You climb a steep staircase carved into granite while a 317-foot waterfall thunders beside you, throwing spray across the steps and painting rainbows in the air. By the top, you’re soaked and grinning. That’s the Mist Trail.
The Mist Trail in Yosemite is one of the most popular hikes in any national park. It climbs from Yosemite Valley to Vernal Fall and, for stronger hikers, on to Nevada Fall. This guide explains it simply: your turnaround options, how hard each is, the John Muir Trail loop, parking and shuttles, the best season, winter closures and safety.
Quick answer
- Vernal Fall Footbridge: 1.6 miles round trip, 400 ft gain, 1–1.5 hours, moderate.
- Top of Vernal Fall (Mist Trail): 2.4 miles round trip, 1,000 ft gain, about 3 hours, strenuous.
- Top of Nevada Fall (Mist Trail): 5.4 miles round trip, 2,000 ft gain, 5–6 hours, strenuous.
- Start: Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16). No trailhead parking; nearest is Curry Village.
- Best waterfalls: April to June. By fall, the falls are low.
- Winter: the Mist Trail steps beside Vernal Fall close for ice and rockfall. A winter route stays open.
Pick Your Turnaround Point
| Destination | Round trip | Gain | Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal Fall Footbridge | 1.6 mi | 400 ft | 1–1.5 hrs | Moderate |
| Top of Vernal Fall (Mist Trail) | 2.4 mi | 1,000 ft | About 3 hrs | Strenuous |
| Top of Nevada Fall (Mist Trail) | 5.4 mi | 2,000 ft | 5–6 hrs | Strenuous |
| Mist Trail up / John Muir Trail down loop | About 6.5 mi | 2,000 ft | 5–7 hrs | Strenuous |
Figures are from the National Park Service. The John Muir Trail is about 4 miles one way to Nevada Fall, versus 2.5 miles on the Mist Trail.
Where Does the Mist Trail Start?
The trail starts at Happy Isles, at the east end of Yosemite Valley.
- No parking at the trailhead. The nearest lot is at Curry Village, less than a mile away.
- Take the Valleywide or East Valley shuttle to stop #16 (Happy Isles), then follow signs across the bridge.
- Or walk from Curry Village along the road.
Yosemite Valley gets very busy, so arrive early. In peak season, check the park’s website for any entry reservation rules.
Step-by-Step: The Mist Trail
1. Happy Isles to the Vernal Fall Footbridge (0.8 mile)
The trail starts paved, but it’s steeper than it looks, climbing alongside the roaring Merced River. At the footbridge, you get your first view of Vernal Fall upstream. There are restrooms and a water fountain (seasonal) near here. Many families turn around at the bridge.
2. The granite staircase
Past the bridge, the Mist Trail splits from the John Muir Trail and climbs a rugged path to the famous staircase: more than 600 granite steps cut right beside Vernal Fall. In spring, the spray drenches the steps and everyone on them. Use the handrails where they exist, go slow and let faster people pass.
3. Top of Vernal Fall
The stairs end at a railing on top of Vernal Fall, with a view straight down the falls. Just upstream is the Emerald Pool and the “Silver Apron,” smooth sloping granite where the river slides fast. Stay out of the water. People have been swept over the falls from here. This is a great turnaround point for most hikers.
4. On to Nevada Fall
The trail keeps climbing past the Emerald Pool, then up a long set of rocky switchbacks beside Nevada Fall (594 feet). Liberty Cap, a giant granite dome, towers over you.
5. Top of Nevada Fall
At the top, walk out to the railing viewpoint beside the falls for a dizzying look down and a view back toward Half Dome’s shoulder. Rest, refill (treat any water) and eat.
6. The way down
Go back down the Mist Trail (faster but steep and slippery), or take the John Muir Trail down: longer, gentler switchbacks with big views of Nevada Fall, Liberty Cap and the valley, and less spray. It rejoins the Mist Trail above the footbridge.
Mist Trail vs. John Muir Trail
| Mist Trail | John Muir Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| To Nevada Fall | 2.5 mi one way | About 4 mi one way |
| Feel | Steep stairs, close to the falls, lots of spray | Gradual switchbacks, wide views |
| Best for | Going up | Coming down (easier on knees) |
| Winter | Steps beside Vernal Fall close | Section between Clark Point and Nevada Fall closes |
The classic loop is up the Mist Trail, down the John Muir Trail.
