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Mist Trail

4.8 (113 reviews)

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Water fall
Daisy G.

What a gorgeous hike. Would 100% do this hike again. It was absolutely breathtaking. Took a few breaks throughout this hike and honestly wasn't too hard. The main hard part was walking up the stairs where it was wet and many people stopping every few steps to admire the view. I wish they would step to the side because it affected my momentum going up the stairs. There are many points in the hike where you can stop and view the hike without being in the way of the hikers! Definitely would recommend this hike! I didn't get super wet, like others mentioned. But definitely was very misty and got sprinkled on here and there. The floor is quite slippery though.

Top of Vernal falls
Sarah S.

The Mist trail is a great choice for a hike if you have 1-2 days in the valley. The first day we walked around the valley floor and around mirror lake. The second day we did the most trail up to vernal falls and took the John Muir trail back down to the valley. The mist trail was steep and ALL STEPS. There wasn't much water in the falls but it was misty-rainy on our late September day which created the misty atmosphere anyways! I always take the John Muir trail back so you don't have to fight the pit of breath hikers coming up and avoid slipping on the big steps down. The John Muir trail gives great views of the valley walls when it's not cloudy out and is a fun alternative route back.

Raymond M.

Great hike with amazing views. Make sure yall get there before 6AM to beat the heat and crowd, and to find a good parking spot. Also bring snacks and at least 3 liters of water. The path is steep and lots of stairs. Also wear good hiking boots or trail running shoes with a great grip. The overall hike took about five hours round trip, to include breaks and capturing the scenery.

Gabriela M.

The Mist Trail is challenging, but don't keep it from discouraging you; the waterfalls and views are completely worth it! The trail starts steep and continues for the most part. I recommend you wear hiking shoes/boots with good grip and hiking sticks to help you navigate the slippery stairs. I suggest you park in Curry Village if you can find parking. There's also campground parking nearby. I recommend you arrive early because it does get crowded early. It's a popular trail that takes you to Vernal and Nevada Falls. I went in late June, and the waterfalls were raging, so you will get wet if you go in late spring or early summer. We wore ponchos because we were carrying cameras and did not want to risk getting them wet. Pack a waterproof backpack with water, snacks, and sunscreen. Restrooms are available halfway to Vernal Falls and were decent. There were kids and families on this trail. It's a 3-mile round trip to Vernal Fall and a 7-mile round trip to Nevada Fall. Make sure you do this hike, even if it's only to Vernal Falls; it's such a beautiful place!

Violeta C.

Search and rescue had 6 people carrying a body bag out of this trail as we approached the mist trail entrance. Many people die on this trial for several different reasons please be careful. If you are careful and the people around you are careful too you can make it to the top of this beautiful sight. Currently, the mist Trail is closed for repairs on certain days and certain times. So you will have to take the John Muir Trail. Enjoy with respect. The last pictures are me at 10 years old and me today!! How cute ! Ps my number one pet peeve is watching parents take their kids up this trail with water-shoes or crocs while the parents wear trail shoes or hiking shoes and then yell at their children for having tired feet. if you can't buy your child proper shoes for this trail do not take your child on this trail.

Julie E.

To get to this hike you can either park in Curry Village, though parking is tough to find or take the shuttle which is highly recommended. Depending on the distance you go or which trail you follow it can be a 2.5 mile to a 7 mile hike round trip. This was absolutely a beautiful and yet very challenging hike for myself. I've had two back surgeries and I have knee issues but I wanted to say I did it. Throughout the hike I saw people running, pushing strollers, carrying kids, ect so depending on yourself it's a doable hike but you're mostly going up hill and some areas are steeper than others so keep that in mind. There are some shaded areas to rest and some rocks to sit on here and there. There's 3 sections of this hike, to the foot bridge, halfway up the waterfall and then to the top. I only made it to the second one but I'm proud. I recommend plenty of water, good shoes (I saw people hiking in heeled dress boots and uggs, though I wouldn't recommend it. If that works for you, then I guess go for it) as well as sunscreen and a snack. As of my review the bathrooms are closed near the footbridge. There's bathrooms at the bottom before the hike so I recommend going before. I didn't get to the very top of the falls but I heard there's bathrooms there too but can't confirm or deny if they're opened. If you go past the footbridge to the second or third part of this hike, be warned there are steps and they are wet and slippery so be very cautious! I saw multiple people who were bleeding from having fallen. Be careful, take your time, and enjoy the views!

Vernal Falls
Clara C.

