Mist Trail Yosemite: How to Hike Vernal and Nevada Falls

Looking for a guide on the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park? We’re glad you’re here! A visit to Yosemite National Park is not complete without a visit to Vernal and Nevada Falls. On Day 3 of your epic trip to Yosemite National Park, complete one of the most popular trails in the park and visit the thundering Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Technically, you can hike to Vernal Falls and turn around, but the extra effort to see Nevada Falls is 100% worth it in our opinion. Plus, a hike along the Mist Trail is always refreshing if it’s a hot summer day!

Learn more about how to complete this epic loop and visit two of Yosemite’s most popular waterfalls. Finally, end your day with a quick visit to Bridalveil Falls and Tunnel View.

For our full 4-day Yosemite itinerary, things to know, and more, be sure to check out the full post!

Map

Use the map above to help plan your route to see Vernal and Nevada Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Tunnel View.

Mist Trail Yosemite: Vernal and Nevada Falls Loop – 6.3 miles – strenuous, 2,000 ft. elevation gain

It’s time to take a hike on the scenic Mist Trail. Visit Vernal and Nevada Falls, or just visit one if you are short on time. This is a must-do hike in Yosemite Park, so expect the trail to be very, VERY crowded.

Get to the park as early as you can. We arrived at the Yosemite Valley around 8:00 am, but we still had to drive around for a bit to find parking. Pets, bikes, and strollers are prohibited on this route, so plan accordingly.

Trailhead – Happy Isles, Shuttle Stop 16

The Mist Trail is located near shuttle stop 16 – Happy Isles. The easiest way to get here is to ride the East Valley shuttle to reach this location. The Valleywide shuttle also serves this area, but depending on where you get on, you could have a long ride!

During our trip in 2024, the East Valley Shuttle was not in operation, and shuttle stop 16 was not served, so we had to get off at stop 14 and walk. This added an extra few miles to our hike. Always plan ahead with more time than you think you’ll need!

Trailhead to Vernal Falls Bridge – 0.8 mile

The first section of this trail is a moderate rollercoaster-like trail as it alternates through elevation gain and loss while following the river into the wilderness.

This area is very busy, as many hikers might choose to hike to the bridge for a view of the falls and turn back. This section of the trail is paved, and once you reach the bridge, there are restrooms with running water. Expect lots of hikers on this part of the trail.

Bridge to Vernal Fall – 0.6 mile

From the bridge, follow the signs for the Mist Trail. Occasionally, there are park staff and volunteers here to help you with directions or to assist in answering any questions you might have. Here is where the fun begins!

Start the climb up the steep and slippery granite stairs. When Vernal Falls is roaring, expect to get drenched! As you traverse the stairs, pay attention to oncoming traffic and try to stay to the right as you climb.

This section of the trail is very crowded. At the top of the stairs, you’ll have tremendous views of Vernal Falls. Additionally, if the sun is shining, you’ll be treated to a beautiful rainbow!

Finally, continue your climb up the narrow trail to the top of Vernal Falls, where you can look directly down over the waterfall below. Be sure to heed all warnings here – crossing any barriers is illegal, and a fall will result in death.

This is a great location to stop for a lunch break or have a snack. You will need the energy for the next section of the trail. Just past the waterfall to your right (east) is another restroom stop for those in need.

Vernal Falls to Top of Nevada Falls – 1.4 miles

Following your visit to Vernal Falls, continue along the trail to reach Nevada Falls. Enjoy the nice flat trail here, because the switchbacks are coming! After about a half mile past the restroom, you will reach a great overlook to view Nevada Falls. It’s right out of a movie set!

From here, continue along the trail and begin your ascent on the rocky switchbacks. Take your time here and be sure to turn around and soak in the great views of Yosemite National Park. You’ll likely be out of breath anyway!

When you arrive at the top of this section, you have made it through the hardest part of the hike. It’s smooth sailing from here. Unlike most trails at Yosemite National Park, there is another restroom here at the top. At the trail junction near the restroom, head toward Nevada Falls using the John Muir Trail. There are some amazing viewpoints here, but be careful near the edge of the cliff.

