How to Hike the Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park

Monumental Half Dome in Yosemite

Nestled to the south of Half Dome in the far reaches of Yosemite Valley, past the impressive Bridal Veil Falls and spectacular Yosemite Falls, there is Vernal Falls. Accessing the Vernal Falls trail head requires parking just beyond Curry Village and walking past the Upper Pines Campground and then crossing the Merced River at Happy Isles. Though seemingly difficult to get to, many visitors in the summer make that trek and hike to the observation bridge below the falls. The Mist Trail, named because of the large mist of water blowing up from where the river meets the pool below, is a highly suggested destination within the park. Hiking above the bridge, the visitor follows the rushing river through the mist to the foot of the falls and then takes steps to the brink. The length of valley floor below comes into view. Many opt to hike further to Nevada Falls which offers a much longer drop yet without the Mist Trail.Yosemite National Park is situated on the western Sierra Nevada range in the central part of the state. San Francisco has the most convenient airport while Los Angeles and Las Vegas are also an option.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen, camera, hiking shoes, parka or raincoat, food, water

Instructions

Getting Wet on Yosemite National Park's Mist Trail

1. 

   Blowing down from the upper reaches of the Sierra, the wind scatters falling water spray onto the trail. Lichens and other clinging plants glisten under the barrage of moisture.

2. 

   Strenuously climbing hundreds of steps, the visitor gets sprayed persistently as water streams flow underfoot. Relentless and at times irritating, the spray doesn’t diminish until one is near the final assault to the brink.

3. 

   Soaked visitors climb to the brink of the falls and dry out. Huge granite slabs allow for a comfortable resting place to rest, regain thoughts, and possibly eat. The river, in repose before the fall, is extremely dangerous.

Tips & Warnings

• Early hikers can beat the summer crowd, at least up to the bridge.

• Many non-hikers show courage and take the Mist Trail in the afternoon when it's sometimes windier.

• There is rarely a bad camera shot here.

• The trail is slippery; secure firm footing with each step.

• Prepare for novice school-age field trippers in tennis shoes.

• Because of incessant spraying, many times one has to feel their way.

• The trip down may be more dangerous.

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