The Mist Trail

The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s classic and most-popular hikes. Although many people hike to the top of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall (or all the way to the top of Half Dome) using this trail, there are many intermediate destinations that can serve as a successful turn-around point.

You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge just 0.75 miles (1.3 km) from the trailhead.

Beyond the bridge, at 0.2 miles, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See the map, profile, and description below for more information.

To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Trail is usually accessible throughout the autumn season. Vernal Fall Mist Trail is closed in winter, but access is available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy.

Nevada Falls

Hikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing 1.3 miles (2.1 km) along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall). The John Muir Trail also leads to the top of Nevada Fall (bypassing Vernal Fall). The portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter.

More information and maps can be found on the NPS website here.

Is The Mist Trail Safe?

Thousands of people safely hike the Mist Trail every season. However, as with any trail, it’s important to be prepared and manage your personal safety. Because the Mist Trail is misty, hiking shoes with good traction is particularly important. Watch where you put your feet, and consider taking hiking poles for extra balance. Most importantly, pay attention to how you and the people in your group are feeling. Take breaks to enjoy the scenery when you need to rest.

Mist Trail Closures

Although portions of the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail are closed during the winter, it’s still possible to hike to both Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. You just need to combine the right sections of the Mist and John Muir Trails.

The portion fo the Mist Trail from just past the footbridge to the top of Vernal Fall is closed in the winter. When the mist from the waterfall freezes, the stairs next to Vernal Fall become icy and particularly hazardous. Instead of hiking this section of the trail in the winter, take the John Muir Trail past Clark Point, and rejoin the Mist Trail above Vernal Fall.

Above Vernal Fall, a section of the John Muir Trail is closed in a section known as the Ice Cut. It’s the part of the trail roughly even with the top of Nevada Fall that you can see from the top of the fall. In the winter, freeze thaw conditions mean that giant and heavy chunks of ice can fall unexpectedly into the trail, so it’s wise to avoid that section of trail. Instead, take the stone steps of the Mist Trail on the north side (climber’s left, river’s right) of the waterfall to reach the top.

In addition to the standard season closures, trails in Yosemite can close for various reasons such as maintenance, rock fall or other hazards. To find out when the winter trail restrictions are in place for the Mist Trail, and other Yosemite trails, visit the NPS Current Conditions page, and scroll down to the section on Trails and Wilderness Conditions.