The Mist Trail |
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Every person who comes to Yosemite Valley and is able needs to take this hike. During the peak waterfall flows of May and June, this is one of the premiere hikes in the entire national park system. It follows along the course of the Merced River from the valley floor to the top of Nevada Fall, passing Vernal Fall on the way. This results in an elevation gain of 2,000 feet in 2.5 miles over mostly very steep trail and steps. In peak waterfall flow, much of the route above the Vernal Fall footbridge is also wet and slippery, so do not underestimate the difficulty of this hike. One further note - the Mist Trail is closed during the winter due to the mist freezing on everything it touches.
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 The hike begins at the Happy Isles Trailhead. To reach it, board the shuttle bus from anywhere in the valley and get off at the Happy Isles stop. The trail, basically a wide dirt road at this point, follows along a relatively tranquil Merced River. It shortly reaches the John Muir Trail, where a sign marks the start of this 211 mile long trail, which leads all the way to Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park. |
 Beyond the sign the John Muir Trail heads away from the Merced River briefly. It passes some rockfalls and a small spring before steepening considerably. This portion of trail was paved with asphalt at one point, but it has not been repaired and is washed away in places, making footing a little difficult at times. The trail is also likely quite crowded at this point, but it will thin as the trail continues upward. |
 The trail continues to climb upward. Luckily, there are frequent reasons to stop and rest. The Merced River thunders downward through its rocky canyon. In May and June the sound is deafening. As the view on the right opens up, you may be able to spot high waterfalls falling down into the valley, including Illilouette Fall. |
 The trail reaches a crest and actually drops downward abruptly, reaching the Vernal Fall footbridge at just under a mile. People will likely be crowding the bridge for the distant view upstream of Vernal Fall. There are restrooms and drinking water available here, the last chance for (treated) water on the hike. From here, the Mist Trail itself begins to the left. The volume of hikers should lessen considerably, as most people settle for this excellent, but distant view. |
 The Mist Trail climbs steeply towards Vernal Fall. Where the trail changes to big granite steps, break out your raingear if you have it, to avoid getting wet. The mist will increase as the steps head upward. |
 Continue up the steep, wet granite steps. The going is often slow as you take turns going up with the people coming back down. Frequent stops will give you plenty of photo opportunities, as at left. Once you enter the serious spray zone, photography will be impossible without soaking the camera. |
 Once out of the spray zone the route enters a wooded area. There is a good amount of open land to shake off water and generally rest up for the final climb to the brink of Vernal Fall. Stay on the side of the stairs opposite the falls. It is possible to walk right up to the edge of the dropoff at the side of the falls here. Do not do this, no matter how many suicidal people are posing for pictures there, as a slip would lead to certain death. |
 Perhaps the most daunting part of the hike so far is next. The trail squeezes onto a very narrow ledge to climb up above Vernal Fall. A fence makes this a relatively safe section, but it may still make some a bit worried. |
 At the top of the narrow climb, the trail levels off, and heads to the right. The brink of Vernal Fall is straight ahead, down a sloping expanse of granite. Railing ensures that you don't carelessly fall over the side. Nevertheless, use care on the sloping granite, especially when it is wet. At the railing, you can stand right at the brink as the Merced River roars out over the 317 foot drop of Vernal Fall. |
 Above the falls is a long, natural waterslide, named the Silver Apron. While this certainly looks like an inviting activity, and the big pool below a good place to swim, for what should be obvious reasons this is not allowed. Many people have died here after being quickly swept over Vernal Fall by the fast moving water. It is very scenic however, so enjoy it from the safety of the river bank. |
 The trail heads past and above the Silver Apron, and veers to the left to cross the Merced River on a footbridge. Stop to take a look back down the river from the bridge. Here you can see just how long of a slide the Silver Apron is. |
 The trail now heads through a long, mostly wooded section. After a time, Nevada Fall can be seen intermittently through the trees. The trail stays well to the left of the falls here. The image at left was taken off the trail on a section of open granite. This was probably not a good idea, so don't attempt it, especially if the rock is wet or icy. |
 The trail begins to climb steeply alongside Nevada Fall. The gradient is at least as steep as alongside Vernal Fall, and here it is mostly just broken rock, not carved steps, so the going is more difficult. I made it about 3/4 of the way up Nevada Fall before I heard thunder. It had been rainy all day and storms were moving in. You do NOT want to be at the brink of Nevada Fall during a thunderstorm, so I turned back. If you make it to the top of Nevada Fall, you can join the John Muir Trail and return to the valley floor that way, to make this hike a loop. The Mist Trail can be quite difficult going down, especially the sections of stairs alongside Vernal Fall. |
