Happy Isles to Merced Lake Trail

This is a 26.2-mile round trip from Happy Isles to Merced Lake and back along the same corridor. The listed 13.1 miles is one way; the saved map shows that outbound corridor once. It climbs past Vernal and Nevada Falls, through Little Yosemite Valley, then east along the Merced River corridor to the lake. Elevation rises from about 4,050 feet to 7,310 feet. Allow around 18 hours of walking, usually divided over two or three days. This is a serious wilderness backpacking trip, not a casual day hike.

From Happy Isles, the trail climbs beside steep granite and reaches the Vernal Fall footbridge about 0.8 mile in. The John Muir Trail continues to Nevada Fall and Little Yosemite Valley on a longer, lower-angle route than the steeper Mist Trail. The waterfall views are the early payoff; spring and early summer usually bring the strongest flows. The falls section is also the busiest part of the trip, so keep moving on narrow stairways and landings.

Little Yosemite Valley marks the shift from the familiar waterfall corridor to a longer high-country walk. Beyond it, the route follows the Merced River corridor east, steadily gaining toward Merced Lake. The lake sits within Yosemite’s network of high-country camps, but this version returns to Happy Isles rather than continuing through to Tuolumne Meadows. Near the lake, pale granite slabs and scattered boulders open toward a forested canyon.

For an overnight trip camping beyond Little Yosemite Valley toward Merced Lake, use the Happy Isles to Past LYV wilderness-permit trailhead. The separate Happy Isles to LYV permit is for hikers spending their first night at Little Yosemite Valley. Pets are prohibited on park trails and in wilderness. There is no parking at Happy Isles: trailhead parking is just beyond Curry Village, about a half-mile away. Limited overnight parking and food lockers are available at Yosemite Falls parking west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, with the free Valley shuttle serving trailheads.

If the lake is too much mileage, the top of Nevada Fall is a separate 5.4-mile round trip via the Mist Trail, with about 2,000 feet of gain. Its stone stairway is much steeper and can be slick with spray. Stay behind railings near flowing water, and do not swim or wade at Emerald Pool or Silver Apron; the current there is dangerous.