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Outdoors

Yosemite Mist Trail Hike

You climb beside the river to the Vernal Fall footbridge, then up a steep granite stairway of more than 600 steps next to Vernal Fall, often through heavy spray, to the top of the fall. Strong walkers can continue on the Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall and return by the John Muir Trail.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Yosemite Mist Trail near California
Photo: Yosemite-Mist-Trail-P1060511 by Peter Maiwald, CC0 (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
California, USA
Distance
3.9 km (2.4 miles) return to the top of Vernal Fall; 8.7 km (5.4 miles) return to the top of Nevada Fall
Climb
300 m (1,000 ft) to the top of Vernal Fall; 610 m (2,000 ft) to the top of Nevada Fall
Time
3 hours to Vernal Fall; 5-6 hours to Nevada Fall
Difficulty
Hard

The route

Mist Trail from Happy Isles to the top of Vernal Fall (with the option to continue to the top of Nevada Fall).

All routes begin at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, shuttle stop 16. There is no parking at the trailhead; the nearest parking is at Curry Village, less than 1.6 km (1 mile) away.

When to go

The lower part of the Mist Trail beside Vernal Fall closes in winter because of falling ice and rock; spring and early summer bring the most spray and the most slippery footing.

Permits and fees

Entrance costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person for 7 days, and in 2026 non-US residents aged 16 or over pay an extra $100 each unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The park did not require entry reservations in 2026, including in peak summer.

Before you go

  • Park at Curry Village or take the free valley shuttle to stop 16, as there is no parking at Happy Isles.
  • Drinking water and toilets are at the Happy Isles shuttle stop, and at the Vernal Fall footbridge from May to October.
  • If the full climb is too much, the Vernal Fall footbridge is a 2.6 km (1.6 mile) return walk with 120 m (400 ft) of climbing, about 1-1.5 hours.
  • From the top of Nevada Fall you can cross the bridge and come down the John Muir Trail instead of reversing the steps.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

Plan for a long day: 3 hours to Vernal Fall; 5-6 hours to Nevada Fall.

Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • Do not swim or wade in the river, or walk along its edge; swimming at Emerald Pool and the Silver Apron above Vernal Fall is illegal because of the strong current.
  • Sprained ankles and knee injuries are common on the wet granite steps.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov and nps.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.