Mist Trail to Nevada Fall

The Mist Trail to Nevada Fall is Yosemite Valley's headline waterfall hike — a 11 km loop from Happy Isles that climbs past two of California's tallest waterfalls (the 97 m Vernal Fall and the 181 m Nevada Fall) before looping back via the parallel John Muir Trail. It's one of the most-walked trails in the national-park system and a near-mandatory introduction to Yosemite for first-time visitors.

The standard direction is up the Mist Trail and down the JMT. From Happy Isles the path climbs a paved approach to the footbridge below Vernal Fall, then 600 granite steps up the cliff beside the waterfall — the spray gives the trail its name, and in spring (May–June) it absolutely drenches everyone. From the top of Vernal Fall the trail eases into Emerald Pool, then climbs again to the top of Nevada Fall via a less-famous but still-steep section. From the top of Nevada Fall, most hikers descend via the John Muir Trail switchbacks, which are gentler and drier than the Mist Trail steps — the loop adds 1 km but saves your knees. Cumulative climb is 600 m.

The trail is open year-round but the Mist Trail itself closes in winter when the granite stairs are dangerously iced; check Yosemite's current trail status. Vernal and Nevada Falls peak in May–June from snowmelt; by August the falls reduce to thin trickles. The Yosemite Valley shuttle reaches the trailhead at Happy Isles; private vehicles park in Curry Village or the day-use lot. No permit required for the day hike — just the standard Yosemite entry fee. Pack a waterproof jacket regardless of forecast — the Mist Trail spray is no exaggeration.