I was here the first weekend of May 2023. It was still snowy! Only a week before, part of Yosemite was flooded due to melting ice. I think this trail is doable for people without injuries. You just need to take your time with it. The view of the waterfall is worth it. There are some parts that may be scary for people afraid of heights. There are stone steps that just keep going up, so it gives a good leg work out. The area by the falls is very wet, slippery, and muddy. Recommend bringing water, packed lunch, sunscreen, and waterproof hat/jacket. The waterfall is so powerful that you will get soaked! At the top of the falls, there is an area to rest and eat lunch. I believe Vernal Falls was first. If you choose to end your hike here, you just go back down the way you came up. If you choose to continue, you can see Nevada Falls.

Molly S.

One of the best hikes I have ever done!! We went in May so the waterfalls is flowing!! Be prepared to get soaked! I would recommend rain gear or a poncho. Highly recommend!!

Michelle W.

Just absolutely the best trail. fun in the mist and beautiful views on top of the two waterfalls. must check it out!

Sandee L.

Once you've committed, there's no turning back! Due to COVID-19, the Mist trail is one way up (think stairmaster on steroids) to Vernal falls, then up to Clark point (think of the sun beating down on you in the middle of summer with little shade) and finally, down through the John Muir trail (think never ending switchbacks). You're looking at 4.2 miles and over a 1500 foot elevation gain. On top of that: no shuttle service. The closest parking is Happy Isles, which will tack on another 3 miles round trip. Pro-tip: bike from the parking lot to the trailhead. You'll be happy you did on the way back! Rated difficult on Alltrails, this hike is not for sissies. I was hating life from Vernal Falls to Clark point. Despite all my moaning and groaning, was it worth it? YEAH! It's a unique trail not to be missed when in Yosemite. Start early and bring lots of water, sunscreen and a hat!

Vernal Falls along the Mist Trail. Spectacular beauty all around.
Craig W.

Was it 7 miles round trip? 8 miles? I don't know and it doesn't matter now. It was spectacular and I needed and deserved (and consumed) at least one or more adult beverages afterward. This is no sissy hike but it is, truly, beautiful. You've got the raging Merced near you for much of the path and then there are the Vernal Falls, of course. Plus, gorgeous mountains all around. There are also many, many steps in the long stone staircase near the top which will test your fortitude. Reaching the top is obviously an achievement but the view on the way up is far better than at the top, for what that's worth. Depending on the season, you may get wet as you get closer to the top. So, watch your step and dress accordingly. We didn't continue on up to Nevada Falls but that's an option if you'd like. Simply a terrific hike.

On the Mist Trail
Mylesha D.

Getting there: The start of the Mist Trail is on the valley floor. If you follow the signs for Curry Village you'll come to a stop sign where you can either go straight towards the trailhead or turn left and cross the bridge towards Yosemite Falls. Follow the trailhead and park in the parking lot (if there's room). From there follow the blocked off road to the trail. Experience: This was my 3rd time going up the Mist Trail, and it was just as beautiful if not more. It was pretty cold so we made sure to layer up. It's also mostly include on the way up so hiking sticks are highly recommended. I would also suggest bringing lots of water and some snacks, maybe even lunch (great to have at the top of the waterfall. If hiking during the winter months, I would recommend getting spikes for your shoes. They're cheap (we got ours for $20 at Big 5), and they will give you a lot of added grip if the trail is icy.

Vernal Falls - you will get soaked!
Astyr K.

Waterfalls, rainbows, & amazing views!! I highly recommend you do the entire hike because the views only get better! This is definitely on the more strenuous side so be sure to pack lots of water, sunscreen, and snacks. There are 3 bathrooms on this hike too. In the spring, Vernal Fall is so strong that you will be SPRAYED with water! Be prepared to get soaked! There was still snow on the ground and the wet ground was pretty slippery so hiking shoes are a must. Definitely go back down on the John Muir trail instead of going back through Mist Trail since it is not as steep and it takes you back to the same spot. You can park at Curry Village and walk 1 mile to the trail head since there's no parking at the trail.

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19 days ago

Such a beautiful walk under mist and sprinkling rain to walk on this beautiful trail.

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Ask the Community - Mist Trail

Review Highlights - Mist Trail

You've got the raging Merced near you for much of the path and then there are the Vernal Falls, of course.

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Cloud's Rest - The spine

Cloud's Rest

4.8(55 reviews)
0.6 km

We came from Tenaya lake and it was my favorite hike in Yosemite. The trail and the rock…read moreformations were utterly stunning. Summit allows you to have an amazing view of Half Dome. Please come and create your own adventure.

