a tragic history.
Do you need a permit for Mist Trail?
No permit is required to hike to the falls, but one is now required to hike to the top of Half Dome
. Another great hike is to take a bus up to Glacier Point and hike Panorama Trail down to the Mist Trail. An entrance fee is charged to reach the trailhead in Yosemite National Park.
Is Mist Trail open in winter?
Due to icy conditions in the winter months,
parts of the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail are closed
.
How long is the Mist Trail in Yosemite?
Distance:
3 miles (4.8 km) round trip to Vernal Fall, 7 miles (11 km) round trip to Nevada Fall
.
Can kids hike Nevada Falls?
No, the shuttle drops you off at Happy Isles. This flat nature area is appropriate for children
. The paved steep hike up to the bridge viewpoint of Vernal Fall would be a challenge for most kids.
How many people have died on Mist Trail Yosemite?
Fifteen deaths
compared to 4.3 million annual visitors may not sound like much, but almost every one of those tragedies was entirely preventable. The Mist Trail right after the bridge.
Is Yosemite Falls the tallest in North America?
Top of Yosemite Falls
One of Yosemite’s oldest historic trails (built 1873 to 1877), the Yosemite Falls Trail leads to the top of
North America’s tallest waterfall
, which rises 2,425 feet (739 m) above the Valley floor.
How many people have fallen off Vernal Falls?
The year before, the river carried three young people over the top of 317-foot Vernal as a crowd of helpless picnickers watched in horror.
At least 14 people
have gone over falls along the Mist Trail in the last 10 years.
