Mist Trail facts for kids
The Mist Trail is a super popular hiking path in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. This steep trail follows the Merced River. It starts at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. You'll pass Vernal Fall, Emerald Pool, and end up at Nevada Fall.
Quick facts for kids Mist Trail |
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The Mist Trail, looking west from the top of Vernal Fall (Photo taken in 1983)
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| Length | 7 miles (11 km) out and back |
| Location | California, United States |
| Trailheads | Happy Isles trailhead, Yosemite Valley |
| Use | backpacking, hiking, trail running |
| Elevation change | 2,900 ft (880 m) gain |
| Highest point | Nevada Fall |
| Lowest point | Happy Isles trailhead, 4,000 feet (1,200 m) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
| Months | Spring to Fall |
| Sights | Vernal Fall, Emerald Pool, Nevada Fall |
| Hazards | Snowmelt, icy slopes early season, altitude |
Contents
Discover the Mist Trail's Beauty
As you hike the Mist Trail, the Merced River is a wild, rushing mountain stream. It flows through a valley shaped like a "U". Huge boulders, some as big as houses, look tiny next to the giant granite cliffs. These cliffs rise 3,000 feet (914 meters) straight up from the river! The Merced River rushes down from the High Sierra mountains. Then, it widens out on the floor of Yosemite Valley.
A path connecting to the John Muir Trail begins after you cross from Happy Isles. You can reach a bridge that crosses the river again in 15 to 30 minutes. This bridge is about halfway to the bottom of Vernal Fall.
Experience Vernal Fall's Mist
Near Vernal Fall, the river's mist covers the trail. This part of the trail was improved in the 1930s. Here, you'll want rain gear! In spring, hikers often get completely soaked from the water spraying off Vernal Fall. This is also one of the few places where you can see a full circular rainbow. The trail then goes across a steep rock face. A single guard rail helps make it safer.
At the top of Vernal Fall, the Merced River flows over a flat granite shelf. Hikers often stop here to dry off in the sun. The Emerald Pool gets its name from the beautiful green color of the river water.
Reaching Nevada Fall
Further up the trail, Nevada Fall awaits. This waterfall is almost twice as tall as Vernal Fall! However, there isn't a cascade of mist over the trail at Nevada Fall. Behind Nevada Fall, you'll see Liberty Cap. It's an amazing granite rock formation.
The Mist Trail then joins the John Muir Trail again. From here, you can explore Little Yosemite Valley. Or, you can take a side trip to the top of Half Dome. To climb Half Dome, you use special cables. You need to get permits ahead of time to hike Half Dome. If you want to camp overnight along the John Muir Trail, you'll need a backcountry permit.
Trail Distances and Elevation
Here are the distances and elevation gains for different parts of the trail (based on National Park Service info):
- From Happy Isles trailhead to the Vernal Falls footbridge: 0.8 miles (1.3 km). You gain about 400 feet (120 meters) in elevation.
- To the top of Vernal Falls: 1.2 miles (1.95 km). You gain about 1,000 feet (300 meters) in elevation.
- To the top of Nevada Falls: 2.7 miles (4.35 km) one way. You gain about 1,900 feet (610 meters) in elevation.
Other Hikes Nearby
Hiking to Half Dome
The Mist Trail is often the first part of the hike up Half Dome. You can also reach Half Dome using the John Muir Trail. That route is longer and not as scenic. However, the John Muir Trail is less steep than the Mist Trail. This makes it a popular choice for hiking down. The mist from Vernal Falls can affect your choice. On warm days, the Mist Trail's mist might feel refreshing. On cool days, you might want to avoid it. The Mist Trail is usually more inviting when climbing up. The mist helps cool hikers as they go up the steep path.
Exploring Yosemite's Backcountry
The High Sierra Camps offer a loop through Yosemite's backcountry. These camps have tent cabins. They are spaced about one day's hike apart. You need reservations to stay at these camps.
Views from Glacier Point
You can get an amazing panoramic view of the Mist Trail from Glacier Point. It's 3,000 feet (900 meters) above the trail, looking north. In the summer, shuttle buses can take you from the valley floor to Glacier Point. The ride takes about an hour.
Starting the John Muir Trail
The John Muir Trail starts at the same trailhead as the Mist Trail.
