Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall Loop

The spectacular Mist Trail at the eastern end of the Yosemite Valley leads to some of the most popular destinations in Yosemite National Park. In addition to nearby attractions such as Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and the Emerald Pool, hikers also use the trail to visit Half Dome and Clouds Rest. For those only wishing to see the waterfalls in this valley you’ll have a few options, depending on how far you want to travel and how much effort you want to put into getting there.

The hike to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall begins from the Happy Isles trailhead, located near bus stop 6 in the Yosemite Valley. From the trailhead you’ll proceed up moderately steep terrain along a paved footpath to the Vernal Falls Bridge. Roughly eight-tenths of a mile from the trailhead, the footbridge over the Merced River provides hikers with their first views of Vernal Fall.

After crossing the Merced and walking another two-tenths of a mile, the trail reaches the John Muir Trail junction. From this junction hikers will have the option of completing the loop by continuing in either direction. Although the Mist Trail is much steeper, I highly recommend ascending up this trail first, and then returning back down to the valley via the John Muir Trail. Climbing up the wet, slippery stone steps is much safer than descending them.

Beyond the junction the trail continues to ascend up moderate terrain. Soon you’ll reach the stone carved steps that the Mist Trail is famous for. You’ll also notice that the views of Vernal Fall continue to improve the closer you get.

To reiterate warnings from the park, you should ascend the uneven and slippery steps with great care, and by no means get near the water, as many people have lost their lives over the years by slipping into the rapid currents of the Merced. Since 1924 at least 18 people have lost their lives after being swept over Vernal Fall.

The Mist Trail was already in use by the time the state of California took over management of the Yosemite Valley in 1864. Ladders were originally put in place so that hikers could climb to the top of Vernal Fall. However, after a man fell to his death, the ladders were replaced with wooden steps. Finally in 1897 the wooden steps were replaced with the stone steps that are used today. Hikers should note that there are no railings along much of this portion of the trail. Moreover, the steps become quite slippery during the spring and early summer months when mist from the waterfall sprays the entire canyon. Hikers are known to become completely drenched while passing through this section of the trail.

The absolute best time to see the falls in this canyon is during the spring snowmelt, when the Merced is flowing at its highest. However, keep in mind that half of western civilization is aware of this fact, and many of them will be on the trail with you.

From the base of 317-foot Vernal Fall the trail continues to the top of the waterfall. In the process it makes an extremely steep climb of more than 300 feet over several dozen more steep steps carved into the granite cliff wall. As you proceed up the stone stairway you’ll be treated to some outstanding upfront views of the fall.

From the top of Vernal Fall you’ll have an outstanding view of the waterfall as it plunges over the edge and down the canyon.

To continue on towards Nevada Fall, follow the trail as it passes along the south side of Emerald Pool. Soon you’ll pass a junction with the connector trail that leads up to Clark Point. You’ll also pass a slickrock waterslide known as Silver Apron, before crossing over a footbridge that leads over to the north side of the Merced River.

Beyond the footbridge is the former site of the La Casa Nevada hotel. Built in 1870 by Albert Snow, the hotel was famous for its excellent meals before being destroyed by an accidental fire in 1900. To assist tourists to his hotel, Snow constructed a horse trail from Register Rock, which is near the present day Mist Trail / John Muir Trail junction, up to Clark Point, and then back down to the flat between Vernal and Nevada Falls. Here's a photo of the hotel from the Yosemite Research Library:

After passing through a pine forest the trail returns to the river near the base of Nevada Fall. From here it climbs more than 425 feet up several dozen more stone steps. In all, the Mist Trail climbs more than 600 stone steps along its entire length. This section of the trail offers an awesome side view of the 594-foot waterfall as it rises along the steep granite slopes of Liberty Cap. At the top of the climb hikers will reach the John Muir Trail, roughly 2.6 miles from the trailhead. Turn to the right at this junction to visit the top of Nevada Fall.

From the top of the waterfall the route travels south to the Panorama Trail junction, roughly 3 miles from the trailhead. Hikers should turn right here to continue back down the valley via the John Muir Trail.

The John Muir Trail is a world famous long-distance trail that traverses across the High Sierra. The northern terminus is at Happy Isles in the Yosemite Valley, while the southern terminus is located at the top of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. In between the trail travels 215 miles while passing through Yosemite, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.

Just beyond the junction you’ll have some absolutely stunning views of Half Dome and 7076-foot Liberty Cap towering above Nevada Fall.

About half-way down the John Muir Trail you’ll reach the connector trail junction at Clark Point. Continue past this junction to descend back to the Vernal Fall Bridge, and eventually back to the Happy Isles trailhead.


Trail: Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall Loop
RT Distance: 6.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Max Elevation: 6000 feet
TH Location: Happy Isles Trailhead
Map: Yosemite National Park Trails Illustrated Map

Top Trails: Yosemite features 46 “must-do” hikes in Yosemite National Park, from scenic strolls, to full-day adventures, to spectacular backpacking trips. With at-a-glance information for each hike visitors can determine which hikes are most suitable to their skills, schedules and preferences. The book also provides elevation profiles, detailed maps, as well as information on which trails are child-friendly; where to see giant sequoias, waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers, autumn colors; the best photo opportunities; and which have camping, running or biking opportunities.