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Top of Nevada Falls to Merced River Bridge – 2.6 miles

After you are finished taking in the amazing views, continue on the John Muir Trail and cross the Nevada Falls footbridge over the river. Remember, do not get in the water here, or you’ll end up downstream and well….you know!

Continue on the John Muir Trail and be sure to take your time here as this section of the trail may also be slippery during the wet season. Along this part of the trail, the views of Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap are absolutely amazing!

Finally, you will reach Clark Viewpoint. From here, continue down the switchbacks until you reach the restroom. Finally, take the Mist Trail about 1 mile back to shuttle stop 16 to conclude your epic hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls.

Hop on the Shuttle and Return to Your Car

You did it! This was one of our favorite hikes in Yosemite. Even though it was super crowded, we really enjoyed the amazing waterfalls and scenery. If you have some time to spare, next up is a quick stop at Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View. Shuttle service is not available for the next stops. We took a gamble, and parking worked in our favor.

Bridalveil Falls

Your next stop at Bridalveil Falls is located along Wawona Road, just past Southside Drive. There is a small parking lot here, but with high visitation during the summer months, it may be hard to find a spot, and traffic jams can happen as well.

We got lucky with a spot right along the road across from the parking lot. Bridalveil Falls is a short half-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. This is a super quick stop, but if the parking lot is full, we suggest continuing your journey, as it’s a bit underwhelming compared to Vernal and Nevada Falls!

You can always come back after visiting Tunnel View. Don’t get us wrong, it’s worth a stop if you can do so! Plus, you’ll see Bridalveil Falls from Tunnel View anyway!

🏞️ Want more waterfalls and other things to do in Yosemite? Be sure to visit our full post here!

Tunnel View

Ah, yes, Tunnel View! The final stop today. This is located just past Bridalveil Fall along Wawona Road, just before the Tunnel. Park in the lot here and enjoy the amazing scenery as you peer into the gorgeous Yosemite Valley. It truly looks unreal!

Where to Stay During Your Yosemite Trip

Booking a place to stay is one of the most important things to do early for a Yosemite itinerary. Options inside the park book out 6-12 months in advance for peak season dates. This is not an exaggeration! Set a reminder and book the moment your travel dates are confirmed.

Inside Yosemite Valley: book as early as humanly possible:

• The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, the most iconic hotel in the park. Stunning architecture, nature views, a heated pool, and shuttle access. If you can get a room here, take it.
• Yosemite Valley Lodge, perfect for families and groups, is close to Lower Yosemite Falls and the shuttle.
• Curry Village, hotel rooms, cabins, and canvas tent cabins. Plenty of nearby food options and a lively atmosphere.

Outside the park: our home base:

We stayed in the Midpines/Mariposa area for our 4 days, and it worked extremely well. About 1 hour from Yosemite Valley, this area has reliable, affordable hotels and puts you on the right side of the park for Days 1, 3, and 4.

• VRBO – our top pick for a stay near Mariposa and the Yosemite Valley, but there is a drive into the park each morning. However, it will be cheaper than park lodging. Find a place to stay now.
• Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel – clean and comfortable, with a variety of breakfast options. Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Miners Inn – breakfast included, pool. Good value and clean. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
• Browse all Mariposa options on Expedia or check out the other options near Yosemite Valley.

Final Thoughts

The Mist Trail truly left us in awe of the amazing scenery that Mother Nature provides. Hiking along the Mist Trail to see Vernal and Nevada Falls was definitely a highlight of our trip to Yosemite.

The trail was super crowded up until just past Vernal Falls, so be prepared for a Disneyworld-like crowd here. Luckily, as we continued to Nevada Falls, the crowds began to thin out, and we finally had some peace.

The views along the Mist and John Muir Trails are breathtaking! Ending our day with a panoramic view of the valley at Tunnel View was the icing on the cake. 😍