The Mist Trail is the most popular day hike in Yosemite and the best way to feel the power of a big Sierra waterfall up close. It begins at the Happy Isles trailhead at the east end of the valley, reached on the free valley shuttle, and climbs a paved but steep path along the Merced River to the Vernal Fall footbridge, about a mile and a half round trip with a few hundred feet of gain and a fine view of the fall upstream. Many visitors turn around here, and in winter it is the usual turnaround. Beyond the bridge, the Mist Trail proper climbs a granite staircase of several hundred steps right beside Vernal Fall, which the NPS lists at 317 feet. In spring and early summer the spray drenches hikers and creates rainbows, which is how the trail got its name; by late summer the fall narrows into one to three strands and the steps are dry. At the top, the Emerald Pool and the polished granite above the brink invite a rest — but the NPS warns visitors to stay out of the water, because the current above Vernal Fall is deadly. Ambitious hikers continue to the top of Nevada Fall, 594 feet high, and return via the John Muir Trail for a loop with views of Liberty Cap. In total, the NPS gives distances of 1.6 to 8 miles round trip and 400 to 2,000 feet of gain depending on how far you go. Note for autumn 2026: the NPS conditions page reported a Mist Trail detour through October, with the John Muir Trail as the alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall; check whether the detour has lifted before you go. In winter, ice and rockfall can make the steps dangerous and sections may close, so the footbridge is the sensible goal.
The Merced River here is the river at its wildest. It drops off the high country through a staircase of granite — Nevada Fall, then Vernal Fall — before settling into the valley, and the Mist Trail climbs alongside both. The steps were built into the rock by trail crews over generations and are a masterpiece of trail engineering, but they are steep, uneven and slick when wet. Hikers in spring should wear rain shells and shoes with good grip; camera gear needs a waterproof bag. Expect crowds on summer days: the trail is narrow in places and lines can form on the steps.
Choosing your distance. For families and casual walkers, the Vernal Fall footbridge is an excellent goal, with restrooms and water near the trailhead area and a classic view of the fall framed by forest. Fit hikers who want the famous wet climb should continue up the Mist Trail to the top of Vernal Fall. The full loop to the top of Nevada Fall, going up the Mist Trail and returning on the John Muir Trail, is one of the great day hikes in the national park system and takes most people five to seven hours. Half Dome hikers also use this route, but the Half Dome cables are down for the season and climbing them requires a permit when they are up. Start early in warm months to avoid heat and crowds, and carry plenty of water and snacks.
Safety and seasons. The NPS is blunt about the water: people have died after wading or swimming above Vernal and Nevada Falls, even in calm-looking pools, so stay behind railings and out of the river. In winter, the upper steps can be coated with ice and may be closed, and rockfall is a risk in freeze-thaw cycles; turn around at the footbridge unless the NPS indicates the trail is safe. Spring is peak season for waterfalls, but also for slippery conditions. Autumn brings low water and quieter trails, but check for detours: the 2026 detour sent hikers up the John Muir Trail to reach the top of Vernal. After the hike, recover with a meal at Curry Village or a swim in the Merced in summer where it is calm.
What to expect
The experience
A steep climb from Happy Isles to the Vernal Fall footbridge, then optionally up the granite steps beside the fall to its top and on to Nevada Fall, returning by the John Muir Trail.
Best time
May and June for maximum spray and rainbows; early morning in summer to beat heat and crowds; winter only to the footbridge.
How long
An hour and a half to the footbridge and back; three to four hours to the top of Vernal; five to seven hours for the Nevada Fall loop.
Tips
Take the shuttle to Happy Isles. Wear grippy shoes and a rain shell in spring. Never enter the river above the falls. Check for detours and winter closures before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active visitors who want one unforgettable waterfall hike.
- Families
- The footbridge is a great goal for kids; the steps above are best for older children with steady feet.
- Couples
- An early start to the top of Vernal Fall, a rest above the brink, and a slow walk back.
- Pair with
- Lunch at Curry Village and an evening skate on the rink in winter.
- Time needed
- A morning for Vernal; a full day for Nevada Fall.
Good questions
How long is the Mist Trail?+
The NPS lists distances from 1.6 to 8 miles round trip with 400 to 2,000 feet of gain, depending on whether you stop at the Vernal Fall footbridge, the top of Vernal Fall, or continue to Nevada Fall.
How tall are Vernal and Nevada Falls?+
Vernal Fall is 317 feet and Nevada Fall is 594 feet, according to the National Park Service.
Is the Mist Trail open in winter?+
The lower trail to the footbridge is usually accessible, but the steep steps above can be icy and may close. Check NPS conditions before going beyond the footbridge.
Was there a detour in 2026?+
Yes. The NPS reported a Mist Trail detour through October 2026, using the John Muir Trail as the alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall. Check whether it has lifted.
Can I swim above Vernal Fall?+
No. Swift water above the falls has swept people to their deaths. Stay behind railings and out of the river, even when it looks calm.
