Hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park

Mist Trail Route Description Head south along the flat, paved trail that runs alongside the Merced River. After approximately 200 metres the path veers to the left and a moderate climb commences. The path now meanders its way along the left edge of the towering granite valley sides during this initial stage of the hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail. Eventually, the trail begins to descend slightly and then crosses the Merced River via the Vernal Fall footbridge. Once across the footbridge, the path continues to climb once more. Then, after around 315 metres the John Muir Trail leads sharply off to the right. Upon passing the John Muir Trail turn-off, the Mist Trail remains paved as it passes through pine trees that adorn the steep valley side. Soon, the canopy clears as the path breaks out of the trees, now exposing the dramatic, sheer granite cliff towering upwards to the right. Meanwhile, off to the left of the trail is an abrupt drop-off to the Merced River below. Soon, Vernal Fall comes into sight and as it does the first of 600 granite steps commence that will lead you to the top of the cascade. It is also at this point that the mist generated from the falls will begin to hit you, especially if you are enjoying the Vernal Fall hike in peak runoff (April-June). The trail then briefly winds away from the falls giving you some respite from the mist cloud. Shortly after, the trail cuts back towards the falls via a very narrow path built into the granite cliff face. Thankfully, there is a handrail along this stretch!