Mist Trail
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular short hikes in Yosemite National Park, California, USA. The steep hike follows the Merced River, starting at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, past Vernal Fall and Emerald Pool, to Nevada Fall.
Along the trail, the Merced River is a tumultuous mountain stream, lying in a U-shaped valley. Enormous boulders, some the size of a house, are dwarfed by the sheer faces of exfoliating granite, which rise 3000 feet (914 m) from the river. Through it all, the Merced River rushes down from its source in the High Sierra, and broadens on the floor of Yosemite Valley.
| Vernal Fall Footbridge | Top of Vernal Fall & Emerald Pool | Top of Nevada Falls | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) round trip | 2.4 mi (3.9 km) round trip | 5.4 mi (8.7 km) round trip |
| Elevation Gain | 400 ft (120 m) | 1000 ft (300 m) | 2000 ft (610 m) |
| Time | 1-1.5 hours | 3 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Difficult & Slippery | Difficult, Slippery & Sun Exposure |
Vernal Fall Footbridge
A trail which links to the John Muir Trail starts after crossing from the Happy Isles. Depending on one's conditioning, a bridge which re-crosses the river - the halfway point of a hike to the foot of Vernal Fall - can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes.
Top of Vernal Fall & Emerald Pool
To the side of Vernal Fall, the mist from the river blankets the trail, which was improved during the WPA projects of the 1930s. Here is where raingear becomes handy: in the spring, hikers often become completely drenched from water sprayed off Vernal Fall. This is one of the few places where a complete circular rainbow can be viewed. The trail now crosses a sheer face which is made somewhat easier by a single guard rail. At the top of Vernal Fall, the Merced River traverses a shelf of granite, and the hikers frequently sun themselves to dry off. The Emerald Pool is named for the color of the river here.
Nevada Fall
Up the trail, Nevada Fall, a waterfall that is almost twice the height of Vernal Fall, awaits the hiker, although there is no cascade of mist over the trail at that waterfall.
The last part of the trail is switchbacks, without shade. You will need water for this part of the trail to stay hydrated.