Closures and Current Conditions
- 2026 rehabilitation work: the section between the Vernal Fall Footbridge and the top of Vernal Fall was closed Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for trail rebuilding, through October 2026. The John Muir Trail “Ice Cut” section reopened in August 2026, restoring the classic loop.
- Winter: the lower Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes because of falling ice and rock, and the upper John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall closes for ice. A winter route to both falls usually stays open, but it can be icy.
- Right now (early November): the park describes Vernal and Nevada Falls as low.
Check the Yosemite conditions page or call 209-372-0200 before you hike.
Best Time to Hike the Mist Trail
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–May | Peak snowmelt: thundering falls, heavy mist, rainbows. Steps very wet. Bring a rain jacket. |
| June | Strong falls, warm days, big crowds |
| July–August | Falls weaker, hot, very busy. Start early. |
| September–October | Low falls, cooler, quieter; little mist |
| November–March | Winter closures, ice; use the winter route |
For the real “mist” experience, go in May or early June. Start by 7–8 a.m. to avoid the crowds on the stairs.
How Hard Is the Mist Trail?
- Footbridge: moderate. Paved but steady uphill.
- Top of Vernal Fall: strenuous. 600+ tall, uneven, often wet steps.
- Nevada Fall: strenuous. 2,000 feet of climbing and a long descent.
Coming down wet steps is the trickiest part. Many injuries happen on the descent.
Safety Tips
- Never swim or wade above the falls, including the Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. The current is deadly.
- Stay behind railings and off wet rocks near the edge.
- Wear shoes with real grip; flip-flops are a bad idea.
- Bring a rain jacket in spring, and protect your phone.
- Carry at least 1–2 liters of water (more for Nevada Fall); treat any natural water.
- Respect closure signs, especially in winter.
- Don’t feed squirrels; they bite.
Photo Tips
- Shoot Vernal Fall from the footbridge and from the lower stairs.
- Rainbows show up on sunny spring mornings and midday in the spray.
- Use a waterproof case or zip bag for your phone on the stairs.
- The John Muir Trail gives the best view of Nevada Fall with Liberty Cap.
What to Pack
- Shoes with good grip
- Rain jacket (spring and early summer)
- Water and snacks
- Sun protection
- Warm layer for the top of Nevada Fall
- Phone protection
- Offline map and headlamp
- Trekking poles for the descent
Is It Good for Kids?
The footbridge is a great family hike. Older kids who hike often can reach the top of Vernal Fall with close supervision on the steps. Hold hands near the river and railings.
Where to Stay
- Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge: walking or shuttle distance from Happy Isles. Book months ahead.
- Upper Pines Campground: close to the trailhead (reservations required).
- El Portal: just outside the park, about 30 minutes away.
More Yosemite Hikes
| Hike | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Mist Trail to Vernal Fall | 2.4 mi | Waterfall spray and stairs |
| Upper Yosemite Falls | About 7.2 mi | Top of North America’s tallest falls |
| Lower Yosemite Fall | 1 mi loop | Easy waterfall view |
| Mirror Lake | About 2–5 mi | Half Dome reflections |
See all our picks in the best hikes in Yosemite National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mist Trail?
1.6 miles round trip to the Vernal Fall Footbridge, 2.4 miles to the top of Vernal Fall, and 5.4 miles to the top of Nevada Fall.
How many steps are there?
More than 600 granite steps beside Vernal Fall.
How long does it take?
About 3 hours to the top of Vernal Fall and back; 5–6 hours for Nevada Fall.
Will I get wet?
In spring and early summer, yes, often soaked. By fall, there’s little mist.
Where do I park?
Curry Village, then walk or take the shuttle to Happy Isles (stop #16).
Is the Mist Trail open in winter?
The steps beside Vernal Fall close for ice and rockfall, but a winter route to the falls usually stays open.
Is it hard?
The footbridge is moderate; the stairs and Nevada Fall are strenuous.
Can beginners do it?
Yes, to the footbridge. The top of Vernal Fall needs decent fitness and care on wet steps.
Should I come down the John Muir Trail?
Yes, if it’s open. It’s longer but easier on the knees, with great views.
Is the Mist Trail worth it?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most exciting waterfall hikes in America.
Final Thoughts
The Mist Trail puts you right next to two of Yosemite’s great waterfalls. Go in spring for the full drenching, start early, wear grippy shoes and keep away from the river above the falls. Then come down the John Muir Trail for the views.
Official info: NPS: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall Trails and Yosemite conditions.