My first hike in Yosemite, and it happened to be this one...I didn't know what I was getting myself…read moreinto. Cloud's Rest is a strenuous and challenging hike that will exhaust you for a couple days or more! This hike isn't for beginners, if you want to attempt this, you will have to actually enjoy hiking. Cloud's Rest takes around 6-8 hours to complete and is a 14 miles hike with an elevation gain of 2,700 ft. Parking - We arrived around 9:30 AM and found parking at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead. The earlier you arrive, the better, to avoid crowds and get a good spot to park. There is one pit toilet at the trailhead and would be my first stop after arriving because you're going to be consuming plenty of water during this hike, including many more bathroom breaks in nature. Don't be afraid to take plenty of breaks during the hike, rest stops are great to enjoy some snacks and water. After crossing the wooden bridge, follow the signs pointed towards Cloud's Rest and you'll be right on your way! What I like about this hike is the changes in scenery throughout the hike. It was like a different hike every couple of miles! The first part takes you through a forest-like scenery and then the incline switchbacks, which were extremely tiring and difficult. After conquering that part, the trail takes you through a well-deserved flat area with a nice view of a lake. The final stretch includes a steep, straight incline and then finally the granite steps, which requires a bit of climbing to reach the summit. The views are spectacular at the summit, you will be able to see Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley. We arrived at the top around 1 PM and took a lunch break as well as many pictures. The descent was just as challenging as the ascent, if not more, because you're already pretty tired. Take your time and pace yourself, I think we took ever longer breaks on the way down. Overall, if you're looking for a challenging hike in Yosemite, Cloud's Rest is that hike! Great views at the summit and changing sceneries makes this hike a great one to reflect back on and tell stories.

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Cloud's Rest
Cloud's Rest
Cloud's Rest

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Illilouette Fall

Illilouette Fall

5.0(2 reviews)
4.2 km

How we even stumbled upon this trail is beyond me. Probably the highlight of my trip there. Was…read morepretty easy flat trail getting there. Took some time though just on account of going off the trail and seeing as much as possible. Nice trail and the views are spectacular!!!

This is one of the best hikes I've ever been on…read more To get here, you go to glacier point and go off towards the sides and there is a sign that tells you how long each trail is. I think you can also get to Nevada falls but it was about 5 miles away (one-way). It says on the sign that this hike is 1.5 miles (one way)....THAT IS A LIE. I swear it's about 2-3 miles!! It's completely downhill but don't let that fool you! The trail can get very rocky and unstable so watch your step!! Some parts are also very steep so don't slip! And don't forget that you have to climb all the way back up to get back to glacier point!! When we reached the bottom, you get to a bridge and then you see Illilouette Fall. It's not your typical waterfall, where you see the water coming off the cliff. It's more off a cascade of water going downwards, beautifully glistening off the rocks. It just looks like a piece of art, the water gently gliding down the very smooth rocks. Be careful about stepping into those part because its very slippery! At the bottom of the fall, there is a pool of water, perfect for swimming!! I just love how you can literally sit next to the waterfall, dipping your feet in. Just laying there made me feel so rejuvenated. I went in mid-late July so there wasn't as much water. This is probably why I could sit next to the waterfall on some of the smooth rocks. The hike back up was such a mind game. It was so steep on some parts that I had to just remind myself to take it one step at a time. Remember, it's all uphill when you go back!! It's weird though, it took us 1.5-2 hours to get down to the falls, but 1 hour to get back! I guess when you really put your mind to it, going uphill isn't so bad!!

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Illilouette Fall
Illilouette Fall
Illilouette Fall

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Sierra Point - The trail may not be maintained but it is in remarkable shape after 40 years.

Sierra Point

4.5(2 reviews)
0.6 km

Sierra Point. The…read morevery spot in which Ansel Adams hiked to in 1916 at the age of 14 with his new Kodak 1 Brownie camera and took some of his very first pictures. It was this moment that inspired him to want to be a photographer and ultimately come back to Yosemite later in life and take some of the most recognized Yosemite pictures in the world. Talk about one historic spot. A little history on the trail itself. (Which is no longer in use due to a rockslide in the 70's but is still there...just not maintained.) "During the late 1800s early explorers were looking for an area that would view all five major waterfalls. On June 14, 1897 Charles A. Bailey and a friend located the area called Sierra Point by triangulation. This process is achieved by lining up three central points to locate any given area on a map. From this location one can view all five falls, Upper and Lower Yosemite, Illilouette, Vernal and Nevada Falls." I only found out about this spot through a friend who has been going to Yosemite for 30 years. You REALLY have to know where you are going to find the trail...its on older Yosemite Park maps, but because of the rockslide in the 70's the Rangers will not tell you where it starts and will advise you against doing the hike. It took me three times to finally make it all the way to the top, but that was because I had to find the old trail, (which took a couple attempts) and then take one full trip to make sure I had the time to get to the top. Its only an 800 foot climb over less than a mile, but you might lose the trail once or twice the first time so don't get discouraged. There is one spot about halfway up where the rockslide occurred and you have to do a bit of scrambling, but I have never ever climbed anything in my life and I was able to do it just fine. Just keep close watch were you step and you should be fine. Once at Sierra Point you are treated to one of the most amazing spots in all of Yosemite. To top it off, basically no one knows about this spot or how to get here so you almost feel like John Muir in that you feel like you have the whole park to yourself. (There are hundreds of people on the Mist Trail below you.) This trail isn't for everyone, but if you do enough research online and give yourself some time its totally something you can do. You won't regret it at all, its one of the most amazing hikes I have ever accomplished. :0)

