Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Overview

Yosemite’s signature waterfall hike starts at Happy Isles and climbs beside the Merced River to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Expect steep stone stairs, spray-soaked granite, and huge payoff views. The classic way to see both falls is the loop: up the Mist Trail and down the John Muir Trail (about 6.4 miles total), which trades the slick stairs for a drier, knee-friendlier descent with big vistas of Liberty Cap and Nevada Fall.

Route Options & Distances

• Vernal Fall Footbridge: 1.6 miles round trip, about 400 ft gain, 1–1.5 hours. Water and restrooms here in season.
• Top of Vernal Fall (via Mist Trail): 2.4 miles round trip, about 1,000 ft gain, ~3 hours. Includes 600+ steep granite steps where you’ll likely get soaked.
• Top of Nevada Fall (via Mist Trail): 5.4 miles round trip, about 2,000 ft gain, 5–6 hours. Many make it a loop by returning on the John Muir Trail; the full loop is about 6.4 miles and typically takes 4–6 hours depending on pace.

What It’s Like

From the trailhead, a steep, partially paved climb leads to the footbridge—a good turnaround for families. Beyond, the Mist Trail lives up to its name: the spray near Vernal can drench you in spring and early summer, and the stone steps are slick. Past Vernal, the crowds thin and the terrain opens up on the way to Nevada, with a stout switchback section near the top. Descending the JMT brings wide-angle views of Nevada Fall beneath Liberty Cap—less drama underfoot, more drama in the scenery.

Best Time to Hike

Late spring to early summer (April–June) is prime: strongest flow, rainbows in the spray, and cooler temps. It’s also when you’ll get the wettest, so bring a light shell. In peak season and on weekends, start early to beat both heat and crowds; the section to Vernal is especially busy, but traffic thins toward Nevada. Winter can bring snow/ice and seasonal closures of steep sections.

Logistics

There’s no parking at the trailhead. Park at Curry Village and either walk roughly three-quarters of a mile or take the free Valley shuttle to Happy Isles. Drinking water is available at the shuttle stop and at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (generally May–October); beyond that, carry what you need. Restrooms are at the trailhead area, at the footbridge (seasonal), and near the tops of Vernal and Nevada. The trail itself doesn’t require a permit, but vehicle entry may use timed reservations in busy seasons—check current details. Cell service is unreliable; download maps before you go.

Safety & Trail Conditions

The Mist Trail’s steps can be very slick with spray and sand—wear footwear with good traction, take your time, and use railings where provided. Expect to get wet; quick-dry layers help. Never enter the Merced River, Emerald Pool, or Silver Apron—currents are deceptively strong and accidents have occurred. Hydrate, pace yourself, and rest in shade as needed. Portions of the Mist Trail and the JMT can close for maintenance or icy conditions; when the Mist section is closed, detours via the JMT keep the route open.

Keep an Eye Out

You’re hiking through classic glacially carved granite country: Liberty Cap towers above Nevada Fall, and when flows are high, spray around Vernal can throw rainbows. The JMT descent offers some of the best viewpoints of the whole river-and-falls complex.