Hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Vernal Fall via the Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite. Climb over 600 granite steps and feel the power (and mist) of Vernal Fall! Hopefully you will see a rainbow or two. The views from the top of Vernal Fall will leave you breathless!
If you are hiking to Vernal Fall in late spring or early summer, bring your rain jacket! It will feel like you are hiking through a natural waterpark. It’s exhilarating! Get there early to beat the crowds and take your time to avoid slipping on any wet rocks.
Take a hike to see Vernal Fall only or continue to reach Nevada Fall for an even longer and more strenuous trek. Either way, each waterfall is worth it!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Reservations and Timed Entry
A reservation is required from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
Best Time to Go
Spring is the BEST time to see the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Peak flow is from May to June due to snowmelt from the winter season creating massive waterfalls.
I personally recommend visiting Yosemite in May if seeing waterfalls is your top priority. The temperatures are warm but not hot, huge summer crowds are not there yet, and the waterfalls are magical!
READ THIS: How to Visit Yosemite in May
Avoid the Yosemite Crowds
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in America. If you have visited before, then you will understand why. The entire place is beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking. Because of this everyone and their mom wants to visit. This results in big crowds, especially during peak season.
Thankfully, reservations and timed entries have been put in place to help control the crowds. However, the hike to Vernal Fall is very popular. If you are hiking to this magnificent waterfall, I would recommend starting EARLY! Like around sunrise time.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s most iconic and popular trails. Hiking along this trail will take you to Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, and to the cables of Half Dome. It’s an incredibly beautiful trail!
It’s important to note that parts of the Mist Trail are closed during winter. However, depending on weather conditions in winter, there is an alternate route via John Muir Trail that you can take to reach Vernal Fall. You can check the current conditions in Yosemite here.
CURRENT TRAIL CLOSURE: “The Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be closed to entry Mondays through Thursdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm from July through October (dates and times subject to change). The trail will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. The trail should normally be open from 3:30 pm to 7 am but it may occasionally need to remain closed overnight for safety reasons. The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall.” – National Park Service
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Vernal Fall via Mist Trail
Location: Vernal Fall is located in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet. (+2 miles if walking from Curry Village parking area)
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 3 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of a paved path (first mile), rocky trail, and over 600 granite steps.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to Vernal Fall is located near Happy Isles (shuttle stop #16).
The closest parking lot is at Curry Village which is about a mile away from the trailhead. If you are parked in another parking lot further away, you can utilize the shuttle system to reach shuttle stop #16 at Happy Isles.
Put this address in google maps: Mist Trail & John Muir Trail Trailhead, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Trail Directions
Vernal Fall via Mist Trail
Start at the Mist Trail/John Muir Trail Trailhead and follow the signs for Mist Trail. The first mile will be a steep climb on a paved path to the Vernal Fall Footbridge.
At the footbridge, you will catch the first glimpse of Vernal Fall! Continue over the bridge and pass the restrooms (unless you have to make a pitstop). You will quickly reach a junction in the trail where it separates into Mist Trail and John Muir Trail.
Take a left to stay on the Mist Trail. Soon you will reach the famous granite staircase of over 600 steps. If you are hiking this trail in late spring or early summer, prepare to get SOAKED! And I mean absolutely drenched!
As you climb the steps, you will feel the power of Vernal Fall. Just be careful! The steps can be very slippery. Also, it can be very crowded (if you go late in the morning or afternoon). Take your time and have patience. It will be worth it, I promise.
Did you reach the top? Amazing! Good job. If not, that’s ok! No matter how far you get in a hike, just know that you gave it your all, and I’m sure you probably saw amazing things along the way.
At the top of Vernal Fall, find a spot to relax and take in the breathtaking views.
There’s a really cool spot to get that “Instagram-worthy” picture. It’s at the corner of the guardrails close to the top of Vernal Fall. Please, stay BEHIND the railing!
If you are only planning to see Vernal Fall, then you can either retrace your steps back down the Mist Trail and down all those granite steps again.
Alternate Routes
Option #1: Vernal Fall via Mist Trail and John Muir Trail (mini loop)
Or, the more recommended route, would be to take the Clark Point Cutoff then take a right onto the John Muir Trail.
Follow this trail until you reach a junction. Take a left to get back onto the Mist Trail. Follow this trail until you return back to the trailhead. This route will be about 4.5 miles with over 1,600 feet in elevation gain.
Option #2: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall via Mist Trail and/or John Muir Trail (out-and-back or mini loop)
If you want to see Nevada Fall in addition to Vernal Fall, then continue hiking along the Mist Trail for about 2 miles.
You will eventually reach a footbridge where you will see the top of Nevada Falls. There is also a really awesome viewpoint towards the right of the footbridge where you can see a great sideview of Nevada Fall.
Retrace your steps back down the Mist Trail the entire way back to the trailhead OR hop onto the John Muir Trail via the Clark Point Cutoff.
Option #3: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall via Mist Trail and John Muir Trail (big loop)
OR you can straight away get onto the John Muir Trail from Nevada Fall. Hike all the way down to the junction, veer left onto the Mist Trail, and return back to the trailhead. The latter option will be a total of 6.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet.
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls: Conquer this 7 mile out-and-back hike which takes you to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Enjoy the rewarding and jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley. Be prepared as there is a lot of elevation gain (about 3,200 feet), and the slippery, rocky terrain adds to the challenge. However, this trail is worth every step! Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why.
Nevada Fall: Take the famous Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall then complete the loop via the John Muir Trail for a total of 6.5 miles and about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Add this beautiful hike to your chasing-waterfalls-in-Yosemite bucket list!
Illilouette Falls: Hike along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park to a 370-foot waterfall. The Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This trail is less trafficked as compared to other popular trails in Yosemite, so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Wapama Falls: Located in Hetch Hetchy Valley, this 5-mile hike starts at the O’Shaughnessy Dam and takes you along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It’s an out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of about 500 feet and is considered moderately difficult.
Rancheria Falls: Hike to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Located within the Hetch Hetchy area, this challenging 13-mile out-and-back hike takes you to both Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. If you enjoy long day hikes then this is the perfect adventure for you!
Chilnualna Falls: Hike to Yosemite’s most underrated waterfall known as Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na”). Located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, this waterfall consists of 5 large cascades with the tallest one dropping 240 feet. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike will take you through pine-dense forests, pass beautiful vistas, and offers spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls and its cascades.
Lower Yosemite Falls: Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a short 1-mile loop trail where you can get a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. The lower section of Yosemite Falls is 320-feet tall. It’s an easy 30-minute walk on a paved path. Very family friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow – best time for wheelchair users is late-Spring and Summer). Bicycles are prohibited but bikes racks are located nearby.
Bridalveil Falls: This is a short 0.5 mile out-and-back trail located in Yosemite Valley. It’s an easy 20-minute hike on a paved path to this breathtaking waterfall. Marvel at this 620-foot waterfall.
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