Mist Trail

When you reach Yosemite Valley, you will follow the signs to Happy Isles. There is an unpaved parking lot just past the “road closed ahead” sign which is the most desirable place to park. It is easy to walk over to the trailhead from there. Anywhere else you park you can take a shuttle bus and get off at the Happy Isles stop.

At the start, the trail follows the north side of the Merced River. This is also the start of the John Muir Trail. The paved trail rises from the river, hugging the cliff side, and leading to the Vernal Falls footbridge. Look for your first view of Vernal Falls from the footbridge and follow the now unpaved trail up the south side of the Merced River.

The traditional route of the Mist trail is to stay to the left, along the river toward Vernal Falls, as the John Muir Trail diverges to the right. This is the section that earns the trail its name. The conservation corps beautifully designed the trail with massive rock steps leading along a series of ledges and even through a massive rock fall. During high runoff, the spray from the falls drenches hikers and frequently creates breathtaking rainbows sparkling above the moss-laden cliffs. An iron railing has been installed along the more precarious sections, as well as at the top, so it is quite safe to step to the edge and look over the mouth of the falls.

From there, hikers will cross another bridge, wander through a forest, and emerge at the base of Nevada Falls. The trail zig-zags up the left side of the falls, through a deeply cut notch, and then out on top of Nevada Falls. At this point, you have rejoined the John Muir Trail. There are two viewing areas at the top of Nevada Falls, one on either side of the falls. I recommend checking out both of them.

When you are done taking pictures and eating your lunch you will follow the signs toward Clark Point. My favorite view is looking back over your right shoulder at Liberty Cap and Nevada Falls as you descend. After a series of switchbacks, you will reach the point where the John Muir Trail peeled off at the start of the hike and retrace your steps back across the Vernal Falls footbridge and back to Happy Isles.

Without a doubt, the best time to hike this trail is in the spring after a heavy snowfall season. The snowmelt makes for a very powerful experience. The summer brings with it large crowds of tourists from all over the world. Glorious golden leaves will highlight your hike in the autumn. Keep in mind, in the winter sections of the trail are closed and hikers are required to hike the winter route.