You are truly off the beaten path on this one (trail) but only for a tiring short distance. A steep…read more800 feet in under a vertical mile used to get hikers to this lookout point. When you hike the Sierra Loop trail or Mist trail to Vernal falls in Yosemite you are on the busy beaten path. This epic trail to Sierra point veers off the Vernal falls trail way before the bridge but you will not find a marker since the trail is no longer maintained since a huge rockfall covered it. There is a marker that can be used as a guide to find the trail and that is an informational sign that is labeled Rock Piles and has information about Talus, the jumbled rock piles. Since the trail is not recommended to be used this is just for historical information. Walking back from the sign towards happy isles about 25 yards you will see a huge vertical walled stone slab through the trees which is sort of a marker. From that huge slab the old trail is to the right through some scrambling and climbing a rock pile then heading up hill. Hikers who found their way to the railed lookout on top were able to see Yosemite falls, Illilouette fall and it's gorge, Nevada and Vernal falls and the point of Glacier Point. I found my way to the old trail but was not able to get to the lookout. The trail disappeared possibly due to recent dirt slides. You can how ever, see Sierra point from a safer location. If you continue hiking towards Vernal falls on the mist trail eventually you can see Sierra points railings by looking back and up towards the ridge above you. You may find another Sierra point on some maps located near Yosemite Point. The mix-up could be similar to the two rainbow views known in Yosemite.

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Sierra Point - See all these logs? That's other hikers telling you NOT to go that way.

See all these logs? That's other hikers telling you NOT to go that way.

Sierra Point - Take some time to "hang out" while you are there....

Take some time to "hang out" while you are there....

Sierra Point - The amazing view you get on the way up the old trail.

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The amazing view you get on the way up the old trail.

North Dome - It looks like the pipe is coming out of the indians nose

North Dome

4.8(17 reviews)
2.9 km

Activity Type: Hiking Nearby City: Lower Yosemite Fall…read moreLength: 8.8 total miles Elevation Gain: Minimal Trail Type: Out-and-back Skill Level: Moderate Duration: 6 to 9 hours Season: Summer and fall Local Contacts: Yosemite National Park North Dome is one of the most photographed features of the park, especially from the Happy Isles Bridge with the Merced River in the foreground. It is smooth and rounded, more symmetrical than Half Dome, crowning the exfoliating Royal Arches. This is probably the best full-day outing on the north rim, and it is a popular one. The views are everything you would expect from such a vantage point, and as a bonus, you get to see the famous granite arch atop Indian Ridge, accessible only to foot (or horse) travelers.

I love North Dome. So much so that even though it was an integral part of my Yosemite experience…read morethe first time, I gladly came back to Yosemite and North Dome'd it up again with another group of people. If you're in OK shape, I encourage you to skip some of the trails near Yosemite Village and do some North Dome trekking. Parking is at the Porcupine Trailhead for a good start to the trail. The beginning is wooded and you don't run into a lot of people and 3 miles later or so later, you get up into the beautiful views of the valley. Don't stop here. Continue on to to the actual base of North Dome. You'll have to go down quite a bit, but it's worth it. The trek back up will be challenging, but the final part of the hike is definitely the best. Nothing beats eating your picnic lunch right at the base of North Dome under a tree. You'll see backpackers sometimes setting up a tent at some of the bases with some excellent views, so if you're a backpacker this is definitely a possible clandestine hiking spot ;). Bottom line: - Not usually crowded - Somewhat strenuous; about a 10 mile round trip if you go to the bottom base. - Starts out a bit slow, but the views at the end of are incredible. - Can usually catch cell phone service at the end of the hike

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North Dome - Thats a pretty steep 0.5 miles

Thats a pretty steep 0.5 miles

North Dome - Half Dome

Half Dome

North Dome - Cliffhanger

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Cliffhanger

Mist Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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