How many steps is the Mist Trail?
600 steps
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!).
How hard is Mist Trail?
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 long does the Mist Trail take?
3-6 hours
| Rating: | Fairly strenuous to strenuous day hike |
|---|---|
| Access: | Happy Isles Trailhead (Shuttle Stop 16 along the Yosemite Valley shuttle system) |
| Time Required: | 3-6 hours |
| Length: | 5.5 miles round trip up Mist Trail and back down John Muir Trail (1.4 miles to top of Vernal Fall, 1.2 miles more to top of Nevada Fall) |
How long is the hike to Vernal Falls Bridge?
Discover this 1.70 mile, out and back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 0 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where does the Mist Trail start?
To get to the trailhead: Drive into Yosemite Valley and park at Curry Village or another available parking area near Yosemite Village. Take the free park shuttle to the Happy Isles Shuttle Stop and walk across the Merced River to the start of the Mist Trail.
Where do you park for the Mist Trail?
Parking at the Mist Trail The nearest parking lot is the trailhead parking lot (right before the road closure) just east of Curry Village (Half Dome Village). If the parking lot is full, you can park on the side of the road. If you don’t get a parking spot near the trailhead, take the shuttle to the trailhead.
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.
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 Vernal Falls hike hard?
Experience this 4.00 mile, out and back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 29 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
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.
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.
Who built the Mist Trail?
The State purchased the Mist Trail in 1882 for $300. The original trail prom Glacier Point to Nevada Falls was one built by Washburn and McCready in 1872, going along the Illilouette Ridge, and then dropping down to join the old Mono Indian Trail at the bridge in Little Yosemite Valley.
What are the best places to see the Mist Trail?
Eminently accessible and popular, the Mist Trail takes hikers through Yosemite National Park to Vernal Fall Bridge, the best place to watch the waterfall. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Explore different ways to experience this place. This is an amazing trail that leads to Vernal and Nevada Falls. It is not for kids though!
How long is the Mist Trail in Yosemite?
Yosemite’s most popular path, Mist Trail, deserves every bit of attention it gets. This spectacular, rainbow-streaked trail skirts 317-foot Vernal Fall and 594-foot Nevada Fall and extends to Little Yosemite Valley. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites.
How to get to Nevada Fall Mist Trail?
Vernal Fall Mist Trail is closed in winter, but access is available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy. Hikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing 1.3 miles (2.1 km) along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall).
How long is the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls?
The Mist trail is 0.8 miles to the footbridge (so 1-1/2 miles round trip) OR, 1.2 miles approx to the top of Vernal Falls (2.4 miles round trip) . Good ops of Vernal Falls from the footbridge.