Mist and John Muir Trailhead

Mist Trail leading to Vernal Fall

Quick Facts

Amenities

2 listed

Restroom - Seasonal, Trailhead

From June 30 through October, the Mist Trail from its junction with the John Muir Trail (above Vernal Fall footbridge) to the top of Vernal Fall will be open Fridays through Sundays and on holidays  (and on Thursday, July 3). It will normally also be open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 7 am (when safe). The John Muir Trail is an alternate route to the top of Vernal Fall at other times; this detour facilitates Mist Trail repair work.

The John Muir Trail from Clark Point to its junction with the Panorama Trail near Nevada Fall will be under construction from September 10 through December 3, 2025, for trail repair. A detour is available for hikers via the Mist Trail (from the top of Vernal Fall to the top of Nevada Fall; be sure to read additional detour information above). 

Additionally, the following route may have intermittent delays up to six hours due to blasting on weekdays from September 29 through October 24: the full Mist Trail (from just above Vernal Fall footbridge to near the top of Nevada Fall). For more details and a map, see trail information page.

The very popular John Muir and Mist Trails offer spectacular, up-close views of two large waterfalls, enjoyable scenery along the Merced River, and unique views across Yosemite Valley. About 1 trail mile from the trailhead, beyond the Vernal Fall Footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Consider accessing Vernal and Nevada Fall via the Mist Trail, looping around and taking the John Muir Trail back down to the Valley. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. See more information about trails. 

Access the trailhead via the Valleywide Shuttle or East Valley Shuttle. There is no parking at the trailhead. The closest parking lot is located at Curry Village, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) one-way from the trailhead.

Route Information

Vernal Fall Footbridge

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 400 feet (120 m)
Time estimate: 1-1.5 hours

Top of Vernal Fall

Distance: 2.4 miles (3.8 km) round-trip as out-and-back via Mist Trail
Elevation gain: 1000 feet (300m) elevation gain
Time estimate: 2-3 hours

Top of Nevada Fall

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round-trip as out-and-back via Mist Trail
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet (610 m)
Time estimate: 4-5 hours

Route variation: Hikers can take the John Muir Trail on the return from the top of Vernal or Nevada Fall for a semi-loop that is slightly longer than the out-and-back routes. See map for this area.

Tips

• Pets, bicycles, and strollers are prohibited.
• Stay on the established trail: do not swim or wade in the river and do not walk along the edge of the river. Observe warning signs and railings: these exist for your safety.
• Drinking water is available at the shuttle stop near the trailhead, and also at the Vernal Fall Footbridge (May to October). This is the only drinking water available along the trail, so carry plenty of water for your hike.
• Restrooms are located at the shuttle stop near the trailhead. On trail, restrooms are located at the Vernal Fall footbridge, approximately 1 mile up the trail (May to October). Vault toilets are available beyond the top of Vernal Fall (along the Mist Trail) and at the top of Nevada Fall (along the Mist Trail).
• Do not shortcut switchbacks, which causes rapid trail erosion and results in injuries.
• Shortly beyond Vernal Fall, you will pass by Emerald Pool and Silver Apron. Both of these look may look inviting on a hot summer’s day, but it is illegal and dangerous to swim here due to the extremely hazardous current.

Seasonal Information

Both Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall can be reached year-round, however, seasonal closures may impact your route. The lower portion of the Mist Trail along Vernal Fall closes in winter due to risk of falling ice and rock; use the John Muir Trail to access the top of Vernal Fall.

The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to dangerous icy conditions; from the top of Vernal Fall, use the Mist Trail to reach the top of Nevada Fall.

Sections of trail that remain open in the winter may be very icy and/or snowy. View current conditions for trail closures.

Duration:

7 minutes, 42 seconds

In this video, a ranger describes strenuous hikes in Yosemite Valley, including the Yosemite Falls Trail, Mist Trail to the top of Nevada Fall, and Panorama Trail.